Healing Verses: Laing Rikkers on Loss, Poetry, and Advocacy. You Only Go Once (YOGO)

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Have you ever considered how poetry can heal the soul in the face of devastating loss and how it can raise awareness about crucial health issues such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea? This episode promises a profound exploration of these themes as we welcome Laing Rikkers, a woman transmuted by personal loss into a powerful voice for those battling OSA. Having lost her sister to this condition, Laing penned 'Mourning Leaves', a book of stirring poetry that manifests her journey through grief and serves as a beacon of understanding for those affected by OSA.

Our conversation travels through the soothing world of Laing's poetry and the poignant design of her collaborative book 'The Grief of Sleep Apnea'. Along with illustrator Kelly, Laing has managed to create a visual and emotional refuge for readers, pulling them into an authentic encounter with grief and resilience. From the delicate arrangement of words to the evocative artwork, Laing opens up about the courage and vulnerability it takes to share such intimate emotions and experiences with the world.

Towards the conclusion of our dialogue, Laing delves into her personal transitions and her newfound trust in gut instincts. She shares her upcoming ventures including her aspiration to create tranquil spaces for friends and loved ones to unwind. Our discussion ends on a note of hope and connection, as Laing's book and online presence stands as a testament to the potency of transforming personal loss into a source of comfort, understanding, and advocacy. Tune in to this moving episode to gain insight into Laing's inspiring journey and her mission to raise awareness about Obstructive Sleep Apnea.