ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Lori Ann!

On my personal journey, I have faced many challenges, including a traumatic medical ordeal with osteomyelitis and surviving domestic abuse after attempting to date again following the loss of my husband. However, I firmly believe that these experiences have given me a unique perspective and a deep well of empathy and understanding for others who are struggling.

Through my blog, I hope to share my experiences and provide a source of support and guidance for others who may be going through similar challenges. I believe that my background as a nurse and my personal experiences with addiction, mental health, and abuse can help others to feel seen, heard, and understood.

As I move forward on this journey, I am excited to connect with others, share resources, and provide a space where people can feel safe to share their own experiences and receive support from a community of like-minded individuals. Together, we can work to remove the stigma around mental health and help others to feel empowered and supported in their own journeys of healing and growth.

I am a retired registered nurse who spent much of my career working with children. I was just three credits shy of completing my pediatric nurse practitioner degree before I had to put my studies on hold. In addition to my career, I am a mother of three grown children, each with unique needs. One of my children was born 13 weeks premature, and the other two are gifted.

My life has not been without challenges. Almost four years ago, I lost my husband, Walter, to pancreatic cancer. It was a devastating blow, and his passing left a void in my life that will never be filled.

Additionally, I am a medical zebra (rare disease). I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – hypermobility and vascular type, which causes chronic pain and joint instability. To cope with my medical problems and self-medicate for my mental health, I went down a long path of addiction, eventually becoming addicted to opioids.

However, after my husband’s passing, I made a promise to myself and to him that I would not turn to addiction again. I knew that I needed help to keep this promise, and I begged my addictionologist to put me into a suboxone program. Despite a waiting list and reserving the program for pregnant individuals, he saw my desperation and agreed to help me. This decision saved my life, and I am forever grateful for his compassion and support.

On May 12, 2023, it will be four years since I started my journey of recovery. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I am proud of the progress I have made. Along the way, I have felt the presence of my husband, Walter, who visits me on occasion. I cry happy and sad tears when he visits because I am so glad he is no longer suffering, but I miss him terribly. Despite the challenges I have faced, I remain determined to live my life to the fullest and to honor the memory of my husband in everything I do.

If you’re looking for ways to prioritize your mental health and practice self-care, I have a special offer just for you! Join my email list and subscribe to the HappiYES newsletter to receive a free copy of the “I Love Me, myself, and I” self-care planner.

This planner includes 10 pages of self-care tips and ideas, including a 15-day self-care challenge, self-care tracker, empowerment affirmations, coloring pages, and much more. It’s the perfect tool to help you prioritize your mental health and take actionable steps towards self-care.

By joining my email list, you’ll not only receive this amazing self-care planner but also gain access to exclusive content and insights that I only share with my subscribers. You’ll be a part of a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to prioritizing their mental health and well-being.

So if you’re ready to invest in yourself and take your self-care to the next level, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter today. Just enter your email address on my website, and you’ll receive a welcome email with a free copy of the “I Love Me, myself, and I” self-care planner. Let’s work together to create a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

If you want to read more about My Incredible Story of Overcoming Addiction: Lori’s Story. If you want to read how I escaped severe domestic violence, read What is true domestic violence? How I survived the horrors of an abusive relationship..