Standing Ground: a 4-min film about feet, pain, and mental health

Many years ago, I decided to focus my writing and coaching work on accessible solutions for people who are struggling with their health, both mental and physical.

There are a lot of false promises in the world, but there is also a lot of solid science on how to get relief.

When people find out what I do, they often ask how I work with people who are suffering.

The first step is always to listen, without judgment or expectation about what "should" happen. Valuable insights show up when truth has an opportunity to speak.

From there, as a writer, I identify broken systems and report on organizations working to mend them or evidence-based solutions.

As a coach, I help clients recognize nagging pains or persistent conditions that are contributing to their pain—and build direct, responsive routines to heal.

Approaching struggle as a map for recovery is a different perspective for many people.

It can be disorienting for those who are accustomed to being at war with their bodies or organizations, but, with practice, it can become both playful and empowering.

For this final letter of the year, I made a quick, 4-minute film to explain:

👉 how I've used chronic pain in my own life to establish nourishing, sustainable routines

👉 how that process has informed my work with coaching clients to help them do the same

👉 how writing has both fueled and hindered my progress.

It's called Standing Ground.

If you have persistent pain or are just feeling unsettled, this is my gift to you. I hope it helps you find your footing.

I have stepped away from Forbes Health and am doing some reflection in the New Year about how to find a better home for my writing, where I can contribute to an organization that is doing good in the world.

If I can help, as a writer, producer, or coach, please reach out.

I love this work. 2024 offered opportunities to report on public health, transportation, education, and breakthrough mental health therapies, as well as to coach a cadre of beautiful humans in wildly different walks of life. I'm grateful for every opportunity to learn from you all.

Wishing you a peaceful, grounded holiday season.

All my best,

Sarah

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Past posts can be found here.