The very thing I preach about in this podcast - CAREGIVING - is the very thing I wasn’t doing -- for myself. It's why I said "fuck it" to posting a Christmas episode: I just needed a time out. Something's been a bit "off" for a while with me. I only just realized what it was; hence, the reason for this episode.

With all that's going on in the world, this time I find myself talking about dealing with grief and "getting over it" (three of my least favorite words). My little sister Viny's death (her 6-year anniversary is January 17), and I share how she's a great reminder that all we have is THIS MOMENT. So as someone once said: Get busy living or get busy dying. I then wonder what exactly "getting busy" means, and how we never know where or when our "divine intervention" or "lifelines" - the very people or things we may need - will cross our paths. Just as we never know when WE might actually BE that lifeline for someone else.

This episode to kick of the new year and 2020 the next decade speaks to remembering who you are, and knowing that being who you are is all that we need to be. Trying to be something you think you’re supposed to be or something other than who or where you are – THAT is when we fail.

Wishing you your best year yet!---------------------------

A storyteller at heart who built a career in writing, media & marketing, Paolina Milana is grateful for the magic AND the madness she's experienced. Her roots are entangled with mental illness and taking on caregiving roles -- something she has come to realize is not unique to her; rather, it seems to be common on several levels among others, especially the high-functioning women who from the outside looking in seem to have it all together.

Madness To Magic brings to listeners stories of real world encounters with what we all experience and yet feel shamed to keep silent. Embracing ALL of us is key to tapping into our own power to make all things possible.

Special thanks to the creators of the beautiful instrumental you hear during this podcast - Philippa Dowding & Allister Thompson - Original song “Sarah Tiptoes” from their album BIRCHES. Also love to the guy who's the master behind this podcast's production and audio engineering -- Joseph Dean Edwards.