In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Stephanie Troxel Rex, a long-time friend of the host, Jaime. Stephanie opens up about her journey through personal loss, including the passing of her father and stepfather, and the challenges of dealing with her late husband’s addiction. Despite these hardships, Stephanie has found healing, purpose, and strength, which she now channels into her career and supporting others. Join us as we explore the power of resilience, the importance of sharing our stories, and the impact of community and support systems in overcoming life’s challenges.
What you’ll hear…
- Reconnecting with Stephanie:
- Jaime reminisces about her friendship with Stephanie, dating back to their childhood days.
- The importance of maintaining connections and how social media has played a role in staying in touch.
- Stephanie’s Background and Current Role:
- Stephanie shares her journey from Florida to Indiana and her career shift to marketing and sales for a weighted blanket company.
- The benefits of weighted blankets, especially for people with sensory needs and anxiety.
- Coping with Loss and Trauma:
- Stephanie talks about losing both her father and stepfather to cancer within a short period and how these experiences shaped her.
- She opens up about her late husband’s battle with addiction and the impact it had on their family.
- Raising Children Amidst Challenges:
- Balancing her career with raising three children, Stephanie discusses the challenges and joys of parenting during difficult times.
- The importance of teaching her children about resilience and healthy coping mechanisms.
- The Power of Sharing Your Story:
- Stephanie emphasizes the importance of being open about struggles, not only for personal healing but also to help others who may be going through similar experiences.
- The role of social media in both connecting and isolating people, and the balance needed to use it positively.
- Mental Health and Addiction Awareness:
- Discussion on the stigma surrounding addiction and the importance of understanding it as a complex issue that can affect anyone.
- The need for more open conversations about mental health, trauma, and seeking help.
- Looking Ahead:
- Stephanie talks about her passion for helping others through their struggles and her aspirations to write a book about her experiences.
- The idea of continuing to share her story to inspire others to seek healing and live authentically.
Key Takeaways:
- “You can either go inward and deal with grief or numb out and shut it out. I chose to heal.” – Stephanie Troxel
- “Our stories are powerful. When we share the hard parts, we give others permission to do the same.” – Stephanie Troxel
- “No one gets married expecting to get divorced. Addiction can blindside you, and it can happen to anyone.” – Stephanie Troxel
Resources:
- Weighted Blankets by Jockey International
- Follow Stephanie Troxel
If Stephanie’s story touched you, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Share this episode with friends and family who may benefit from hearing her journey. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in our upcoming episodes!
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Send us your feedback, questions, or guest suggestions at connect@jaimemarco.com.
Thank you for joining us for this insightful conversation with Stephanie Troxel Rex. Remember, sharing your story can be a powerful tool for healing and connection. Until next time, keep writing your extraordinary story!
