We are what we say, so why not say something different? Shifting the Aging Experience.
I experience anxiety. I have my entire life. I used to say that I “suffer” from anxiety and this verb choice had that effect – it made me suffer. One day, I decided to change my language and see if my body, mind and soul would follow. I will share how my rejection of the word “suffer” shaped a new way of living that I never dreamed was possible. I will illustrate how the power of language creates our realities and challenge you to see how terminology used to describe aging, such as “suffering”, “incapable”, and “disabled” is creating a system that inspires just that.
About Stephanie Erickson
Stephanie Erickson is a licensed clinical social worker, family caregiving expert, radio host and speaker. After earning her Master’s degree in Social Work in 1995, she quickly began working with family caregivers. Throughout her 20 years as a social worker, Stephanie has guided thousands of families through the complex process of making caregiving decisions for family members.
In addition to running Erickson Resource Group, Stephanie hosts her own radio program, Caregivers Circle, on WebTalkRadio and is a regular radio and TV guest throughout the U.S. and Canada. A California native, she lives in Montreal with her family. She spends her free time on the flying trapeze.