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Getting Through Today
Getting Through Today
Author: Brita Bigler Peterson
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© Brita Bigler Peterson
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Welcome to the Getting Through Today podcast. I'm Brita, come along with me as I share my story of the ups and downs through chronic illness and depression all while being a mother of five. I know healing is possible and through every phase there is beauty, even if we don't always see it at the time. I have found the beauty in being broken and have come out stronger because of it. I know what it feels like to just get through one day at a time.
30 Episodes
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Welcome to Season 2… starting a little later than planned, and honestly, that’s okay. In this episode, I’m giving myself permission to begin again, even when life doesn’t go according to schedule.Today I’m diving into how we compare our struggles to others. Whether you feel like you’re walking on pavement, grass, Legos, or burning coals, the truth is, we’re all walking through something hard. This episode is a gentle reminder to stop minimizing your pain just because someone else’s looks different.We talk about seasons of life, the pressure to keep creating when it feels impossible, and how to give ourselves credit for showing up in the ways we can — even if it's messy or slow.This one is for anyone who’s in the middle of a tough season, trying to keep going while holding a lot.
Episode 29: So… I was planning to drop a fun back-to-school episode weeks ago. I recorded it. I edited it. I was proud of it.And then… my hard drive died.Gone. Just like my last ounce of chill.But that ended up being the least chaotic part of this season.In today’s episode, I’m catching you up on all the behind-the-scenes life stuff — the messy, raw, unfiltered version. I’m talking caregiving, motherhood, health curveballs (hello, diverticulitis), navigating midlife hormones, grief over how fast our kids grow up, and trying to stay soft and present when everything feels like a lot.This is me easing back into the podcast after a long, unplanned pause — not with answers or a tidy comeback plan, but with honesty, heart, and a whole lot of compassion for anyone else who's just been trying to get through today.If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been — or if life has handed you your own bingo card of chaos lately — this one’s for you.
Episode 25: What happens when you’re the strong one — the caregiver — but your own needs quietly disappear in the process?In this episode, I’m joined by my very first guest… my husband, Jeff.Together, we open up about what caregiving really looks like behind the scenes — the emotional toll, the hidden grief, and the quiet strength it takes to support someone you love through chronic illness, depression, and uncertainty.Whether you’re a caregiver, the one being cared for, or somewhere in between — this conversation is for you.You are not invisible. You are not alone. And both of you deserve care.#GettingThroughToday #Caregiver #Caregiving #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyHealed #CaregiverSupport #GettingThroughTodayPodcast #EmotionalResilience #OnyxWellnessCenter #ChronicIllness #SoftStrength #ChronicallyHealed #CaregivingAndHealing
Episode 23This one’s for the beautiful warriors who chose hope… and still got heartbreak.What happens when you pick a word like “Abundance” or “Ease” for the year —and life gives you the opposite?In this raw, reflective episode, I share what happened when I asked the universe for a softer year — and instead found myself holding more pain than ever. But somewhere in the middle of the mess, I started seeing abundance in a new light. Not flashy. Not perfect. But real.✨ We’ll talk about:– What to do when your intentions feel like they backfire– How ease can show up in the smallest, quietest ways– Redefining abundance in a season of survival– A simple breathwork moment to reconnect with yourself– Why you’re not doing it wrong if life still feels hardThis is not a “toxic positivity” episode — it’s an invitation to breathe, to feel, and to start noticing the beauty that whispers… even here.You’re not behind. You’re right where you need to be.💛 Let’s get through today, together.#GettingThroughTodayPodcast #HealingInProgress #SoftStrength #ChronicallyHealed #AbundanceAndEase #EmotionalResilience #OnyxWellnessCenter
Episode 22 – In a world that celebrates constant doing, this episode is an invitation to pause.If you’ve been living in survival mode — juggling chronic illness, parenting, emotional overload, or just the weight of life — your nervous system might be craving something softer.In today’s episode, I’ll share a vulnerable reflection on what chronic stress really does to our minds and bodies… and why “being the strong one” often comes at a quiet cost. Then we’ll move into a calming guided self-hypnosis journey designed to help you let go of tension, reconnect with your breath, and return to yourself.This isn’t about fixing everything.It’s about remembering that peace is your birthright — and you don’t have to earn it.You deserve to rest.You deserve to be held — even by your own breath.Let this episode be your permission to exhale.
You’re not too much. You’re not being dramatic. You’re not complaining — you’re human.In episode 21, we’re diving into the emotional weight so many of us carry in silence — the kind that comes from always being the strong one, the helper, the one who says “I’m fine” with tears behind our eyes.We talk about the difference between venting and feeling like a victim… between expressing pain and being negative… and how being heard — truly heard — can be one of the most healing experiences we can offer one another.I’ll share personal stories of when I felt unsupported, silenced, or judged for speaking up — and what changed when I finally allowed myself to be honest. We’ll also explore:How to find your safe people (and set boundaries with the rest)What support actually looks like (and what it’s not)Why connection is not about attention — it’s about being witnessedPractical tools to process heavy emotions and receive support without shameIf you’ve ever been afraid to share your truth… if you’re navigating chronic illness, grief, overwhelm, or just holding too much — this one’s for you.Come sit with me. Let’s talk about the power of being real.💛 You're not a burden. You're just carrying more than most people see — and you deserve to be heard.
In episode 20, we explore what real support looks like for those living with chronic illness. Whether you’re navigating your own health journey or walking alongside someone who is, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical tips to help you show up with love, presence, and grace.I share personal stories from my own life—including the unwavering support I’ve received from my husband Jeff, my family, and dear friends—and break down what true, meaningful support can look and feel like.Together, we’ll talk about:• The emotional side of being there for someone with chronic illness• What not to say, and what helps more than you might realize• Simple, practical ways to show up and make life a little easier• How to hold space for hard days without trying to fix them• Why small gestures and consistency matter more than perfection• Whether you’re a caregiver, partner, friend, or someone simply trying to understand, this episode will help you support the people you love in a way that truly matters.💛 You don’t have to have the perfect words—you just have to care.🔗 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s keep showing up for each other, one small act of love at a time.
Episode 19: Guilt. It's heavy. It's sneaky. And if you've ever been sick — especially while trying to care for your kids or your family — you probably know it all too well.In this raw and heartfelt episode, I share a recent experience that brought up old emotions and fresh clarity. From a much-needed retreat to an unexpected emergency, I walk you through the moments that reminded me just how hard we can be on ourselves — and how much gentleness we deserve.Whether you're a mom navigating chronic illness, a caregiver who never gets a break, or someone learning to rest without shame, this episode is for you.We’ll talk about:The guilt that shows up when you can't do it allWhat I wish someone had told me when I was sickWhy compassion is easier to offer others than ourselvesHow we can start to shift that inner voiceA gentle breath practice to help you release the weight you’ve been carryingYou are not alone. You are not failing. And it is okay to rest.💚 Let's get through today — together.#LetGoOfGuilt #GettingThroughToday #MomLifeWithChronicIllness #SelfCompassion #YouAreEnough #PodcastForHealing
Episode 18 – Behind the smiles, behind the schedules, behind the “I’m fine” — there’s a silent, crushing weight many moms carry.In this episode of Getting Through Today, we explore what it really means to live with the invisible load — the mental fatigue, emotional labor, and chronic overwhelm that often go unseen but are felt.If you’re a mom navigating life with chronic illness — Lyme disease, autoimmune issues, or unrelenting exhaustion that no one else seems to understand — this episode is for you.We’ll talk about:What the invisible load is (and why it’s so hard to explain)Why mental fatigue hits so differently — and so deeplyGentle, practical tools to lighten the loadA heartfelt message for the mom who feels like she’s failing just by being tiredYou are not weak. You are not broken. You’re carrying more than most could ever imagine — and still showing up with love. That is strength. That is bravery.Take a breath, press play, and let yourself be seen.Because you don’t have to carry it all alone anymore.
Episode 17 - In this deeply personal episode of Getting Through Today, I open up about how music has carried me through some of my darkest seasons — when depression, chronic illness, and exhaustion left me feeling overwhelmed, voiceless, and lost.Music became my lifeline. A place where I could be honest, raw, and real when words felt too heavy. Today, I’m sharing that part of my story with you — including the origins of two of my most vulnerable songs, The Letter and Beautiful Broken.This episode touches on sensitive topics like depression and suicidal thoughts, so please take care while listening. My intention is to shed light on these experiences — not to dwell in the pain, but to show how music can be a bridge between struggle and healing.Whether you create, listen, or simply hold space for others, I hope this episode reminds you:You are not alone.Your story matters.And even the broken pieces can become something beautiful. Listen now and join me in raising awareness through music, honesty, and hope.#GettingThroughTodayPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #MusicHeals #TheLetterSong #BeautifulBroken #ChronicIllnessSupport #YouAreNotAlone #RealTalk #EmotionalHealing #PodcastForHealing
Episode 16 – We say things without thinking — little phrases like “I’m sorry,” “I’m fine,” or “I probably sound crazy” — but over time, those words shape how we see ourselves.In today’s episode of Getting Through Today, Brita opens up about her own journey with chronic illness, guilt, and the reflexive language that kept her playing small. Together, we explore:Why “I’m sorry” is more than just a polite phraseHow automatic self-talk can shrink our sense of worthWhat it looks like to reframe those patterns with kindness and truthYou’ll leave this episode with gentle awareness, practical ways to shift your inner dialogue, and permission to take up space — without apology.Because healing starts with the words we choose. And you deserve to speak to yourself with the same compassion you offer everyone else.Let’s start rewriting those scripts — one phrase at a time.#IntentionalWords #ImSorryReframe #SelfTalkMatters #GettingThroughTodayPodcast #BritaBiglerPeterson #OnyxWellnessCenter #EmotionalHealing #LanguageOfHealing #ChronicIllnessWarrior #YouAreNotTooMuch #SpeakYourTruth
Episode 15: This episode feels a little different...Today, I’m sharing a raw and vulnerable part of my healing journey — one that’s still unfolding.After training for months and reaching a huge milestone of running 9 miles, I thought I was finally reclaiming the strong, healthy version of myself I had missed for so long.But life had other lessons to teach me.Instead of crossing the finish line I dreamed of, I found myself in a flare — tired, hurting, and questioning everything.In this episode, I open up about:✨ The emotional high of reaching a goal I once thought was impossible✨ The heartbreaking moment of telling my son I couldn’t run the race we had planned together✨ The unexpected pride and love my children shared with me — and how it changed my heart✨ A powerful conversation with my sister about releasing old expectations and embracing new dreams✨ Learning that healing sometimes means slowing down — and that joy doesn’t have to come from hustle or proving anythingIf you’ve ever found yourself grieving old versions of yourself...If you’re learning how to be gentle with your body and your heart...If you’re craving permission to choose ease over pressure...This episode is for you. 💛 Listen now — and remember, you are enough exactly as you are. No finish line needed.#GettingThroughTodayPodcast #HealingJourney #StrengthInStillness #SelfCompassion #HealingIsNotLinear #NewBeginnings #ChronicIllness
Episode 14 – In this episode of Getting Through Today, we’re diving into one of the most essential skills for navigating life’s toughest moments: emotional resilience.From chronic illness to personal loss, caregiving to career transitions, resilience isn’t about pushing through and pretending everything’s fine—it’s about honoring our struggles, learning to bend without breaking, and finding strength in the messy, beautiful reality of being human.Brita shares raw, personal stories—from running nine miles despite exhaustion to witnessing her husband’s quiet strength during her illness—and offers a heartfelt guide to building resilience when life feels impossibly hard. You’ll walk away with practical tools like mindful breathing, emotional journaling, creative expression, grounding exercises, and the reminder that leaning on others is a form of strength—not weakness.Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just tired of being “strong” all the time, this episode is your gentle nudge to keep going, one small step at a time. Because resilience isn’t about doing it alone—it’s about remembering you’re never alone in this journey.
Episode 13 - In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, I open up about the emotional journey of writing my book, Getting Through Today: How Chronic Illness Taught Me the Beauty in Being Broken. I share the fears, doubts, and powerful healing that came with telling my story—and how embracing my brokenness led to some of the most profound growth of my life.We’ll explore what it truly means to be "beautifully broken," why vulnerability is strength, and how confronting our hardest moments can reveal resilience, purpose, and deep self-love. I’ll read excerpts from my book, offer journaling prompts and affirmations, and invite you to reflect on your own journey.Whether you're in the thick of your own storm or beginning to see the light, this episode is a reminder that your story matters—and your healing is possible.
In Episode 12 of Getting Through Today, we're diving into how to identify and reframe the limiting beliefs that keep us from living the fulfilling, empowered lives we desire. Have you ever felt like you're spinning your wheels, stuck repeating old patterns despite your best efforts? You're not alone, beautiful warriors. Join me as I openly share my personal experiences—from battling chronic illness to discovering subconscious beliefs that silently held me back. You'll learn practical, compassionate tools to recognize and rewrite your own limiting beliefs, creating lasting, meaningful change. This episode shares insights, real-life stories, and simple yet powerful reframing techniques to support your journey of healing, growth, and transformation. Let's rewrite our stories together, one empowering belief at a time.
Episode 11 - Finding Hope in the Toughest TimesIn this heartfelt episode, we explore the quiet power of hope, especially during life's most challenging seasons. Brita shares her raw, vulnerable journey through chronic illness and depression, revealing how hope often arrives gently, through small acts of kindness, self-compassion, and genuine connections. You'll learn practical, intentional strategies to cultivate hope daily, from noticing moments of light to leaning into your support system, using positive self-talk, and visualizing brighter days. Featuring Brita's deeply personal song lyrics, "Stay With Me," this episode is a gentle reminder that even in darkness, you're never truly alone—hope is always within reach.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it really means to be resilient—and how powerful it can be to speak up for yourself, especially when life gets tough. I’ll share parts of my journey with chronic illness, mental health, and navigating a medical system that didn’t always listen. But more than that, we’ll talk about the little steps that helped me find my voice, trust my gut, and keep moving forward.We’ll cover practical ways to advocate for yourself, set healthy boundaries, and explore your own healing path with confidence. I’ll also guide you through a gentle reflection exercise to help you reconnect with what you need most right now.Whether you're in the thick of it or simply need a little reminder that you're stronger than you think—this one’s for you. Let’s take this step together.
In this heartfelt episode of Getting Through Today, Brita opens up about the real challenges of parenting while living with chronic illness. Through personal stories and gentle insights, she explores how to extend grace to yourself, redefine parenting success, communicate loving boundaries, and embrace self-care—even on the hardest days.If you've ever struggled with guilt, exhaustion, or feeling like you're not doing enough as a parent, this episode is for you. Join Brita as she shares meaningful ways to honor your limits, love your family authentically, and remind yourself that your worth as a parent is measured by your love, not by how much you accomplish.You’re not alone—let's get through today together.#Parenting, #ChronicIllness, #Self-Care, #Boundaries, #Motherhood, #Self-Compassion, #GettingThroughToday
In today's episode of Getting Through Today, we dive into the powerful connection between movement, mindset, and emotional healing. Brita shares her personal journey from years of chronic illness to training for a half marathon alongside her son. Discover how simple, intentional movement—whether gentle stretching, walking, or running—can profoundly shift your mental and emotional state. Brita also explores how reframing setbacks as stepping stones can build resilience and open doors to unexpected growth.Remember, your journey is unique, and every small step matters. You're never alone, and your healing journey is unfolding beautifully. Press play, take a breath, and let's get through today together.#HealingJourney #MindsetShift #GentleMovement #MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #PodcastEpisode #SelfCare #MovementIsMedicine #GettingThroughToday
Self-love isn’t just about bubble baths and feel-good moments—it’s about showing up for yourself even when life gets hard. In this episode of Getting Through Today, I’m sharing what it really means to love yourself through the ups and downs.This past week, I faced both pain and progress—a painful arthritis shot in my thumb and a huge win in getting back to running 2.5 miles. It reminded me that healing isn’t about going back to who we used to be; it’s about becoming who we’re meant to be.If you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated with your body, or struggling to show yourself kindness, this episode is for you. You are not broken—you are becoming. Tune in now and let’s get through today together.#GettingThroughToday #SelfLove #HealingJourney #YouAreEnough #ChronicIllnessSupport #Resilience #MindsetShift #SelfCareMatters




