Guest Introduction

• Elisa Christensen: An American author, poet, and public speaker.
• Achievements: Despite breaking her fifth lumbar vertebra in a skateboarding accident, Elisa became a triathlete, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and solo world traveler.
• Biggest Victory: Overcoming a 30-year dependency on doctor-prescribed opiates in 2017.
• Publications: Authored eight books focused on courage and gratitude.

Elisa's Early Challenges and Journey

• Skateboarding Accident: Broke her fifth lumbar vertebra in adolescence.
• Pain Management: Started on opiates in her late teens due to chronic pain.
• Triathlete Aspirations: Despite re-injuring her spine, she pursued triathlons, which worsened her condition.
• Medical Struggles: Faced multiple diagnoses and eventually had to undergo a two-level fusion surgery.

The Battle with Opiates

• Opiate Dependency: Long-term use led to high tolerance and severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Realization: Understood the mental aspect of her dependency when her mind anticipated pain relief before getting medication.
• Breaking Free: Successfully ended her dependence on opiates and chose a life of clarity and health.

Elisa's Literary Contributions

• The Fentanyl Warrior: Written to help others overcome opioid addiction.
• Goal: Save lives by sharing her story and experiences.
• Impact: Helped individuals, including a local resident's family member, overcome addiction.
• The Team Warrior: Focused on raising addiction-resistant kids and understanding the root causes of addiction in young people.
• Research: Interviewed teens in recovery to understand how parental communication could prevent addiction.

Key Takeaways on Addiction

• Addiction as a Mental Health Issue: Emphasizes the need for better mental health funding and support.
• Preventative Measures: Effective communication within families can play a crucial role in preventing substance abuse.

Living a Fantastic Life

• Warrior Mindset: Elisa shares her transformation from a victim mentality to a warrior mindset.
• Responsibility: Advocates for taking 100% responsibility for one's life and choices.
• Health and Clarity: Stresses the importance of maintaining a clear mind and healthy lifestyle.

Advice for Listeners

• Pursue Happiness: Find what makes you happy and pursue it earnestly.
• Take Responsibility: Own your life and choices without blaming others.
• Inspire Others: Recognize your potential to inspire and help others through your actions and achievements.

Final Thoughts

• Message to Younger Self: Don’t play small; embrace your potential and inspire others.
• Contact Information:
• Website: www.authorelisa.com
• Host’s Advice: Visit www.lifequalityassessment.com to assess your life quality and find ways to enhance your journey to a fantastic life.

BIO:

Elisa Fortise Christensen is an American author, poet, and public speaker whose message of tenacity and courage inspires others to become warriors in their own life stories. Despite breaking her fifth lumbar in a skateboarding accident during adolescence, she went on to become a triathlete, entrepreneur, wife and mother and solo world traveler. Yet her biggest victory took place in 2017, when she fought her way out of her 30-year dependence on doctor-prescribed opiates. She has since gone on to write eight books, all focused on approaching life with great courage and deep gratitude.

Social Media:

Instagram: @authorelisa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisafortisechristensenauthor

TikTok: TikTok.com/authorelisa