The New Normal: Energy, Pacing, and Life with Limited Spoons

This episode explores the psychological and emotional realities of living with chronic illness through a conversation between Nicole and Dr. Rachel, a behavioral medicine psychologist. They unpack the deep connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, highlighting how unhelpful thinking patterns like “should” statements, catastrophizing, and rigid thinking can keep people feeling stuck. The conversation emphasizes practical mindset shifts, including focusing on what’s within your control, taking small and sustainable steps, and building awareness of your mind-body connection. They also address the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, grieving the loss of a former identity, and finding a balanced, realistic form of optimism that honors both difficulty and possibility. Ultimately, the episode offers grounded tools to help listeners feel more in control, supported, and compassionate toward themselves.