Athena Brownson: Rebuilding Life and Mindset After an 8-Year Lyme Disease Journey — Part Two

Part Two.

At the height of her real estate career, Athena Brownson’s life was derailed by Lyme disease. For eight years, she’s faced chronic pain and intensive treatments, reshaping every part of her world. As Athena puts it, “If life didn’t give us adversity and challenges…”

Yesterday, she recounted the early days of her diagnosis, the fight to survive, and the harsh realities of living with this poorly understood condition. Today, in Part 2, Athena will reveal how she turned survival into thriving and rebuilt her career on her own terms.

Retraining the Brain

“Pain puts the brain in fight-or-flight mode, and it can get stuck there. So it’s on us to train our minds to tell our bodies we’re okay, to push through and find relief.”

The Power of a Routine

“For me, routines are huge. My toolkit includes morning and evening rituals – breathwork, meditation, journaling, writing affirmations. I remind myself every day: I am healthy. I am healing. My body can get through this.”

The Art of Delegation

“Delegation isn’t just about getting things off your plate; it’s about giving others a chance to shine. My illness showed me I can’t do everything, nor should I. Letting go allows others to thrive, and it’s empowering to see them do what they love.”

Building My Tribe

“Finding the right people was a decade-long journey, but now I have a team around me who would do anything for me. They’re not just coworkers; they’re my support system, my tribe. I know they’re here for me, health and all, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

The Power of Pen and Paper

“Writing by hand does something special. Seeing the words you put down lets them sink in, letting you visualize and internalize them in a unique way.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Athena Brownson

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