chronic illness, identity shifts and starting over: when your body changes the rules

In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend Sarah McLaren for a deeply honest conversation about chronic illness, identity, ambition, and what happens when your body changes the direction of your life.After getting COVID in 2021, Sarah began experiencing debilitating symptoms including vertigo, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive challenges, and sensory overload. What followed was years of searching for answers, navigating the realities of long COVID, and grieving the version of herself she thought she’d always be.Together, we talk about the emotional side of invisible illness, the pressure to remain “high functioning,” and the fear of being perceived differently when your capacity changes. We also explore how health challenges can reshape your relationship with work, success, ambition, and self-worth.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from the person they used to be, struggled to ask for help, or realized they can’t simply “push through” anymore.Topics discussed:Long COVID and invisible illnessGrief and identity shiftsRedefining ambition in your 30sCorporate culture and chronic health challengesThe emotional toll of being “high capacity”Recovery, resilience, and rebuilding your lifeIf you’ve ever felt disconnected from the version of yourself you used to be, we hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone in the rebuilding.