This podcast episode is just the beginning of something new... When managing grief, conflict, chronic illness, or life in general, it can be A LOT. My wish for you is that you will be able to check in with your body. I have lived the true definition of you can't be someone else's something if you're nothing for yourself. Can you take some time to figure out the following questions: What do I want? What makes me feel good? What have I said yes to, that I should have said no to? How can I say yes to myself more? It's only up from here friends ..read more

This week is a very important topic - living wills, advanced directives, and healthcare proxies.  It is critical to have a conversation about these topics, and I encourage you to choose a trusted advocate or caregiver who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. Please don't forget to document important information that may be crucial in times of emergency or if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself: Keep track of passwords, bank accounts, and contact information for renovation workers.  Set up a legacy contact with Apple, enabling access to a ..read more

This podcast episode is about the struggle to manage grief. We are discussing how grief has impacted my thyroid condition, and I discuss the importance of expressing oneself and seeking support during challenging times. Grief will impact us differently, but it is important to connect with people and a care team who will support you throughout the entire process.   ..read more

This series is very close to home. This text discusses the importance of advocacy and communication in healthcare, particularly when it comes to end-of-life planning and death. This series is going to highlight the importance of establishing support systems, learning how to utilize clear communication during difficult times, and why it's so important to be open to having difficult conversations around death. Since it is Mental Health Awareness Month, I will also be hosting a kindness and gratitude challenge from May 22nd-May 26th (2023). Sign up at joyfulebony.com/kindness.   ..read more

When we think about our health, it can be easy to assume we don't have many options. However, I have been exploring different forms of treatment to support my health from Western Medicine to other modalities, including acupuncture and I must say, it's been great. I have recently been paying more attention to lifestyle medicine because I can't accept that prevention of disease is impossible for many of us. I also strongly believe in starting small and creating habits that will help you sustain your lifestyle. This episode was in part about lifestyle medicine and what is, as well as about how to ..read more

For those of you who may be new to the show, let me reintroduce myself.   My name is Ebony, I have Hashimoto's Disease, I am a patient advocate, personal trainer, nutrition coach and aromatherapist. Through my own struggles, I have learned so much about this condition and have made it my mission to share what I have learned with all of you. As we move forward with the podcast, I am excited to announce that we will be taking a seasons-based approach. Each season will focus on a specific aspect of thyroid disease, from diagnosis to treatment options to self-care. I will be discussing my fou ..read more

Sometimes it can be a challenge to outgrow the things that used to make you feel safe and secure. We all know the struggle even when we're not aware of it: You want to say no to going out because you just don't like it anymore You've outgrown your current circle of friends, but you don't know how to say it Things that used to seem really difficult are merely bumps Don't forget that you can change and each of us will evolve over time. It doesn't make you a bad person, but you'll have to work through what feels safe for you in terms of navigating new spaces. Just like you may experience diffic ..read more

In this episode, we are going to talk about exploring this question: "Am I safe here"? I heard this question on a podcast from the Truth Doctor and it has revolutionized my thought process related to how I process my emotions, trauma and my condition.  I also spoke about ACEs or Adverse Childhood Events and I encourage you to be sure to do things that make you comfortable and safe while you explore this concept. For more informationon ACEs, check out: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html   ..read more

In this episode, we are going to go deep and talk about some real stuff. For months, it has been a challenge and I often find myself asking the question "Why Bother"? This series is going to be going in detail with this. Updates: If you missed last week's episode, check out Near Country Provisions at nearcountry.com and enter the code "Ebony" for free meat provisions. Today is the last day to grab my Go Ahead, Eat the Cookie program at $197. Head to joyfulebony.com/cookiecourse to sign up and remember to use the code podcast as the price increases to $597 after September 1st Finally, if you l ..read more

In today's episode, we have a treat of having a different perspective on Hashimoto's Disease. As many of us know, women are at a higher risk of developing Hashimoto's Disease, but that doesn't mean that men can't develop it. We all develop passions for good health in different ways and today's guest, Adam Gerson, of Near Country Provisions shares how he used the information from his journey to develop a subscription-based meat delivery service in the Mid Atlantic region (DC, Maryland and Virginia) that provides nutrient dense and grass-fed meat.  They are also testing out new cuts and oth ..read more