The primary issue I often hear from women is the profound sense of loss—of identity, the life you once knew, and the future you imagined for yourself. It's also been a significant part of my own experience. Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that this grief is entirely normal and can be processed. The key is allowing it to be part of your experience and to flow through you. Issues arise when it solidifies, leaving you feeling utterly stuck. There are two key breakthrough approaches for when you feel stuck: Rewrite the Narrative We need to challenge the narrative of illness that we're fed—t ..read more

I think we spend most of our life trying to work out how to 'do' life. I now have enough evidence to see that I made it through all the things that worried me in my 20s, 30s and 40s. Here's what I've learned: Life is unpredictable, messy, and filled with twists and turns. There isn't some magical nirvana where everything is finally sorted. You will feel—a Lot! For me, I've had to acclimatised to my own emotional world. I've learned how to: - genuinely hold steady in the face of uncertainty, - throw a good pity party and give myself the grace of a meltdown - Plus and this is key, I know when to ..read more

  In this episode of The Adaptable CEO I share how my lived experience of chronic illness enabled me to be a pioneer for women in the chronic illness community, with a particular focus on helping women get back into the workforce and showing that balancing a career and chronic illness is absolutely possible. We talk about: The differences and similarities of disability and chronic illness How to return to work after extended time off Managing your career while living with Chronic Illness Dating and relationships with Chronic Illness, The future of the ecosystem our communi ..read more

    I loved sharing with podcast host, therapist and fellow spoonie Lauren Selfridge on her This is Not What I Ordered  podcast. We share some real talk about the complexities of chronic illness and the importance of reframing our relationships with ourselves. For the first time publicly I share my map for the four stages of coping with the unknown. Plus how to maintain hope and connection during life's uncertainties.  We go deep into acceptance, the emotional stages of navigating illness, self-compassion, and resilience. This is a pod filled with wisdom, storytel ..read more

  Michelle celebrates the 100  episode of the Long Covid Podcast chatting with host Jackie the pathway to empowerment when you live with long covid. It all starts with being in the sea of the unknown and then learning how to navigate the whole experience from a deeper sense of connection with yourself. She also shares the Emotional Map for Chronic Illness.   ..read more

There are places we go in relationships that are so tender, and sometimes so hard, that we don’t want to tell anyone. And yet, we need a witness, we need guidance and counsel. Both internally from our own inner wisdom and from sacred, trusted friends, family and even mentors. I haven’t spoken about romantic relationships in a long time. But now feels right. Nine months ago, my beloved partner and I decided we had reached the end of the romantic road together. We tried to extend the path. We did lots of counselling, couple’s practices, embodiment therapy - and deep work. However the energy had ..read more

  Have you ever had one of those conversations that softly changes your perspective?  When you sit back and just have to allow the moment to soak in, to let words take root?  This conversation is one of those. Michelle Irving is a pioneer in the Chronic Illness Space, mentoring women around the world to step into a deeper positive relationship with themselves while living with chronic illness. In this episode, we touch on these and many more things: ~ Emotional empowerment, changing your inner story, badass boundaries, negotiating career choices. ~ Flourishing with chronic ..read more

  Ever wanted your loved ones to 'get it'? Then this is the podcast episode you can share! As a guest on Susie Garden's podcast I break down what is actually helpful support and what is not. Learn The 4 Emotional Stages of Navigating Chronic Illness  How to ask for help and support in an empowered way.  For family and friends: what is helpful to say, and what is not.  How to create a life filled with love and even meaningful work, while living with chronic illness ..read more

In this interview with Access All Areas host Fiona Denmark, Michelle shares: Why Dynamic Disability includes Chronic Illness. How to create a new empowering story of illness. The number one empowering shift for interacting with your Manager and People and Culture teams ..read more

Christina Cummins host of Elevate Female Leadership interviews Michelle about how to navigate your career while living with chronic illness. In this interview you will learn: 1. How to feel emotionally empowered while navigating your career and living with chronic illness. 2. Why you have to learn to navigate the chronic illness emotionally in order to be able to navigate your career. 3. How to stop feeling like you are at war with your body and it is ruining your career. 4. The 4 Emotional Stages of Chronic Illness and what to do in each of them. 5. The huge hidden cost fo ..read more