This is StRest! In this episode, Amberly Lago and Kerstin Lindquist explore how to cultivate joy despite life’s most significant challenges. Amberly shares her powerful journey—from a life-changing motorcycle accident to living with chronic pain—and how she transformed suffering into strength. Through faith, gratitude, and resilience, she reveals how choosing joy can reshape our lives even in the most challenging moments.

This conversation dives into:

✔️ The science of stress and how chronic pain impacts mental health

✔️ Practical mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety

✔️ Why gratitude is a strategy—not just a feeling

✔️ How purpose can pull you through pain

✔️ The role of movement in physical and emotional well-being

✔️ Daily joy rituals to create lasting happiness

This episode is for you if you're looking for inspiration, actionable steps, and a shift in mindset.

Major Themes & Concepts

• 
  Joy as a Daily Choice: How choosing joy can reshape our experiences.


• 
  Mindfulness & Stress Reduction: Techniques for staying present and reducing anxiety.


• 
  Gratitude & Perspective: Shifting focus from what’s missing to what we have.


• 
  Purpose & Adversity: Finding more profound meaning in difficult times.


• 
  Service & Fulfillment: How helping others can improve our own well-being.


• 
  Health & Wellness: The connection between physical movement and mental resilience.


• 
  Overcoming Resistance: Navigating obstacles when pursuing meaningful goals.


• 
  Controlling the Controllable: How to shift focus from stress to empowerment.

Chapter Breakdown

00:00 – Choosing Joy: The Foundation of Happiness

02:14 – The Power of Choosing Joy in Daily Life

05:06 – Amberly’s Story: Overcoming Trauma & Chronic Pain

09:00 – Handling High-Stress Moments with Prayer & Breathing

12:34 – The Science of Stress: Moving from Fight-or-Flight to Calm

14:47 – Finding Purpose Through Service & Resilience

17:28 – The Balance Between Serving Others & Self-Care

18:54 – Joy Rituals: Daily Habits for a Fulfilling Life

20:33 – The Importance of Boundaries & Rest in Avoiding Burnout

24:10 – Mindset Shift: Focusing on the 1% Hope, Not the 99% Fear

26:28 – The Transformative Power of Gratitude in Everyday Life

27:11 – Health Non-Negotiables: Gut Health, Movement, & Supplements

29:31 – One Action Step to Reduce Stress Today

Work with Kerstin

📅 Workshops & Events – Join upcoming events & retreats.

💡 Health Coaching with Kerstin – 1:1 coaching for stress reduction & wellness.

Resources Mentioned

📖 True Grit and Grace by Amberly Lago

📖 The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu

📖 Joy Through the Journey by Amberly Lago

🎧 Calm App - Guided Meditation & Breathing Exercises

🎧 Insight Timer - Free Meditation App

🧘 Apollo Neuro – A wearable designed to improve resilience and manage stress.

Connect with Amberly Lago

Website: www.amberlylago.com

Instagram: @amberlylagomotivation

Facebook: Amberly Lago

YouTube: Amberly Lago

📖 Books by Amberly Lago on Amazon

More about Kerstin

1. 
   Website: kerstin-lindquist.com
   


2. 
   Instagram: @kerstin.lindquist
   


3. 
   Facebook: Kerstin Lindquist
   


4. 
   YouTube: @sandeverywherefamily
   


5. 
   TikTok: @kerstin.lindquist
   

Production, Distribution, and Marketing

By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group

1. 
   Website: www.massifsp.com
   


2. 
   LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production
   


3. 
   Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com
   


4. 
   LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group
   

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