Jan Fennern knows what it is like to lose someone incredibly close. She knows how hard the "firsts" can be, including holidays, and building new memories---but she has never lost her faith and hope for the goodness of the future. She is a Godly woman who was married to a strong husband who was greatly involved in the framework of who Jan IS. Come along with us as Jan shares what exactly a Grief Share is and how she got here to tell us all about it. For those of you who have lost someone close to them, you are invited to attend a Grief Share at any time. If you are a local or live near Cannon Falls, MN 55009 please consider attending the Holiday 1-Night Only Grief Share on December 7th at 6:30PM at Riverwood Community Church. If you live too far away or cannot make this Grief Share, please visit griefshare.org to find a location near you. Many thanks to Jan Fennern for her willingness to share her story in an effort to help others get through the changing tides of loss. God has given her great passion to inspire many. Please visit patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast if you would like to support the show or sponsor this episode. Visit pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/griefsharewithjan for more information about the episode, to see photos, and be connected with resources.

The Social Security Administration has benefits for people out of work and disabled. Tess shares her personal journey surrounding Social Security Disability and covers everything you wanted to know regarding: The Basics About Disability Benefits, SSA’s Ticket to Work Program, What Are the Rules for Working While on Social Security Disability? What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for Social Security Disability Purposes? Social Security Disability Trial Work Period, EPE, Work Related Expenses, and Expedited Reinstatement and SO much more! Sometimes doing the brave or challenging thing is scary. Knowing what to expect relieves a lot of anxiety. I hope this episode brings information and clarity to your ears that encourages you to take the next step toward personal growth and independence if it is the right decision for you. Be sure to search for resources in your local community to help you with the decision of working again. Please visit www.pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/tessisgoingbacktowork to learn more and be connected with resources discussed in this episode. #ssdi #ssa #ssi #disability #socialsecuritydisability #socialsecurityadministration #tickettowork #employmentprogram #vocationalrehabilitation #employmentcounselor #gobacktowork #backtowork #faith #growth #substantialgainfulactivity #sga #disabled #benefits #competitivework

Hey, Everyone! In Michigan, it feels like summer finally! The sun and hot weather is welcomed here. April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month and May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Nearly half a million people every year are victims of sexual assault or rape in the United States. These same people are at higher risk of becoming addicted to substances and struggle with post traumatic stress disorder. Laura comes on the podcast to discuss her experience with these confusing and sad statistics/issues that have directly impacted her life. Please be aware that this episode may be triggering for some listeners as we hear graphic depictions of abuse. No kids allowed. Laura is such a wise and resilient woman who has grown so much from her greatest hurts and shame. Laura shares what it was like growing up in a Hispanic Catholic family, and how she has learned to cope through music. It is a great conversation filled with hope, inspiration, and overcoming. I am so grateful to her for coming on the podcast! Check out her Instagram pages for updates, music, and her book release @lauramarieinwords @lauramariemusic or on Twitter. Thank you so very much for your bravery, Laura! I want to hear YOUR story. Please consider contacting me and sharing your story of resilience. We have a big following---you never know who you could inspire during their darkest days. You are never alone. Come along with us and then check back soon for more content. Please review Push Diaries Podcast on iTunes so more people can find it. Visit www.pushdiariespodcast.com/laura to learn more about this episode and see resources that go along with the topics discussed. Checkout www.patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast to become a sustaining member of the show. Every penny is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you so much! I hope you have been enjoying these conversations. Many thanks for sharing my show with a friend! Peace until next time! -- Host Tess #substanceabuse #depression #sexualassault #rape #ptsd #sexualabuse #childabuse #childsexualabuse #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #sexualassaultawarenessmonth #awareness #hispanic #catholic #assimilate #parenthood #masterbation #spirituality #religion #nakedpastor #godlovesyou #jesuslovesyou #lauramariemusic #lauramarieinwords #raiin #suicide #hashimotos #thepoisonwoodbible #podcast #newepisode

Kim is a mom who knows what it is like to celebrate the birth of a child and morn the loss of another. She has struggled with unhealthy relationships in the past that had put her in a dark place. She bravely pulled herself out of crippling suicidal ideation and wants to share her story. Kim wants her story to show you that when you don’t give up and reclaim faith in God, life is always worth living and motherhood is always worth doing. Stay tuned for Kim’s 2nd episode in the future where she will discuss her joy of donating an organ to someone she loves very much. If you or someone you love are contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact your doctor immediately to be connected with resources that will help you through. You are not alone. Please visit www.pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/kim to see Kim’s photos and be connected with resources that may help you. If you would like to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast and get access to exclusive content. Stay tuned for more episodes about Tyler and I there. Have a beautiful weekend. Your Host, Tess ~ This episode is dedicated to Kim’s son Vladimir Xavier and anyone listening who is still here today who has overcome suicidal thoughts. You are never alone. Thank you so much for listening!

My wonderful and insightful mental health counselor Carmen Berzinski comes back on the podcast for Part 2 to talk to us about cognitive distortions. The way you treat people or people treat you can be a defining way in which we view the world. We all look through a lens that may not be entirely factual. Challenge yourself a bit by listening to this episode and explore the ways in which you may be distorting your thoughts. Be sure to head back and listen to Part 1. Self reflection is an important part of overcoming. This episode is meant to bring enlightenment on this journey we call life and improve your relationships! To learn more about cognitive distortions, check out the following webpage: https://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-cognitive-distortions/ To see how the experts would advise you to fix your cognitive distortions visit this webpage: https://psychcentral.com/lib/fixing-cognitive-distortions/ Happy Happy Friday, Everyone! I want to hear YOUR story. Please consider contacting me and sharing your story of resilience. We have a big following---you never know who you could inspire during their darkest days. Be sure to check on your happy friends. Come along with us and then check back soon for more content. Please review my show on iTunes so more people can find it. Visit www.pushdiariespodcast.com to learn more about my show and www.patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast to become a sustaining member of the show. Every penny is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you so much! I hope you have been enjoying these conversations. Many thanks for sharing my show with a friend! Peace until next time, your host Tess #cognitivedistortions #false #intrusivethoughts #socialwork #counselor #therapy #mentalhealth #4agreements #fouragreements #itsnotmeitsyou #itsmenotyou #distorted #world #thinking #thoughts #survivor #cancer #wheelchair #disability #advocate #freedom #free #thinkpositive #overcome #resilience #equality #newpodcast #inspiration #jesus #goldenrule #commandments #bekind #kindness #april #podcast #patreon #podernfamily #psychology #relationships

Anne is focused and optimistic as she looks at a future she has created for herself, quite literally sprouting with opportunity. When someone told her 'No' she went on to discover another way. I am so invested in bringing her story to your ears while honoring a safe place she can share it. It is unfolding and blossoming in real-time. Don't miss it. She is whole-heartedly ready to be a mommy and is vulnerable and brave to share her journey with us. Part 2 is available wherever you listen to podcasts! Anne begins her next medication in the IVF process. She talks about recent changes and coping strategies while letting us in on what she is going through and what is coming next. She even heads back to her doctor for a stripe ultrasound. We hope this episode finds you all doing well and enjoying your weekend! Check back later for Part 3. #ivflife #ivf #resilience #adoption #bestfriend #nevergiveup #survivor #podcast #newepisode #fairfaxeggbank #eggbank #infertile #plannedparenthood #interiordesigner #mayoclinic #mayoclinicrochester #newyork #internationalfalls #cannonfalls #woodbury #wheelchair #hope #inspiring #newpodcastalert #newepisodealert #february #familyplanning #adoptionstory #marriage

Last year was tough on everyone. How are you focusing on slowing down and taking care of yourself? Then, how do we care for our kids or family members? Self pity is human nature. So is sadness in difficult times. Grace is important. Shelby is back to talk to us about overcoming addiction, creating healthy habits, and making daily rituals. Hope this episodes find you doing well. Be sure to find some stillness this weekend or whatever your soul needs to be well cared for! One day at a time. Spring is springing and that makes me pretty happy! Be sure to checkout more information about this episode at www.pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/shelbyisbackandtalksaboutselfcare #podcast #newepisode #newpodcastepisode #selfcare #selflove #selfawareness #thealchemist #selfesteem #aa #thebigbook #gratitude #intention #deepbreaths #eathealthy #pray #spiritual #eachdayanewbeginning #paulocohello #vibratehigherdaily #trysomethingnew #givegrace #receivelove #receivegrace #givelove #vulnerability

Episode 34: Life, Cancer, Etc. with Heidi Bragg @lifecanceretc Heidi Bragg had me on her podcast (Life, Cancer, Etc) to hear more about my story with cancer and my decision to become paralyzed and a wheelchair user but survive. It was an awesome interview. She shares more about her story too but be sure to go back to her first episodes and hear it from her directly as there is so much goodness in her podcast surrounding cancer and overcoming. I'm so impressed with Heidi's mission and my first podcast collaboration. So looking forward to more conversations with her down the road. Check the interview out on her podcast or check back later today and it will also be posted here on mine. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1468990/8081523 or www.pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/heidi or wherever you listen to podcasts. Support Push Diaries Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast Thank you! Happy Friday everyone!!! New episode releasing today!!! Thankful to Heidi. A special treat for all you wonderful listeners. Thanks to all of you who listen week after week to this content. You are not alone. You are stronger than you realize. God is with you. You got this! #newpodcast #jesus #survivor #resilience #spinalcordinjury #depression #keeppushing #suicideprevention #podernfamily #podcastproduction #patreon #paralyzed #wheelchair #cancersurvivor #3xcancersurvivor #chondroblasticosteosarcoma #disability #disabilityrights #medicare #equalityforall #inspiring #podcast #keephoping #yougotthis #lookingforsponsors #sponsor #sponsorme #thankful #rss #rsssubscribers #podcast

Anne is the 3rd eldest child her parents decided to adopt but never had a relationship with her birth parents. She had an excellent experience growing up with her adoptive family. The example of healthy relationships her parents so carefully displayed is a major catalyst to why she is now dreaming about her own. Anne is finally at a point in life where she and her husband Jeff want to have children. Come along with me to hear all about how Anne has chosen to overcome difficult realizations that came with family planning... Ouch! Not to mention---shots hurt! As we know, families come in all shapes and sizes. Families also come to fruition in many different ways now thanks to science and medical professionals who care. How bad does Anne want to be a mom? She is ready to sacrifice easy nights on the couch watching tv with her husband for caring for another tiny human. Thanks to IVF (in vitro fertilization) this dream is now possible. Anne is one of Tess’s greatest lifelong friends. Come hang out. Anne’s journey has now just begun and we are so lucky to be able to get an inside scoop. Part 1. Online Now. Stay tuned for Part 2, etc, in the near future. Check out pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/ivflifewithanne or follow Push Diaries Podcast on Instagram/Facebook to see photos and video from her journey. Become a sustaining member (patron) of the podcast by supporting monetarily at patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast . Thank you for listening! Have a great weekend. Stayed tuned for more great content heading your way! Listen online or wherever you listen to podcasts: iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible, Google, etc. Download one of these apps in your app store to listen from your cellular device or tablet. #ivflife #ivf #resilience #adoption #bestfriend #nevergiveup #survivor #podcast #newepisode #fairfaxeggbank #eggbank #infertile #plannedparenthood #interiordesigner #mayoclinic #mayoclinicrochester #newyork #internationalfalls #cannonfalls #woodbury #wheelchair #hope #inspiring #newpodcastalert #newepisodealert #february #familyplanning #adoptionstory #marriage

(The son of the eye doctor extraordinaire) Paul says he wants to teach his kids to fly planes but not just anyone. I tell him I want to learn, and he agrees. That is what we call Minnesota nice, folks. Come hear about how Paul got the passion for flying all because his dad loved him and wanted him to succeed. Talking to Paul was a TRIP! Check out his happenings, departures, and landings on his Instagram @mylayoverlife and on YouTube My Layover Life for a complete photo and video blog about his life. Life can be fun. Go live it! From one fellow Cannon Fallsian to another, Thank you, Paul! Many thanks to the incredible patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast supporters. Could not do this incredible work of storytelling without you! Thank you. Be sure to go check out and support https://www.change30.org/ to learn more about Paul's mission in the Russian orphanage. Check out more photos and links from the episode at pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/mylayoverlifewithpaulholte As usual, see you soon, and THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!! Have a blessed weekend, everyone. I hope this episode brings you joy.

In 2015, my family applied to Helping Paws to get me a service dog. I am so blessed that they had confidence in the organization and myself to find an excellent match that would greatly impact my recovery after cancer and my ever changing independence. Eileen started helping paws 35 years ago and it was from that very moment on that God started working in the Cherwinka's life and mine. Since those many years ago, Helping Paws and it's incredible foster families are changing lives across the united states and encouraging a life of joy, companionship, and independence. Come hang out with these special guests and hear about how Macy has helped me....AND all about the immense gift Dawn and Brian have given me. I am so grateful to this organization. I am very proud of this episode. Please be sure to check out www.pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/macy to see photos, links, and videos. Be sure to visit www.helpingpaws.org to check out the organization, volunteer opportunities, make a donation, apply to be a foster trainer, or apply to get a dog. Call 952-988-9359 to speak with them directly. Many thanks to all of my patreon supporters who sustain the mission of my show in sharing resilience with the world. I couldn't do it without your encouragement and support! If you want to support the show and become a sustaining member at low cost to you, visit www.patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast Thank you for listening! Please like the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and subscribe on YouTube. #service #servicedog #servicedogsofinstagram #helpingpaws #helpingpawsservicedog #dogtraining #wheelchair #paralysis #paralyzed #dog #goldenretriever #thebestgift #podcast #newepisode #podcastalert #patreon #thankyou #fosterdog #fosterdogsofinstagram #certified #independent #teamwork #team #matching #nevergiveup #yougotthis #minnesota #veteranservicedog #ptsddogs #firstresponders #veterans #firstrespondersservicedog

At 19 years of age, Kelly was a sophomore in college and was in an awful skiing accident that left her paralyzed. Today, she describes her life of resilience and how she came to create her foundation (while also being a mom) AND a pediatric nurse. Tess was the recipient of a grant gifted by the Kelly Brush Foundation that went towards a brand new hand cycle 3 years ago. If you know someone who could benefit from hearing this interview, please share it! We want people to not feel alone after life-changing injury. We want people no matter their ability to remain active doing things they love. There is always hope in creative adaptations and getting back out there with who you love is so very important! This has been a Push Diaries Podcast. Checkout all the episodes wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit pushdiariespodcast.com to see the podcast's website or submit an idea for the show. I want to hear your stories. You are not alone. Checkout www.pushdiariespodcast.com/episodes/kellybrushfoundation

"The True Invitation of this life is to discover the truth of who you are. And that's the only thing that will set us Free. Because the truth of who you are is incomparable to any image you have of yourself." - Anand Mehrotra . "Happiness and Kindness need no reason at all.” - Buddhist Proverb. “The key is to Allow. We become aware first, then allow ourselves to feel. By allowing, we are already Expanding our awareness. We will see that we do not needto escape or strategize out of a circumstance or feeling... That first. The next steps, if there are any to be had, will be more clear.” - Adam Schomer www.pushdiariespodcast.com www.patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast

Makenzie and Devon were enjoying a beautiful Sunday when the unthinkable happened. Their motorcycle lost control and sent them flying. Kenz was able to use her Apple watch to call for an ambulance before losing consciousness as her body was bleeding out in a ditch at rapid speed. Thankfully, they are both alive and well but not without challenges. Relearning basic things you were taught as a child and have become so used to (like walking) is a traumatic yet empowering experience to live through. Come hear this incredible story of grit and determination. Never ever ever forget that, “Shit’ll buff and life is short!” -Makenzie

Hey Everyone! Thanks for being here and being so awesome. I see your encouragement and am so thankful. Dan from Dare2Tri came on the podcast to talk about his organization he created with 2 friends, Karrie and Melissa. Be sure to head back to 'Episode 12: Melissa' to hear her incredible story of resilience as well. Dare2tri has granted me access to triathlon while helping me become more comfortable with adaptive sports with a disabled body. It is a life-changing organization for people with versatile abilities of all ranges that should get all the love and shout-outs! I can't wait to race more throughout my lifetime with Dare2Tri and continue to honor the legacy of my dear friend Elizabeth Gauthier who introduced it to me. Check it out! Consider being a sponsor of Dare2Tri any time during the year. Your money will go a long way. Happy Holidays. #onlinenow #adaptivesports #disability #community #paratriathlon #dare2tri #newpodcast #podernfamily #newepisode #sponsorme #lookingforsponsors #donatetoday #sports #mentalhealth #podcastproduction #podcastrelease #spotifypodcast #comingsoon #disabilityadvocate #relay #paralympian2024 #triathlon #marathon #medicine #goodness #apple #itunes #stitcher #amazon

We wanted to bring you some joy this holiday season with some light hearted fun. Come talk the holidays with Tess, Ty, and Heather on this uplifting episode! Head back to Episode 2 to hear Heather's episode and visit patreon.com/pushdiariespodcast to have access to exclusive content. Be sure to visit our website to see the episodes at pushdiariespodcast.com

If you haven't listened to Part 1 and 2 with Carmen, head back to episode 22 and 23 to listen to those first. Many thanks to Carmen for sharing her knowledge regarding these complex issues with us! We are lucky to have such light. I hope you will all bask in the goodness this message brings. Part 4 coming soon where we will talk about Cognitive Distortions. Be sure to be safe and have a happy holiday, even if it looks a little different this year. Try to be p-r-e-s-e-n-t!

100 years ago, 6-year-old Ruby went to an all white school for the very first time escorted by 4 US Marshalls because there were white protesters that didn’t want her to go to public (desegregating) school. Come along on the journey as Eva from the small town of St. Charles MN shares her experience growing up, Ness from Episode 15 helps Cohost, and Host Tess talk about race relations today and how it is changing. Be sure to vote and make your voice heard. It is our civic duty to create the America we deserve. Eva hopes that by sharing her story it can inspire others to do the right thing and have important conversations around race to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive world where the color of our skin is something to be celebrated. In the year 2020, why is this so hard for people to do? Be sure to listen to those who are different from you about their experiences and the world we live in. Many thanks to Eva and Ness for being vulnerable and honest!