Welcome to KidneyTalk!
On this week’s show, Lori Hartwell and
Stephen Furst speak with Sharon Pahlka, a truly remarkable woman who has
been a kidney patient for three decades but has never let that stop her from
doing the things she has wanted to do (even competitive water skiing, when she
was a bit younger). She now helps others with chronic illnesses to “live their
lives on purpose.”
Do you remember any of those cheers from your school days? How
about “2-4-6-8... who do we appreciate!?” Or maybe, “Stephen, Stephen, he’s our
man. If he can’t do it, no one can!” Those might be pretty dated cheers (Hey,
quiet down with the chuckles!), but we do believe that having someone in your
corner to cheer you on never goes out of style. And that’s exactly what this
week’s guest believes also.
Sharon, a certified Life Coach and kidney patient for more than
32 years, coaches people who are interested in making changes in their lives.
“My life coaching is based on making the best choices possible, doing the best
you can, controlling the things you can control and influence, and letting go of
the rest,” says Sharon. “A coach can help you identify your values and strengths
while coming alongside of you and coaching you to victory.”
Sharon knows about the difficulties of life, as do we all. But
she has this special insight into making changes for the better and achieving
victory. In addition to life coaching, Sharon runs a support group for kidney
patients and leads educational classes for people newly diagnosed with kidney
disease. “When you have kidney disease, it’s just one more thing that makes life
difficult,” says Sharon. “When I was first diagnosed, I thought my life was
over. I blamed everything that happened in my life on my disease. But I found
out that just wasn’t true. Everything is not just about kidneys,” adds Sharon.
“Life is a gift.”
Stephen agrees: “I have firsthand experience, and I know, that
people who have a will to live really do appreciate that life is a gift.”
Lori concurs: “People who have lived with kidney disease for a
long time, and who have come to a certain contentment with it, know who they
are, what they’re made of, and what they’re capable of doing. And that comes
with a certain amount of strength.”
“I absolutely believe that we all have a contribution to make
here on earth, and that we shouldn’t give up so easily,” offers Sharon. “When
you reach out and help other people,” she adds, “you’re not focusing on your
disease and you feel more valuable.”
So what is Sharon’s key tip for getting on the right track and
coaching yourself to victory? It’s to “Really be aware of who you are and what
makes your heart sing,” she says.
“2-4-6-8... who do we appreciate?” Lori, Stephen, Sharon, and all
of the other kidney patients who are role models to us all, living positive,
influential, and hopeful lives. Go Team!
For more information on life coaching, please visit
lifeisagift.com.
