How Real Connection Supports Healing (Even When You're Exhausted) with Heather Nelson

"Push your life to be the life that you want and not accept that it's just the way it is. Every choice that you make should be toward loving the life that you have." —Heather Nelson Connection isn't just a feel-good extra. It's a lifeline when the world feels heavy and invisible battles make us want to shut down. Isolation, overwhelm, and invisible struggles don't need to be our whole story; even small acts of reaching out can reshape everything. The truth is, connecting with the right people and sharing our messy middle is stronger than any secret solution. Heather Nelson, founder of The Connection Hive and Host of Life Conversations with a Twist Podcast, turned a knack for listening into a movement, making careers, health challenges, and even surrogacy a shared experience, not a solitary climb. Her unfiltered take on relationships and resilience inspires a fresh perspective on both strangers and friends. Press play to explore the profound impact of human connection as Donna and Heather delve into invisible illness, friendship, self-care rituals, flexible work arrangements, honest communication, and the raw beauty of surrogacy, all with candor and no sugarcoating. Connect with Donna: Website: https://www.donnapiper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapiper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedonnapiper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedonnapiper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedonnapiper Episode Highlights: 03:55 Living for Connection 12:33 Simple Ways to Connect 26:28 Setting Business Model Based on Flexibility and Accommodation 33:11 Connection When You Don't Feel Like It 37:01 Navigating Surrogacy Journey 48:42 Challenges and Support in Surrogacy 01:01:44 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 01:04:59 Advocating for Surrogacy X: Some days, a real connection is stronger than any quick fix or advice. Listen in for raw stories about chronic illness, supportive friendships, and building a life that fits you as Donna sits with The Connection Hive Founder, Heather Nelson. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #connection #community #authenticity #support #surrogacyjourney #selfcare Quotes: 04:53 "We all have a story, and I really want women to embrace theirs and be okay with talking about it, because at the end of the day, the goal is to inspire and empower other women to do the same." —Heather Nelson 08:23 "The more we talk about things that we think are shameful or embarrassing, the more we put our self-esteem." —Donna Piper 24:46 "We're here to learn how to connect with people and how to improve and go on through our relationships." —Donna Piper 28:38 "Something that goes missed with employers is showing appreciation, telling people you're doing a great job; I see you; I'm thankful for you." —Heather Nelson 30:44 "The more trust you build, the more that they're going to want to do for you." —Heather Nelson 35:08 "Give yourself grace when it's really not a moment that you can show up; it's okay to take a break." —Heather Nelson 50:44 "I really never push it upon people. If people want to have the conversation about [surrogacy], I will have it. If they don't, I leave it alone." —Heather Nelson 01:02:10 "Connect with an open-ended presence. Be flexible— that makes your connection with people and yourself and the world around you an easier flow." —Donna Piper 01:03:27 "The more you talk about things, even if it's scary or you feel weird about it, or you don't want to be judged, it opens up more true conversations, so you can have relationships that are more rooted in trust." —Donna Piper 01:04:21 "Push your life to be the life that you want and not accept that it's just the way it is. Every choice that you make should be toward loving the life that you have." —Heather Nelson Connect with Heather: A seasoned expert in the hospitality industry with over 20 years of experience in events. Heather is a significant influencer in Sonoma County. As the founder of The Connection Hive, she is committed to empowering small businesses by curating innovative business development plans. Her extensive network allows her to link individuals with the precise resources needed for growth—spanning marketing strategies, event curation, and business relations management. Website: https://theconnectionhive.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathercelestenelson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.nelson.7587 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathernelson.life YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectionHive