Today’s guest- Vanje Watson, from Tiverton, Ontario. Mom of 2, business owner of Watson Wellness as a personal trainer and holistic nutrition coach. She shares with us her multi-layered challenges as a parent and the daily things they face as a family journeying epilepsy.

Vanje discusses how her daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy called epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia after experiencing hundreds of seizures daily, with the condition being medication-resistant. The family has been navigating this chronic illness for several years, with Vanje also walking the road of severe postpartum depression and the physical toll of ongoing stress. Vanje shares her perspective on choosing to focus on "what now" rather than asking "why me," and how this experience has led her to support other parents facing similar challenges while maintaining her faith and hope for a purpose in their journey through hardship. Vanje shares that "steady" has become a key theme in her life, applying to both physical and mental aspects.

Vanje is a voice of courage in the midst of hardship. She is walking in curiosity, persistence, resiliency, faith and love each day. Showing us the beauty IN the fire. Redefining strength -not as a state of perfection, control and faultlessness but rather what it can be in the midst of hardship -being Steady, Consistent and CHOOSING to show up everyday with the focus of doing her best.

Quote “Whatever is True, whatever is Honourable, whatever is Just, whatever is Pure, whatever is Lovely, whatever is Commendable-if there is anything Praiseworthy-dwell on these things."

https://www.watson2wellness.com/

https://internationalepilepsyday.org/

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My thoughts on emotions and the importance of validating ALL of them. Sharing my strategies and tools that I have adapted into my life as I grow in journeying this beautiful part of being human.

Journal prompt-

3 questions;

What are 3 words that describe how I feel right now?

What are 3 words that describe how I want to feel?

What do I need to give myself today based on this information?

credit to Gemma Hanley -Anxiety & Mindset Coach

Quote- " Listen not only with your ears but with your EYES and with your HEART. "

Come find Valley Stories on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bz9UPrfbk/?mibextid=wwXIfr I would love to hear your takeaways from the latest episodes and share in your journey through life.

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This episode I share my personal Valley Story that was the catalyst for starting this podcast. I have my sweet friend, Julie Smith joining me as co-host. This interview style chat journey’s through 3 questions which is the structure for all Valley Story interview episodes.

1.What is your Valley?

2.Crossroad, turning point, shift?

3.How has this made you who you are today?

Join me as I share from the deep places of a hardship that has molded me into who I am today. 💛

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time the tide will turn.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

Come find Valley Stories on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bz9UPrfbk/?mibextid=wwXIfr I would love to hear your takeaways from the latest episodes and share in your journey through life.

CFShealth YouTube channel-

https://youtube.com/@cfshealth?si=0549OxVMGM9DauSn

If you haven't already make sure to FOLLOW Valley Stories on your favourite podcast player to get notified of the next episodes when they air!