Guest Introduction
- Elisa Christensen: An American author, poet, and public speaker.
- Achievements: Despite breaking her fifth lumbar vertebra in a skateboarding accident, Elisa became a triathlete, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and solo world traveler.
- Biggest Victory: Overcoming a 30-year dependency on doctor-prescribed opiates in 2017.
- Publications: Authored eight books focused on courage and gratitude.
Elisa's Early Challenges and Journey
- Skateboarding Accident: Broke her fifth lumbar vertebra in adolescence.
- Pain Management: Started on opiates in her late teens due to chronic pain.
- Triathlete Aspirations: Despite re-injuring her spine, she pursued triathlons, which worsened her condition.
- Medical Struggles: Faced multiple diagnoses and eventually had to undergo a two-level fusion surgery.
The Battle with Opiates
- Opiate Dependency: Long-term use led to high tolerance and severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Realization: Understood the mental aspect of her dependency when her mind anticipated pain relief before getting medication.
- Breaking Free: Successfully ended her dependence on opiates and chose a life of clarity and health.
Elisa's Literary Contributions
- The Fentanyl Warrior: Written to help others overcome opioid addiction.
- Goal: Save lives by sharing her story and experiences.
- Impact: Helped individuals, including a local resident's family member, overcome addiction.
- The Team Warrior: Focused on raising addiction-resistant kids and understanding the root causes of addiction in young people.
- Research: Interviewed teens in recovery to understand how parental communication could prevent addiction.
Key Takeaways on Addiction
- Addiction as a Mental Health Issue: Emphasizes the need for better mental health funding and support.
- Preventative Measures: Effective communication within families can play a crucial role in preventing substance abuse.
Living a Fantastic Life
- Warrior Mindset: Elisa shares her transformation from a victim mentality to a warrior mindset.
- Responsibility: Advocates for taking 100% responsibility for one's life and choices.
- Health and Clarity: Stresses the importance of maintaining a clear mind and healthy lifestyle.
Advice for Listeners
- Pursue Happiness: Find what makes you happy and pursue it earnestly.
- Take Responsibility: Own your life and choices without blaming others.
- Inspire Others: Recognize your potential to inspire and help others through your actions and achievements.
Final Thoughts
- Message to Younger Self: Don’t play small; embrace your potential and inspire others.
- Contact Information:
- Website: www.authorelisa.com
- Host’s Advice: Visit www.lifequalityassessment.com to assess your life quality and find ways to enhance your journey to a fantastic life.
BIO:
Elisa Fortise Christensen is an American author, poet, and public speaker whose message of tenacity and courage inspires others to become warriors in their own life stories. Despite breaking her fifth lumbar in a skateboarding accident during adolescence, she went on to become a triathlete, entrepreneur, wife and mother and solo world traveler. Yet her biggest victory took place in 2017, when she fought her way out of her 30-year dependence on doctor-prescribed opiates. She has since gone on to write eight books, all focused on approaching life with great courage and deep gratitude.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisafortisechristensenauthor
TikTok: TikTok.com/authorelisa
LIVE with The Famous Dr. AL
Discover the golden pearls of wisdom within you! Dr. Allen Lycka has been acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped develop several new technologies and has spoken at podiums worldwide. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with ALS and given six months to live. After courageously fighting the diagnosis, he is here today as a result of his courage, determination, and tenacity. Dr. Lycka used his experience to co-author "The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life" with a foreword by #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup For The Soul.
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Dr. Allen Steven Lycka was acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world for three decades. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped to develop laser-assisted tumescent liposuction – an advanced body sculpture technique, and Moh’s Micrographic Surgery, an advanced means of removing skin cancer with 99% success. He has lived and practiced in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada since 1989. He’s written 17 books, 30+ academic papers and hosted the number one internet radio show in the world – Inside Cosmetic Surgery Today. He is a co-founder of Doctors for the “Practice of Safe and Ethical Aesthetic Medicine” and founder of The Canadian Skin Cancer Association. He won the prestigious Consumers Choice Award For Cosmetic Surgery for 16 consecutive years.
In 2003, Dr. Lycka’s life changed drastically when he suddenly developed a right foot drop while on vacation with his family at Disneyland. He promised his wife he would explore it, and after seeing many doctors was misdiagnosed with having ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Still, he maintained his status as a leading cosmetic doctor for 30 years. He later discovered he has Chronic Lyme disease.
Because of what he learned through his experience, he left his practice and co-authored the bestselling book, “The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life” with Harriet Tinka, a former fashion model and Woman of Distinction.
He has also authored two more books: one with Corie Poirier entitled, “bLU Talks Presents: Business, Life and the Universe” and one with Jack Canfield entitled, “The Pillars of Success.” Both books also became bestsellers during the Covid crisis in 2020. Currently acknowledged as a leading expert in Living A Fantastic Life and Turning Points, he is a transformational speaker, thought leader, coach, and mentor.
Dr. Lycka is happily married to Dr. Lucie Bernier-Lycka for 38 years and they have four lovely daughters and seven beautiful grandchildren. He counts his family as his most important accomplishment.