Nobody escapes it and it comes through so many ways from the loss of a loved one, to grieving a diagnosis of you or a loved one, to hoping and wishing for something like having a child and that dream not being realised. You maybe at home caring for a loved one and feeling anticipatory grief or struggling watching the horrors of war on media. For all the feelings of grief the intention of this podcast is to remember you are not alone. Although you feel grief uniquely as you there so many that are in parallel feeling their own grief journey. if you are struggling and need some help over the holidays remember to check out the Samaritans in Ireland or in your local country. https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Follow me on my trip to Southern India in Nov and Dec 2023. This is a diary of a few segments of my trip and the before and after. My 14 day tour forms 2 of the 3 weeks and was with G adventures. Some of the audio isn’t great as I was on the Move. The Guru I met and was hugged by was Amma, her Ashram is https://us.amma.org/groups/international-headquarters.

Listen to all the recent going’s on in the life of me.. Norma the host of this podcast ‘Beyond the Norm’. It’s been a big year.. so much has changed a large life transition and meeting someone very special to me and now I’m off to India for a month! Tune in to hear what’s been going on and why India and what has it been so special about 2023! Learn what I mean when I say I found love. ❤️

Having gone into sudden surgical menopause in 2022 Norma was eager to share an expert view of what the menopause is and how it can impact women. Dr Genevieve Ferraris is a GP in the Menopause Hub, Dublin and shares her own background and working in women's health in Ireland vs South Africa. Genevieve discusses and shares her expertise on: The difference between peri menopause and menopause. What age it can begin and end What are the symptoms How you support your self through all the different interventions from medical through to alternative Norma also shares her experience of both endometriosis and her hysterectomy which caused her to go into sudden menopause at 44. Genevieve is found at the Menopause Hub and takes clients online and in person throughout Ireland https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-ferraris-35451b1b9/ https://www.themenopausehub.ie/ Other supports Norma mentioned that support her: https://www.amandanordell.com/ - Accupuncture https://www.theamatsuclinic.ie/ https://bevporrino.simplybook.it/v2/#

A recent post on instagram around World Childless Week triggered a huge response from many of my followers and felt called to highlight your unique feelings and experiences on this topic. More info on World Childless Week here : https://worldchildlessweek.net/press-release I identify with many terms around this, in the past I have said out loud; 'I couldnt' have children' 'I don't have children but would have wanted them' 'I am not a mother and will never be a mother' This episode covers this normally taboo topic and unique stories of two women in particular. I am really grateful for Eimear Byrne of https://momentsofsparkle.ie/ and Clare Kelly of https://inscentions.com/ for sharing both their unique stories on this topic. Eimear, has used mindfulness and self-compassion to support her experience as an IVF survivor and now shares this with other women who have been through or going through the same. Clare reflects on where she now finds herself as not a mother by circumstance and how her dreams are becoming fainter as the time passes. Both are humble, vulnerable and reflective of their situations and I feel you will all find something they say that resonates. I also share the perspective of my followers on instagram who kindly shared their views and experience on the topic. Clare and I mention Ruby Warrington and this interview: HERE and her site which mentions her book: https://www.rubywarrington.com/books/women-without-kids/ If anyone would like to share their stories with me publicly or anonymously please do get in touch via insta @normaokelly or email [email protected] I am so grateful to Eimear and Clare and also my tribe who encourage me to be brave and inspire me by their lives each day! Thank you x

This is a really special interview with the wonderful Mary Jennings of Forget the Gym, RTE Ray D'arcy Show, Brendan O'Connor Show and Irish Times and published author. Mary is someone I greatly admire, who is humble and courageous in all she has achieved and all she has done for so many women and men both in Ireland and also for the Irish diaspora Internationally! Mary has dared 1000s of people to get into the fresh air, move, run and achieve things they felt were impossible. She is the truest definition of coach and guide. I was one of the lucky ones to be trained by Mary back when she started her business and we became friends and although I don't run anymore I love watching her business and her runners and community thrive. This conversation shares her evolution in business and stories of the people she has guided! Truly inspiring! Originally from Dunboyne in Co Meath, she set up Forget The Gym and started coaching running classes in 2007. It’s a pretty simple concept, according to the website: “We love running, fresh air, feeling good and having fun. We coach everyone from complete beginners right up to marathon runners.” Check her out! https://www.forgetthegym.ie/ Mary's Irish times column; https://www.irishtimes.com/author/mary-jennings/ Mary's book - 'Get Running' : https://www.easons.com/get-running-mary-jennings-9780717183760?gclid=CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9mYQyrkNWPAyDSVM2ghbkhTmNKmm8FzD11Lpg6m2379B3VEbu1on1xoCHcoQAvD_BwE

Here I share my before during and after Camino experience. I started the Camino Frances 8 years ago. This trip will be my 5th in 2023 and I’m starting back where I finished 4 years ago in Leon. Come with me as I share my highs and lows of Camino life walking over 100km in 5 days. ❤️🥾🚶🏽‍♀️ What is the Camino Frances?: https://followthecamino.com/en/camino-tours/camino-frances/ If I wanted to travel the organised way or with a group ; https://caminoways.com/ Best backpack for women: https://www.deuter.com/ie-en/shop/c27778-backpacks Useful Guidebook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/PilgrimS-Guide-Camino-Santiago-14th/dp/1912216000 Useful Smartphone App for planning: Wisepilgrim on Apple or Spotify.

Marta Vera is a new qualified Wim Hof method instructor, From Poland originally she now lives in Dublin with her husband and is a proud mama of two boys and a personal trainer! Marta lives and breathes mindfulness, breathing exercises, and personal growth - these things are essential for your overall well-being. Marta shares her story here and also how she got into Wim Hof method. She also shares her grief journey in relation to the cold and how its supported her. Marta's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marta_vera_bodyandmind/ Marta's Wim Hof method page: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/instructors/marta-vera-1 Níall's 10 day breathing course; https://www.breathewithniall.com/wim-hof-method-blog/2021/3/9/10-days-of-breathing Book Journey of The Souls by Michael Newton: HERE Níall's book: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Blissful-Breath-Niall-O-Murchu/9781784885304?redirected=true&selectCurrency=EUR&w=AFFPAU96857M1FA8YC1Y&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ie_shopping_performance_max&utm_content=ie&gclid=CjwKCAjw5dqgBhBNEiwA7PryaPyGlzKWXAoadfY_BsK02AT6AE9fNFQlxm16gHLo3Oj5vEmn0YT-ChoCxC0QAvD_BwE

This episode I get to share my story with the cold and in particular my grief journey how it brought me to the Wim Hof method and how it has changed and enhanced my life over the last 4 years! This episode features an interview with Níall O Murchu Wim Hof’s most distinguished Wim Hof method trainer from Oct ‘21 I also share my experience of being on a deep immersive retreat in Cliffs of Moher retreat in Co. Clare Ireland back then also. In addition I also share the perspective from Aoife Little’s a fellow Woman of the Wim Hof Method and tribe member. She eloquently shares her journey and how the method and cold has helped her with her anxiety and grief. I hope you really enjoy Part 1 of this episode and stay tuned for Part 2 interview with Marta Vera and her Wim Hof method journey as a new Wim Hof method trainer. The Wim Hof Method website ;https://www.wimhofmethod.com/practice-the-method Níall's website; https://www.breathewithniall.com/ Cliffs of Moher retreat: https://www.cliffsofmoherretreat.com/ https://www.cliffsofmoherretreat.com/teacher/niall-o-murchu-michelle-moroney/

Welcome to a gentle body scan, body sensations and body sweep.  In this podcast I gently guide you through any pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral sensations that may arise in the body. With each breath a chance to let go and sink deeper into relaxation.  I hope you can find a safe and quiet space to savour in this meditation. It may help you sleep if you are restless or find yourself too heady and want to connect in with your body.  Let me know what you think or share with a friend who may benefit from it also.  Thanks for tuning in, always appreciate all your listens and support  Norma x