It goes without saying that life gives each of us our own set of challenges, and sometimes it seems too much to bear. Even when things are going alright, we all know someone who could use some hope and encouragement, and to know they’re not alone in those private battles. In this episode of TGND, Jean Abbott shares her inspirational story of finding hope in the midst of life’s challenges. Jean was misdiagnosed as a young child with Spastic Diplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy. After 33 years of countless doctor’s visits, medical procedures, unnecessary medications and surgeries, she was given a correct diagnosis and new life! Jean is the author of “Misdiagnosed: My Thirty-Year Struggle with a Debilitating Disorder I Never Had” and has appeared on the Today show, Good Housekeeping and the U.K.'s Daily Mail. Since then, an overwhelming number of people from around the world have contacted Jean to tell her how inspired they were by her journey from “wheels to heels”. As a mother of three children, Jean enjoys all the adventures of her new life, but wouldn't change the journey that brought her to where she is today. Her positive attitude is highly contagious as she encourages others to appreciate the little things in life.

Show Notes: 

[00:07:36] What rock bottom can feel like

[00:21:19]  The appreciation you can have for the little things

[00:27:03]  What life is like after a 180 degree shift in ability

[00:30:50] How an extraordinary life affects children

[00:34:05] How people can treat and react to you differently

[00:39:17] Advice for people who would like to ask questions but aren’t sure how to approach the subject with care

[00:44:24] Advice for people who feel stuck

Links: 

www.JeanAbbott.com