Today I'm honored to be tallking to Chou Hallegra. We were originally going to discuss migraines, but last December, at the age of 33, Chou suffered a stroke. For three months she has gone through intense therapy, and she is doing so well that today she is able to talk about it here.

Chou Hallegra, the founder of Grace & Hope Consulting, LLC, is a Board Certified Christian Counselor, a Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapist, a Certified Trainer for Person-Centered Thinking, and a Certified Supports Broker. Chou has over a decade of experience working in human services, providing counseling, case management, and job coaching to individuals affected by mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental differences, addictions, homelessness, and single parenting. Having personally experienced some debilitating and chronic health conditions, Chou is passionate about helping others achieve emotional wellness and reach their full potential so they can enjoy fulfilling lives. As a parent of children with complex needs, she understands first-hand the challenges of caregiving and loves to support families of people with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs.

Things to know about strokes: Strokes can happen to young people as well as old people. People with migraines are more succeptable to stroke & should avoid certain anesthesia. The Warning signs of a stroke Remember the acronym - FAST: Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 9-1-1

Chou's advice for moms with health issues: Your illness, or whatever diagnosis you have does not define you. It might be part of your journey, or part of who you are right now… It might be chronic, but it doesn’t have to define who you are… We have to start living beyond our diagnosis, and choose to LIVE, no matter what. Anybody can work…finding what you enjoy doing, even if you’re volunteering for two hours, even if you’re recording something like this to encourage someone else, Do something that you’re passionate about, that gives you purpose and a reason to live, and get out of bed every day

Chou's superpower is: My faith. I keep going no matter what because no matter what comes my way, it always turns out for the best.

-Listen to the episode to find out more-

Thanks for listening, Jen

You can find Chou: Website: https://www.graceandhopeconsulting.com Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceandHopeConsulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GHConsultingLLC Google+: https://plus.google.com/118300558327763459329

Thank you for joining me! 

Want more? Go to HardyMom.com and discover ways to live well, grow, and enjoy your life again -with any health challenges.

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Have a blessed week,

Jen