073: Learning To Flex Your “Joy Muscle” with Bekah Bowman

When a parent learns that their child has been diagnosed with a serious illness or condition, it’s difficult not to be consumed with worst case scenarios. 

But as Bekah Bowman will tell you, you have two choices: either allow your past and future to steal joy from your present, or embrace joy in the present moment, no matter what it looks like. 

And Bekah is no stranger to this concept: her two boys, Titus and Ely, were both affected by a rare genetic disease (CLN2) that leads to the quick loss of skills and eventual passing in childhood. 

After her oldest son passed away Bekah wrote Can’t Steal My Joy, a book dedicated to helping those whose life path has taken an unexpected turn to rediscover joy. 

Today, Bekah shares some of her strategies on how to manage anticipatory grief, learning to make the best of the present, the importance of making time to grieve, leaning on your faith, and the power of acceptance. 

Key Takeaways with Bekah Bowman

• Ways to process a difficult diagnosis 
• Managing anticipatory grief
• Learning to focus on the present & enjoy each moment 
• Dealing with feelings of numbness 
• The power of acceptance and embracing joy 
• Why you should consider scheduling “grieving sessions”
• Leaning on your faith through grief 
• The importance of honoring date nights with your partner
• Finding community in extended family and friends 
• Learning to flex your “Joy Muscle” 

Show Notes:

Get Full Access to the Show Notes by visiting: MatteasJoy.org/73.

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