Episode 140 The Power in Crafting
In this episode, we have a heartfelt conversation with Kelly J. Mendenhall, a disabled author, artist, public speaker, and disability advocate. Get ready for a powerful conversation filled with inspiration, resilience, business insights, and the power of crafting.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Get to know Kelly and delve into her journey of using crafting, particularly hand sewing and embroidery, as a form of self-care and meditation.
Kelly opens up about facing sudden mobility loss in 2017 and the subsequent transformation of her life.
Discussion about the importance of being true to one's authentic self.
Kelly recommends "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius," emphasizing its impact on her journey and mental health.
Kelly stresses the importance of self-care, dispelling the notion that it's a luxury.
Pam and Kelly celebrate their wins for the week, highlighting the power of intentionality and letting go of fear.
Kelly shares her future plans, including her podcast launch, creating art, and organizing craft shows designed for people with chronic disabilities.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Kelly J. Mendenhall, a disabled author, artist, and advocate, has been a prominent voice against medical gaslighting since 2017. After a career dedicated to serving under-resourced communities, she faced sudden medical disability in 2017. Known for her impactful work as a medical journalist and blogger, Mendenhall has been featured in Business Insider and Yahoo! News for her advocacy. In 2019, she published the well-received "Skin in the Game: The Stories My Tattoos Tell" and launched the podcast "Skin in the Game: An Intimate Author Experience" in July 2023. Mendenhall initiated the Affordable Art Revolution in 2022, spreading joy and love to Spoonies through art and words. Additionally, she served as the keynote speaker for Disability Awareness Day in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2023.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
One of the amazing things about treating things with your hands is the tangible outcome. It's the same with writing—there's a tangible outcome. You can see words pouring onto a page. You can see a beautiful piece of art coming to life, your vision coming to life, and that is a reward I didn't ever get in the professional world with a lot of the things that I was doing. - Kelly
To connect with Kelly visit her at:
Website: https://kellyjmendenhall.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nerdzilla138
Instagram: kellyjmendenhall
Connect with me on Facebook at:
Facebook: Pamela Stone
Vision Made Media
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