Hello Everyone!
Super excited for this episode drop.
I highly suggest listening and digging in to discover actionable strategies for anxiety relief and powerful insights on transforming personal challenges into community support. You'll learn how to harness your own experiences for positive impact and find genuine connection in the process.
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Guests:
Elissa Kalver was invited back to share significant updates on We Got This, including a revamped website, vital resources, and her new book, offering a unique perspective on thriving with cancer.
I wanted to invite Marina Khidekel so she could introduce the community to Hugimals World, an innovative company providing weighted plushies that offer tangible anxiety and stress relief for all ages, normalizing comfort in a powerful and impactful way!
The Power of a Hug, Literally (and Metaphorically!)
🔑 takeaway: Marina shared how her company, Hugimals World, creates weighted plushies that literally "hug you back," releasing feel-good hormones like oxytocin. She was even surprised by the wide range of people seeking comfort – from anxious kids to college students and seniors. Hello, kidult trend.
Implication: We often underestimate the physical and emotional need for comfort and connection, especially in a world that can feel increasingly isolated. Especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic where we feel more isolated and alone. Simple, concrete tools can have a profound impact on our well-being.
Application for You: Ever feel overwhelmed or just... off? Instead of just pushing through, try incorporating intentional comfort into your day. Maybe it’s snuggling with a pet, a weighted blanket, or even just taking a moment to give yourself a big, comforting hug. Consider what simple acts of comfort you can offer to others too – a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, or just a listening ear. Sometimes, the simplest things are the most profound.
Turning Personal Challenges into Powerful Support Systems
🔑 takeaway: Elissa, founder of WeGotThis.org, shared how her own journey with cancer led her to create a robust resource directory, "thriver lists," and a new book – all designed to help others navigate their cancer journeys with more comfort and dignity. She emphasized prioritizing living and finding joy, even amidst challenges.
Implication: Our greatest struggles can often become our greatest strengths, propelling us to help others in profound ways. There's immense power in shared experience and a community that understands.
Application for You: Think about a challenge you've faced – big or small. How did you get through it? What did you learn? Could your experience or your insights be helpful to someone else going through something similar? Maybe it's not starting a non-profit, but perhaps it's sharing your story with a friend, offering advice, or even just creating a simple list of resources that helped you. Your past experiences hold valuable wisdom that others can benefit from.
Normalizing Our Needs: It's Okay to Seek Comfort
🔑 takeaway: Marina initially thought Hugimals would primarily be for kids, but quickly realized that over half her customers were adults seeking comfort for their own anxiety. She spoke about people thanking her for "normalizing" weighted plushies as tools for adult comfort.
Implication: There's still a stigma around admitting we need comfort or support, especially as adults. But acknowledging our needs and seeking out what helps us is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Application for You: Be honest with yourself about what truly brings you comfort and peace, without judgment. If a cozy blanket, a favorite stuffed animal from childhood, or even just a quiet moment with a cup of tea helps you de-stress, lean into it! Don't let peer pressure or perceived norms dictate what "adult" self-care looks like. Your well-being matters, and whatever helps you feel grounded and calm is valid.
Your Past Paves the Way for Your Future (Even if You Don't See it Yet!)
🔑 takeaway: Both Elissa and Marina reflected on their diverse career paths – Elissa from financial services, Marina from journalism – and how seemingly unrelated past experiences unexpectedly became instrumental in building their current, passion-driven businesses. Connecting the dots
Implication: Every step you take, every job you hold, every skill you learn, is building your unique toolkit. Even when you can't see the direct connection, those experiences are shaping you for what's next.
Application for You: Feeling stuck or unsure of your next move? Instead of focusing on what you don't have, take a moment to list all the skills, experiences, and connections you do have, even from seemingly disparate parts of your life. You might be surprised at how your "unrelated" past experiences can be exactly what you need to unlock your future potential. Don't discard any part of your journey – it's all part of your masterpiece in progress!
Collaboration Over Competition: A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
🔑 takeaway: I wanted to bring Elissa and Marina together on the show to demonstrate the power of collaboration, encouraging both women to continue their important work and highlighting how their efforts can amplify and be complementary.
Implication: In a world that often teaches us to compete, remembering that true strength often lies in supporting one another can lead to greater collective success and impact.
Application for You: Look around your own life, whether it's in your workplace, your community, or among your friends. Where can you offer support or collaborate instead of seeing someone as a competitor? A simple offer to help, a word of encouragement, or connecting two people who could benefit from knowing each other can create ripple effects of positive change. Let's lift each other up!
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