Listen "The Power of Acknowledging the Suck, Real Talk with Amanda Griffith-Atkins"
Episode Synopsis
What would happen if we were all more honest about what we're really going through? Amanda Griffith-Atkins, therapist and mother of a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome, has built a powerful community around that very question. In this raw and refreshing conversation, Amanda challenges the "special needs warrior" narrative and toxic positivity that often surrounds disability and caregiving. She opens up about navigating her son's complex needs while maintaining her own identity, and shares how her journey transformed both her approach to therapy and her understanding of human connection. This episode offers a masterclass in scrapping the "at least" statements and embracing the messy, beautiful complexity of being human.Key Takeaways:Stop starting sentences with "at least" - when someone shares struggles, they need acknowledgment, not silver linings"Name it to tame it" - explicitly naming difficult feelings helps process themTreat yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a best friendYour identity doesn't have to be consumed by caregiving - it's healthy to maintain other parts of who you areChallenge traditional caregiving roles to create true partnershipsSometimes the most powerful response to someone's pain is simply saying "This sucks. I'm here with you."Find more about Amanda: WebsiteInstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes Watch Jessica's TedX TalkMusic credit: Limitless by Bells