Choosing to Overcome PTSD and Chronic Pain with A Smile with Lynn “Elikqitie” Smargis

In this episode of Cancer and Comedy, Dr. Brad Miller and Deb Krier welcome Lynn “Elikqitie” Smargis to discuss overcoming chronic pain and PTSD while building a career in writing and publishing. Lynn shares her deeply personal journey of surviving childhood abuse, living with PTSD, and using writing as a tool for healing. She introduces her “box metaphor,” explaining how her mind stored traumatic memories and how she gradually worked through them. Dr. Miller and Deb engage in a robust discussion on trauma, resilience, and the importance of acknowledging pain instead of suppressing it. Lynn emphasizes that healing is a process that takes time and requires the right tools and support. She also highlights the impact of mindfulness and Buddhist principles in managing PTSD and chronic pain. Beyond her personal story, Lynn shares insights into her work as a book coach and ghostwriter, confidently helping others share their stories. She discusses the emotional aspects of writing memoirs and the importance of guiding authors through the process with purpose and intention. The conversation also touches on caregiving, as Lynn reflects on her role in taking care of both of her parents when they battled cancer despite her complicated past with them. She shares how this experience shaped her compassion, forgiveness, and resilience. Throughout the episode, humor remains a central theme, reinforcing the idea that even in the darkest moments, laughter and positivity can play a crucial role in healing. Lynn Smargis’ Links: Website: https://writeforyou.me Brad Miller’s Links: Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/