When glass sponges, deep-sea animals, are threatened or injured, they physically shut themselves off so they can recalibrate their next move. This innate ability to take care of themselves isn’t lost on me – we’ll never escape life’s curveballs and downfalls but it doesn’t mean in any way whatsoever that we’re incapable of taking care of ourselves so that we can move forward. And that we can create something of value, purpose, hope, and truth, for ourselves. Just like we deserve.

Anxiety stems from so many contributing factors – some psychosocial, some biological, some environmental, and some genetic. Despite this, my guest Cristina Iacono (yes, she’s related to me), makes the important point that even though we might sometimes be afflicted by a mental health episode, a path forward does exist for ourselves and we will feel again. We'll be able to connect back in with our selves again.

Cristina gives us a glimpse at her non-negotiable self-care tips, which in her own words, she’s constantly working at them and rightly so because our health is never static and we need to keep an eye on tomorrow’s version of us.

Oh and if you love good food, check out Cristina’s exciting new social pursuit where she shares healthy recipes, Italian dish traditions, and gives her reviews on the Montreal restaurant scene. Having worked through her health challenges, Cristina has found a new creative outlet that keeps her feeling truly alive. Talk about purpose after pause.

Follow along on Instagram at @tinas.food.obsession

I’m Elena Iacono and my aim with Sturdy Glass Sponges is that we're inspired to look at our own lives in a renewed way.