Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Ellie Laks. She is a renowned animal rescuer, healer, and caregiver dedicated to saving and rehabilitating needy animals.

Ellie has developed her "Gentle Healing" method, which combines animal communication, energy healing, and other holistic approaches to heal animals others have given up on.

Through her work at the Gentle Barn, a nonprofit organization she founded, Ellie has rescued and cared for various farm animals, including horses, cows, pigs, and more.

As an animal advocate, Ellie has encountered the challenge of compassion fatigue, which she describes as a deeper form of burnout that can lead to a desire to quit and walk away from important work.

Recognizing the detrimental impact of this issue, Ellie has developed a "toolbox" of strategies to help herself and others recover from compassion fatigue.

Ellie's expertise and dedication have earned her widespread recognition, with appearances on influential media outlets such as The Ellen Show, People Magazine, and The Huffington Post.

Her mission is to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and inspire compassion within the hearts of humanity. She is also the author of her new book, Cow Hug Therapy.

Through her holistic approach to animal healing and her efforts to address compassion fatigue, Ellie has become a leading figure in the animal welfare community.

She is committed to making a lasting impact and creating a more compassionate world for all living beings.

What Is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue, often referred to as secondary trauma or vicarious trauma, is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that arises from continuous exposure to the suffering of others.

It is especially prevalent among caregivers, healthcare professionals, and those in helping professions who dedicate themselves to supporting individuals in crisis or distress.

Symptoms may include emotional numbness, decreased empathy, irritability, and feelings of helplessness or isolation.
Unlike burnout, which stems from overwhelming workload and stress, compassion fatigue is tied explicitly to the emotional toll of witnessing trauma and suffering.

As caregivers invest deeply in the well-being of others, they may neglect their own emotional needs, depleting their capacity to care.

This can create a cycle of disengagement, reducing their effectiveness in their roles and impacting their overall mental health.
Recognizing compassion fatigue is the first step toward healing. Self-care practices, such as setting boundaries, seeking peer support, and engaging in mindfulness activities, can help restore emotional balance.

Fostering a culture of compassion for oneself and others is essential in mitigating the effects of compassion fatigue and maintaining the resilience of those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

You can connect with Ellie on her website: https://ellielaks.com/. You can also follow her on Instagram, @ellielaks, and Facebook. You can also check out her book, Cow Hug Therapy, on Amazon.

Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will be chatting with a guest who is a health coach, and we will cover a lot of the issues regarding the fat acceptance movement.

While it is essential to love and accept your body, there are concerns about this movement. In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com.

Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show. In the meantime, chat next week, and ciao for now.

My guest today on The Expressive Mom Show is Gina Kunadian, a devoted wife, mother, certified massage therapist, TEDx speaker, and alcohol-free sobriety coach dedicated to helping women break free from alcohol dependency.

Through her podcast Shine Within, she offers inspiration, motivation, and guidance, empowering her listeners to gain confidence, clarity, and renewed vitality.

Having overcome her battle with alcoholism, Gina is passionate about helping others on their journey to sobriety.

Her unique Transformation SHINE Process provides compassionate support, leading women through recovery and self-discovery so they can embrace their fullest potential and live with purpose.
Impact of Addictions, Especially Alcoholism, on Parenting

Alcoholism can severely affect parenting, leading to emotional and behavioral challenges for both parents and children.

It impairs a parent’s ability to be present and responsible, creating instability within the family. Children often feel neglected, confused, and insecure due to unpredictable behavior and mood swings, fostering anxiety and low self-esteem.

Alcoholism also hinders decision-making, leading to inconsistent discipline and poor role modeling, which negatively impacts a child’s emotional development.

Over time, this can create a cycle of dysfunction. Addressing addiction helps parents build healthier environments, promoting emotional security and resilience in their children.

You can connect with Gina through her site, https://www.ginakunadian.com/.

Here is a gift for her listeners: 6-Step Blueprint To An Alcohol-Free Life, her FB group: Awakened Souls: Women Embracing Sobriety & Spiritual Wholeness, and her podcast, Shine Within w/ Gina Kunadian

And here are her social media links: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn

Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will be chatting with a guest who is a renowned animal rescuer, healer, and caregiver who has dedicated her life to saving and rehabilitating animals in need.

And the main topic of conversation will be about compassion fatigue. In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com.

You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Follow The Expressive Mom Show Podcast! In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now.

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show today is Desiree Wolfe, the powerhouse behind the Slightly Unfiltered brand, where confidence meets a bold dose of caffeine. Balancing multiple roles and careers, Desiree excels in the vibrant Las Vegas scene as a working mother with 16 years of parenting experience.

As an accomplished event professional, podcast host, and guest speaker, she brings knowledge and insight to every endeavor. Driven by a deep curiosity about happiness, optimism, and the pursuit of enduring joy, Desiree’s approach is marked by her signature unfiltered and candid wit, making her a sought-after voice in her field.

Today's discussion is about overcoming people-pleasing, and she talks about being a workaholic, too.

What It Means to Overcome People-Pleasing and Workaholism

Overcoming people-pleasing and workaholism often go hand in hand because both behaviors stem from a deep-seated need for external validation and approval. People-pleasers are driven by a desire to be liked, usually sacrificing their own needs to keep others happy.

At the same time, workaholics are fueled by the belief that constant productivity equates to self-worth. These traits can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and a lack of personal fulfillment, as every action becomes a performance to meet others’ expectations or prove oneself through relentless work.

To break free from this cycle, it's essential to cultivate self-awareness and redefine success on your terms. This involves setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and prioritizing your well-being over the relentless pursuit of approval.

Learning your worth is inherent, not earned through overworking or constant appeasement.

Finding balance requires embracing rest, hobbies, and personal time, recognizing that you are enough without overextending yourself for others or achieving nonstop.

By focusing on self-compassion, authenticity, and mindful choices, you can create a life that honors your true self, fostering healthier relationships, a more sustainable work-life balance, and a deeper sense of inner peace and self-respect.

You can check out Desiree at https://slightlyunfiltered.com.
Next week, I will talk to a guest who shares her story about overcoming alcoholism during motherhood. In the meantime, follow The Expressive Mom Show on IG: @anexpressivemom and the website https://expressivemom.com.

Today, Dr. Rowena Winkler, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show, will discuss something weighty that requires much awareness.

Rowena is a Filipino American community theater performer, content creator, and career coach based in Maryland, USA.

She has spoken on various podcasts, sharing her experiences as an astrologer, healer, and mother, and gave a TEDx talk in April 2022. In August 2023, Rowena suffered from postpartum psychosis after giving birth to her son, Robbie.

She has since made it her mission to talk openly about her experience to help raise awareness and help survivors feel less alone.

Postpartum Psychosis Is a Complication that Can Happen to Mothers After Birth

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental health condition that can occur after childbirth, usually within the first two weeks. It involves symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, extreme mood swings, confusion, and disorganized thinking.

This condition requires urgent medical attention as it poses significant risks to both the mother and baby. Unlike postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that often necessitates hospitalization.

With prompt treatment, including medication and therapy, recovery is possible. Early intervention is crucial for the mother's and her family's safety and well-being.

Thank you to Dr. Rowena Winkler for sharing her story. You can connect with Rowena on IG @rbwinklerphd, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok @rbwinklerphd, and her site at https://www.rowenawinkler.com/. Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will chat with a guest who has been juggling work with motherhood, like many moms, and who will talk about her experiences with people-pleasing.

So many of us will be able to relate to this one. In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Be sure to follow The Expressive Mom Show. In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now.

Welcome to The Expressive Mom Show, where I have my first guest, Leif. Leif William Pettitt. Leif is a seasoned observer of human behavior and has dedicated his life to understanding the complexities of the human psyche.

With a unique perspective gained from years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has delved into human emotion and mindfulness.

As a lifelong learner, Leif embraces the diverse aspects of life, constantly seeking balance and personal growth. He acknowledges that he may not be a master in any particular field. Still, his passion lies in continually expanding his knowledge and exploring the intricacies of our world.

In pursuit of this passion, Leif has established Align & Launch magazine. This publication aims to introduce readers to the captivating universe of art, truth, and wellness.

By subscribing to their newsletter, individuals can join a growing community of like-minded explorers, creators, and truth-seekers. The newsletter promises exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and sneak peeks, all delivered straight to subscribers' inboxes.

Whether one craves to unearth hidden gems in one's local surroundings or yearns to immerse oneself in diverse cultures worldwide, Align & Launch magazine offers a journey of discovery and connection.

By signing up, individuals can become part of this extraordinary community and stay informed and inspired by the vibrant content shared in the magazine.

Leif William Pettitt invites individuals to embark on a voyage of self-discovery and exploration, where art, truth, and wellness intertwine to create a profound and enriching experience. Visit Align & Launch at https://alignandlaunch.com.

Be sure to follow The Expressive Mom Show, go to the website https://expressivemom.com, IG: @anexpressivemom, and subscribe to Expressive Mom on Substack: https://expressivemom.substack.com.

Welcome to The Expressive Mom Show, hosted by Miriam Rachel. Miriam is a multi-talented Canadian mother, author, freelance writer, astrologer, psychic medium, and tarot reader.

With a diverse background in various roles, Miriam's passion for writing and connecting with others has remained at the core of her identity.

In her latest solo podcast episode, Miriam delves into a controversial topic related to toxic positivity and the harmful expectation for bullying and abuse survivors to forgive their perpetrators.

She challenges the notion that forgiveness is the ultimate path to healing, highlighting the complexities of the survivor's journey. While some may argue for seeking vengeance or forgiveness, Miriam emphasizes the importance of finding a middle ground: indifference.

Miriam suggests that survivors can find peace and empowerment after experiencing trauma by exploring the concept of indifference. She acknowledges that forgiveness burdens the survivor unfairly while the bullies and abusers escape accountability.

Instead, embracing indifference allows survivors to redirect their energy towards self-care, personal growth, and surrounding themselves with supportive individuals.

Throughout the episode, Miriam discusses the fallacy of showing compassion towards bullies and abusers, the pressure of toxic positivity, and the significance of validating survivors' emotions.

By rejecting the expectation to forgive, survivors can prioritize their own well-being and reclaim their power. Miriam concludes the episode by announcing upcoming guests and teasing an enlightening conversation with the founder of a holistic digital magazine.

Join her next week as she continues to explore topics that resonate with parents and those seeking a fresh perspective. Until then, thank you for tuning in to The Expressive Mom Show.

The Expressive Mom Website: https://expressivemom.com.

Follow Expressive Mom on IG: @anexpressivemom.

Miriam Rachel, host of The Expressive Mom Show, is a Canadian mother, author, and astrologer who has worn many hats throughout her journey, including SEO consultant and psychic medium. In this episode, she tackles the often-overlooked issue of toxic positivity, highlighting its harmful effects on emotional well-being.

Toxic positivity arises when genuine emotions are suppressed in favor of relentless optimism. This leads to emotional repression, invalidation of real struggles, and pressure to maintain a facade of happiness.

Miriam shares examples of common toxic positive statements that, though well-intentioned, can undermine emotional health by oversimplifying complex situations and dismissing the need for authentic emotional expression.

She emphasizes the importance of embracing the full range of human emotions and creating an empathetic environment where people feel supported in their struggles.

Next week, she will discuss the dangers of pressuring abuse victims to forgive their abusers, further exploring how toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing can harm those in need of genuine healing.

Check the website, https://expressivemom.com, and follow on IG @anexpressivemom.

Miriam Rachel, a Canadian mother, author, freelance writer, and host of The Expressive Mom Show, shares her personal journey and the difficult decision she made to give up her son with complex special needs.

Despite the initial judgment she may face, Miriam explains that her decision was not easy and was ultimately made for the benefit of everyone involved.

Miriam opens up about her struggles with depression and unprocessed trauma from her past, as well as her son's diagnosis of autism and severe ADHD.

She describes the lack of support she received from therapists and the pressure to "try harder" and keep working with her son despite her own mental health decline.

As the years went on, Miriam's burnout and depression worsened, and she realized she could no longer provide the intensive therapy her son needed.

After learning about a residential setting that could offer him 24/7 therapy, Miriam made the difficult decision to allow her son to live there permanently.

Since then, her son has made significant progress in his development, learning essential life skills and becoming more independent.

Miriam acknowledges that her decision may be seen as controversial, but she believes it was the best choice for her son's happiness and well-being.

Additionally, Miriam discusses her own personal growth, shedding her role as an "echoist" and finding her voice and self-worth.

She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's own needs and not succumbing to societal expectations of martyrdom. Miriam's decision has allowed her daughter to live her life without the burden of caring for her brother and has allowed Miriam to focus on her own mental health.

She recognizes that every family's situation is unique and encourages others to do what is best for their own families, regardless of societal standards. Miriam plans to address topics such as toxic positivity in future episodes of her show.

She hopes to provide support and insight for other parents navigating similar situations. Follow The Expressive Mom Show at http://expressivemom.com and follow on IG @anexpressivemom.

Post from Medium.com, I Gave Up My Special Needs Son…And It Was The Best Decision Ever.