Body Image, Entrepreneurship + Indigenous Identity with Alison Tedford Seaweed

This Is Not What I Ordered: conversations on chronic illness, loss + change

Today I'm joined by Alison Tedford Seaweed: a Canadian consultant, author and mother who lives with hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome, chronic idiopathic urticaria and ADHD. Alison wrote a book called "Chronic Profit" about running a business while managing chronic pain and finds new ways to cope every day.

In today's conversation, we discuss new, creative, and hilariously uplifting ways to rethink our relationships with our bodies amidst chronic illness, disordered eating, and a productivity-focused culture, as well as Alison's definition of Indigenous inclusion and her identity as a Kwakiutl First Nation member from a family of ʼNakwaxdaʼxw ancestry. There is so much depth and laughter in our conversation and I hope you enjoy the many insights Alison shares.

Alison shares about her personal journey navigating chronic illness, and the complexities of dealing with body image issues. As our discussion unfolds, we reflect on life's purpose and the continuous journey of self-discovery, highlighting the profound importance of stillness and self-care in our fast-paced world. Alison also shares her unique journey of self-discovery, celebrating Indigenous culture, and the profound significance of reclaiming her last name, Seaweed. Join us for this very special episode where the themes of resilience and the concept of "enoughness" take center stage, and where you can always rest assured that your presence is, indeed, the most valuable gift of all.

Episode Highlights:

• The transformative power of connecting with nature

• Consulting work in helping businesses share their stories

• Navigating chronic illness and body image issues, emphasizing self-compassion and humor

• Cherishing stillness and self-care in a fast-paced world

• Alison’s journey of self-discovery and celebrating Indigenous culture.

• The importance of Indigenous inclusion and its benefits

• Alison on reclaiming her last name, Seaweed, and its significance

Quotes:

"I do a lot of work with different companies and helping them share their stories, often as they relate to their connection to Indigenous people... imagining ways to be more inclusive.”

"I went from being super happy with my body because it could do a lot of things to then feeling really frustrated with my body because it couldn't do all of the things."

"Indigenous inclusion isn't doing a favor to Indigenous people. It's a benefit to the people who are welcoming us to the table."

"In reconnecting with language, I'm getting to learn so much more about the values of my culture and my family."

"Fulfillment has been knowing that there's enough."

"When people are feeling like there isn't enough or that there's scarcity, it isn't an attitude problem. It can just be situational awareness."

"Your presence is a gift, and you don't have to do anything to earn the right to be here."

Links:

This Is Not What I Ordered

Lauren Selfridge

Alison Tedford Seaweed