The RealLifeShift

Illy Lawrence

Making real life shifts to break the chain and what’s seen as inevitable. Motivating change to a brighter future thereallifeshift

  1. 26/11/2024

    Season 2: Episode # 10 Leaving to Lead: A Mother’s Mission for a Better Life

    In this episode, Louella shares her inspiring story of resilience, moving from life as a bank teller in the Philippines to pursuing new opportunities in Australia. From financial struggles and strict upbringing to making the tough decision to leave her children behind to study abroad, Luella opens up about her unwavering drive to create a brighter future for her family. With insights on balancing sacrifice, financial pressures, and the strength of a supportive community, Luella’s journey reveals the power of determination and love in building a better life. Takeaways The importance of education and the sacrifices made to support it The challenges of living on a low income in the Philippines The motivation to create a better life for oneself and future generations The stark difference in living standards between countries Leaving children behind to pursue studies in another country is a difficult decision, but it can lead to a better future for the family. Financial struggles and limited work hours are common challenges for international students, but determination and support can help overcome them. Having a positive mindset and a clear end goal can provide motivation during difficult times. Support from friends and a strong support system can make a significant difference in navigating the challenges of being away from family. The sacrifices made today can lead to a brighter future for the entire family.

    1h 7m
  2. 13/11/2024

    Season 2: Episode # 8 Beyond Survival: Rashida’s Journey from Trauma to Transformation

    This episode delves into Rashida’s powerful story of healing and resilience after domestic violence. She reflects on how DV impacted her and her daughter, sharing a pivotal moment that revealed lasting effects and sparked her journey to recovery. Rashida discusses the guilt, depression, and challenges of balancing her daughter’s relationship with her father. Through therapy and self-discovery, Rashida redefined her self-worth and embraced empowerment. With insights on breaking societal expectations for DV survivors, this conversation offers hope and wisdom for finding connection, happiness, and healing after trauma. Takeaways The impact of domestic violence can extend beyond the immediate relationship and have long-term effects on survivors and their children. Survivors may experience guilt and shame for not being able to protect their children from the effects of domestic violence. Maintaining a relationship between a child and their abusive parent can be a difficult decision, but empowering the child to make their own choices can be important. Depression and other mental health issues can arise as a result of the trauma experienced in domestic violence situations. Support from friends, therapists, and workplaces can be crucial in the healing process for survivors of domestic violence. Healing and transformation after leaving an abusive relationship is a journey that requires time, effort, and support. Self-worth is crucial in the process of healing and finding happiness. Therapy can be a powerful tool in unpacking trauma and reprogramming the brain. Societal expectations placed on DV survivors can be harmful and unrealistic. It is important to communicate feelings and ask for help instead of isolating oneself. Happiness and connection are possible after trauma, but it takes work and time to get there.

    59 min
  3. 06/11/2024

    Season 2: Episode # 7 Facing Shadows: Jake’s Journey Through Coming Out, Sobriety, Battle with Isolation, Acceptance, and Overcoming Societal Norms

    Jake shares his experience of coming out as gay and the challenges he faced. He discusses the confusion and isolation he felt as a child, the fear and attempted suicide he went through, and the lack of support and understanding from some family members. Jake also talks about his relationships with women and how he eventually came out to his partner at the time. Despite the difficulties, Jake emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and living an authentic life. Jake discusses his journey of self-acceptance, the fear and anxiety he experienced, and the impact of societal norms on his mental health. He shares his experience of going sober and the challenges he faced in reintroducing alcohol. Jake emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself, challenging negative self-talk, and seeking help when needed. Takeaways Coming out can be a challenging and isolating experience, especially when there is a lack of support and understanding from others. It is important to be true to oneself and live an authentic life, regardless of societal expectations. Supportive and understanding friends and family can make a significant difference in someone's coming out journey. Sexuality is a personal and individual experience, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out. It is crucial to be gentle with oneself and navigate the coming out process in a way that feels right for the individual. Self-acceptance can be a challenging journey, and it may not always bring immediate relief or a weight off one's shoulders. Growing up in a society with limited representation of LGBTQ+ individuals can instill fear and anxiety about being open about one's identity. Reintroducing alcohol after a period of sobriety requires careful consideration and open communication with loved ones. Being kind to oneself and challenging negative self-talk are essential for maintaining mental well-being. Asking for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.

    1h 2m
  4. 30/10/2024

    Season 2: Episode # 6 Embracing uniqueness; Sophia’s story of raising a child with Albinism

    Sophia Greenwood, a mother of two, shares her experience raising a child with albinism. She discusses the challenges of managing her daughter's sensitivity to light and the need for extra precautions in sun protection. Sophia highlights the importance of high contrast toys and visual aids in helping her daughter navigate her surroundings. She also talks about the adjustments they have made in their daily routines and the support they receive from specialists and organizations like Vision Australia. Despite the challenges, Sophia remains optimistic and focused on providing her daughter with the best opportunities in life. Sophia Greenwood shares her journey of raising a child with albinism and the challenges she has faced. She discusses the importance of finding support from communities and specialists who understand the condition. Sophia emphasizes the need to shift mindset and embrace the uniqueness of individuals with albinism. She also highlights the financial burden and lack of funding for necessary supports. Sophia plans to spread awareness and educate others about albinism through her Instagram account, Bella's Albinism Journey. Takeaways Children with albinism are sensitive to light and require extra precautions in sun protection. High contrast toys and visual aids can help children with albinism navigate their surroundings. Adjustments in daily routines and environments are necessary to accommodate the needs of children with albinism. Specialists and organizations like Vision Australia provide valuable support and resources for families raising children with albinism. Finding a supportive community and connecting with others who have similar experiences can be invaluable when dealing with a rare condition like albinism. It is important to find specialists who are knowledgeable and genuinely care about the condition to provide the best support and guidance. Shifting mindset and embracing the uniqueness of individuals with albinism can lead to a more positive outlook and acceptance. Financial challenges and lack of funding for necessary supports can be a significant burden for families raising a child with albinism. Spreading awareness and educating others about albinism is crucial to break stigmas and misconceptions surrounding the condition.

    1 hr
  5. 23/10/2024

    Season 2: Episode #5 From the Clinic to Home: Chai’s Journey Balancing Pediatric Allergies and Parenting

    In this conversation, Illy and Chai discuss the challenges of being a pediatric allergy doctor and a mother of a child with allergies. Chai shares her personal experience of navigating allergies as a parent and the difficulties of balancing her roles as a doctor and a mom. They also discuss the different types of allergies, the diagnostic process, and the challenges of managing allergies in everyday life. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexity of allergies and the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with allergies. In this conversation, Chai, a pediatric allergist, and Illy discuss various aspects of managing allergies in children. They cover topics such as introducing allergens, common misconceptions about allergies, dining out with allergies, and traveling with allergies. Chai provides practical advice for parents, including the importance of normalizing allergies and being prepared in different situations. They also discuss the possibility of outgrowing allergies and the need for ongoing monitoring and communication with healthcare professionals. Takeaways Being a pediatric allergy doctor and a parent of a child with allergies presents unique challenges. Managing allergies requires practical knowledge and understanding of different types of allergies. Balancing the roles of a doctor and a parent can be difficult, but it provides valuable insights and empathy. The diagnostic process for allergies can be complex and may involve elimination diets and specialized formulas. Supporting individuals with allergies involves practical considerations, such as navigating food choices and finding suitable products. Introducing allergens to children should be done gradually and in a controlled manner, with close monitoring for any allergic reactions. Common misconceptions about allergies include the belief that all nuts should be avoided if a child has a peanut allergy and that breastfeeding mothers need to eliminate allergenic foods from their diet. When dining out with a child with allergies, it is important to communicate with the restaurant staff, choose safe menu options, and consider going on quieter days or earlier in the day to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Traveling with allergies requires careful planning and preparation, including carrying safe foods, checking with airlines about allergen policies, and being aware of local resources and medical facilities. While some children may outgrow allergies, it is important to continue exposing them to allergenic foods under medical supervision to determine tolerance. Normalizing allergies and maintaining a positive attitude can help children with allergies feel more confident and reduce anxiety around food.

    1 hr
  6. 16/10/2024

    Season 2: Episode #4 Declutter & Conquer: Jess’s Journey from Pandemic Pivot to Organizing Expert

    Jess from Clean Organised Home shares her journey of starting an organizing business during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of decluttering before organizing and making sure that items have a purpose and are being used. Jess also discusses the significance of finding a home for each item and customizing organization systems to fit individual needs. She recommends labeling as a helpful tool for maintaining organization and reducing the need to remember where everything is. In this conversation, Jess, an organizing expert, shares tips and strategies for organizing various areas of the home. She emphasizes the importance of functionality over aesthetics and suggests using open containers and stackable drawers to maximize storage space. Jess also discusses strategies for organizing clothes, school bags, and toys. She recommends using hooks and command hooks for hanging clothes and bags, and suggests rotating toys and decluttering regularly. Additionally, she shares ideas for organizing a junk drawer and highlights the value of rehoming items instead of throwing them away. Jess's go-to organizing products include turntables and drawer inserts, and she encourages finding affordable alternatives and repurposing items around the house. You can find Jess on Instagram and TikTok at Clean Organised Homes. takeaways Decluttering is the first step in organizing and involves getting rid of items that are not being used or have no purpose. Finding a home for each item is crucial for maintaining organization and making it easier to find things. Customizing organization systems to fit individual needs and preferences is key to creating a functional and efficient space. Labeling can be a helpful tool for maintaining organization and reducing the need to remember where everything is. Prioritize functionality over aesthetics when organizing Use open containers and stackable drawers to maximize storage space Hang clothes and bags on hooks or command hooks for easy access Rotate toys and declutter regularly to avoid overwhelm Organize a junk drawer using clear inserts or dividers Rehome items instead of throwing them away Look for affordable alternatives and repurpose items for organizing

    1h 1m
  7. 09/10/2024

    Season 2 - Episode #3 From Paralyzed to power: Courney's path from paralysis, overcoming CIDP to personal growth

    Courtney Runyon shares her inspirational story of resilience and transformation after being diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and becoming paralyzed from the neck down. She discusses the challenges she faced, including the fear of being a burden on her family, and the shift in mindset that allowed her to accept help and support. Courtney emphasizes the importance of being a good receiver and allowing others to contribute and give, as well as the power of taking ownership of one's life and finding balance in the face of adversity. She also highlights the role of her vlogs in creating a supportive community and spreading positivity. Courtney Runyon shares her journey of overcoming paralysis and autoimmune disease through a holistic approach. She emphasizes the importance of seeking multiple opinions and exploring different treatment options. Courtney also discusses the role of relationships and mindset in healing, highlighting the need to let go of victimhood and focus on personal growth. She shares her experience of rebuilding her life and creating a new identity after her illness. Courtney encourages listeners to prioritize joy and authenticity in their lives and to be open to the process of creating themselves. takeaways Accepting help and support from others is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to receive love and contribute to someone else's joy. Taking ownership of one's life and finding ways to cope with challenges can lead to personal growth and a better quality of life. Being a good receiver allows others to experience the joy of giving and contributes to building strong relationships and communities. Sharing one's story and experiences can create a supportive community and inspire others to find strength and resilience in their own lives. Seek multiple opinions and explore different treatment options when facing a health challenge. Let go of victimhood and focus on personal growth and self-creation. Prioritize joy and authenticity in life, and do what brings you happiness. Rebuilding and creating a new identity after a difficult experience can be empowering and fulfilling.

    1h 19m

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Making real life shifts to break the chain and what’s seen as inevitable. Motivating change to a brighter future thereallifeshift