Justin has had a lifelong battle with Crohn's disease, a crippling bowel condition.

His courageous story is about the consequences of that disease, both physically, emotionally, and psychologically, of chronic illness, including the medical interventions and the setbacks around that.

Justin believes he had got the disease because of his family dynamics as a child, where there was a stigma around going to the toilet. This resulted in the normalising of pain and struggle that defined his childhood, made his school life hell and affected his later life in extremely challenging ways.

He was hospitalised numerous times and had excruciating surgeries but learned coping mechanisms with the support of his mum and by watching SpongeBob SquarePants videos.

"She's like, don't worry, sonny boy. You don't have to worry about working. You don't have to worry about anything in the world. Just be happy and smile."

He made peace with his disease and learned to stop trying to fit in and celebrate his differences. – this transformed his life.

Justin's purpose is now defined by learning how to thrive with a disease, and that's how he defines his mission. For people with disabilities, he suggests focusing on what you can do, not what you can't. He is now helping people with courses and information and by his example. He is writing a book about how to thrive in the workplace.

Contact:

Instagram: @thriving.with.crohns

Udemy course: https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-tackle-chronic-illness-with-a-positive-mindset/

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.