Last week, I found myself at a friend’s birthday party, surrounded by the excited chatter of her college-bound daughter and friends. Their mix of anticipation and anxiety about moving to a new town without their usual support system struck a chord. It took me right back to my own life transitions - not just college, but every major leap I’ve taken!
Remember that feeling? The butterflies in your stomach when you started a new job, became a mother, or watched your last child leave the nest? Each of these moments forced me to rebuild my social circle.
When I started my chiropractic practice, I found a connection with fellow women healthcare practitioners. The transition to motherhood pushed me to meet new moms sharing my experience. When the transition was a difficult one, like when I was recovering from mold illness and unable to go out much, I recreated my social circle by joining online communities and taking online classes.
The conversation with these young women got me thinking about how cultivating a strong support network is like tending a resilience garden. It’s not just about having people around; it’s about nurturing relationships that help us weather life’s storms and celebrate its sunshine.
Here’s something fascinating: research shows that a robust support system does more than just make us feel good. It can actually lower our stress levels, boost our immune system, and even extend our lifespan. Social support isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have for our resilience!
In my work, I’ve noticed that a thriving support network usually includes three types of amazing individuals:
Emotional Cheerleaders: These are your go-to people for a good cry or a hearty laugh. They’re the ones who remind you of your strength when you’ve forgotten.
Practical Helpers: These are your real-world problem solvers. When life throws curveballs, they offer tangible solutions, transforming overwhelming situations into manageable tasks.
Wisdom-Sharers: These are your personal council of elders. They’ve navigated life’s labyrinth and emerged with hard-won insights and can offer perspective.
Recognizing these different types of support can help us build a more balanced and effective support network. So, how can we nurture these vital connections?
​
Here are three strategies I’ve found particularly helpful:
Support Mapping: I created a visual map of my support network, identifying different types of support - emotional cheerleaders, practical helpers, and wisdom-sharers. It was eye-opening for me to see where I felt supported and where I still had gaps! Why not try this yourself? You can use this downloadable worksheet to start mapping out your own support network. You might be surprised by what you discover.
Strategic Asking: I noticed I often hesitated to ask for help, worried that I would be encroaching. So, I practiced specific ways to reach out, matching my needs with the right supporters. For instance, I initiated regular check-ins with a mentor for professional guidance and set up a “skill-swap” with a neighbor - I offer flower essence consultations in exchange for their graphic design help.
Reciprocity Rituals: I set up small, consistent ways to give back to my support network. This helped me feel more balanced in my relationships. One ritual I love is my “Friday Gratitude” practice, where I send a heartfelt message - it might even be via text, to someone who’s supported me that week.
What’s one small way you could strengthen a connection in your support network this week?
​
Bach Flower Wisdom
​Bach flower remedies can be wonderful allies in this process.
Water VioletFor instance, Water Violet can help if you’re feeling isolated and finding it difficult to connect with others, and Chicory can assist in nurturing healthy, reciprocal relationships, helping us give and receive support with grace.
My challenge for you this week? Reach out to someone in your network - maybe someone you haven’t connected with in a while. A quick call, text, or coffee date can work wonders in nurturing these vital connections.
I’d love to hear about your support circle. Who are they and what’s one small gesture of support you’ve received that had a big impact on you?​​

My time living in a tent healing from mold illness taught me valuable lessons about resilience and hidden struggles. It also made me wonder: how often do we navigate life's complexities while making it look effortless to others?
I bet you've had moments like that too; when you feel like you're drowning while everyone else thinks you're walking on water.
That's what I call invisible overwhelm, and it's a common theme I hear from many of my clients.
Last week, I talked with a client (let's call her Sarah). On paper, Sarah's life looked picture-perfect: successful career, loving family, active in her community. But as we sat down for our session, the facade collapsed.
"I'm drowning," Sarah whispered, her voice barely audible. "No one can see it, but I'm suffocating under the weight of it all. Everyone keeps telling me how amazing I am for managing everything, but if I let go for even a second, it all crumbles."
Sound familiar? It's that state where we're juggling a million plates, looking cool on the outside, but feeling like a pressure cooker about to explode on the inside. And the kicker? We get so good at it that sometimes even we don't realize how heavy that invisible cape has become.
Here's the thing - recognizing this hidden overwhelm is crucial. It reminds me of my experience with mold in our house - at first, it was invisible, but its impact was very real. Similarly, if we don't acknowledge and address our invisible overwhelm, it can lead to burnout. And recovering from burnout? That's a challenging journey I'd rather help you avoid.
​
So, what do we do about it? Well, here are three strategies Sarah and I worked on together:
1. The Overwhelm Inventory:
I asked Sarah to keep a simple “log”, to start to shine a light on those moments when she felt like she was juggling too much. I invite you to do the same. Jot down the times when you feel stretched thin - it might surprise you.For example, Sarah's first entry read: "Tuesday, 4pm: Tried to answer an urgent work email while helping kids with homework. Made mistakes on both, then felt rushed prepping dinner because I had to correct things.”By tracking these moments, you'll start to see patterns. Maybe it's always around 3 PM, or perhaps it's when you're trying to multitask. Give it a try this week - just a quick note when you feel overwhelmed.
Here’s a personal “Overwhelm Inventory Log“ to keep track. You might be amazed at what you discover about your daily rhythms and triggers.
​
2. Flower Power Breaks:
Sarah committed to taking 2-minute breather breaks between tasks, using her custom Bach flower remedy for instant calm. You can do this too! That Bach flower blend we created for you - why not keep it on your desk or in your bag? When the pressure starts to build, take a pause. A few drops of your remedy (especially if it includes Elm, which is fantastic for that overwhelmed feeling), a deep breath, and you might just find your center again. It's amazing how these tiny moments can shift your entire day.
​
3. Voice the Invisible:
You know that feeling when the weight of everything is on your shoulders, but you're afraid to say anything? Sarah felt that too. During our session, we practiced how to speak up. It was tough at first, but when she finally said, "Guys, I'm drowning here. Can we divvy up some of these household tasks?" at her family meeting, it was like a weight lifted. They created a chore chart together, and Sarah felt heard for the first time in ages.
What's one thing you've been silently carrying that you could share with someone this week?
​
Remember how those Bach flower remedies got me through my tent days? They taught me that small, consistent actions can be powerful. These strategies work the same way - simple steps that can bring more calm to your day.
So, here's my challenge to you this week: try on one of these strategies. See how it feels. And remember, even superheroes need to take off their capes sometimes.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Does Sarah's story resonate with you? How do you navigate your own invisible overwhelm?
​
Here's to making the invisible, visible - and manageable,
Warmly,
​Elissa

Remember those flower remedies we explored? I never told you but they became my lifeline when the universe gave me a crash course in resilience.
Here's what happened...
It's 2020, and I'm living in a tent in my backyard. No, not a glamping adventure – it was my radical solution to severe mold illness from our water-damaged home. There I was, a doctor treating patients by day and a mom helping with high school geometry by night, all while trying to heal in a tent beneath the stars.
Sounds crazy, right? But here's the thing – this unexpected detour taught me more about resilience than any textbook ever could. I had to dig deep and find new ways to adapt. One of my unlikely allies? The Bach Flower remedies we've talked about before. They became a healthy habit, helping me face each day with a bit more courage and a lot more hope.
This wild ride got me thinking about you. About all of us, really. How we're all navigating our own storms, often silently.
It's why I'm starting something new – a weekly note I'm calling the Resiliency Retreat. It's less about dramatic turnarounds and more about small, meaningful shifts.
Each week, I'll share a bit of what I've learned – about flower essences, and stories about bouncing back and finding strength in the most unlikely places. I’ll share practical tips for resilience and include a downloadable worksheet so you can put these new strategies into practice.
And I look forward to hearing from you! What aspect of resilience do you find most challenging? Is it bouncing back from setbacks, staying positive, or something else entirely?
I'd love for you to join me on this journey. No tents required, I promise.
Warmly,