What do you do when you can’t fix the problem? This is a raw and hopeful mother-daughter conversation between Joyce Li and Michelle. We explore the reality of living with a chronic skin condition (like Topical Steroid Withdrawal / TSW or eczema), not as a story of a cure, but as a profound lesson in building a meaningful life alongside it.
Joyce, drawing from her PhD research on resilience and flourishing (The PhD Grandma’s Guide), and Michelle, from her personal journey, break down the myths of “bouncing back.” They reveal how true resilience is found in simplicity, authentic presence, and shared purpose—not in grand gestures or miracle cures.
In this interview, we discuss:
– What “accepting what is” really looks like in daily life with a chronic illness.
– The simple, powerful acts of support that actually help (and what well-intentioned things don’t).
– How to navigate feelings of helplessness as a caregiver or parent.
– The shift from seeking a “fix” to finding integration, meaning, and hope.
– How a health crisis can reshape identity and deepen relationships.
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