When Tragedy Becomes the Teacher with Katie Wilson

A Cure in Sight is joined on The Eye Believe Podcast by Katie Wilson, M.A, L.C.P.C., discussing insights on, “When Tragedy Becomes the Teacher.” Katie is a fellow Ocular Melanoma survivor as well as a clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience.

Katie believes the greatest outcomes grow from the most challenging circumstances, and that we as adults can transform these challenges into profound learning experiences. Her research focus has been on human flourishing, specifically eudemonia (you de monia), following tragic life experiences.

Katie is also an instructor of psychology at North Idaho College. She resides in Coeur d’ Alene (core dah lane), Idaho with her two children, where she works as a trauma therapist.

As a survivor, she volunteers as an advocate and fundraiser for ocular melanoma patients. Her purpose is to assist her fellow survivors in living their absolute best, most meaningful lives.

The song referenced in this episode is below: 

“I believe in the sun

even when it is not shining

And I believe in love,

even when there’s no one there.

And I believe in God,

even when He is silent.” (Unknown, written during WW2, on the wall of a cellar, by a Jew in the Cologne concentration camp) 

Recording to a version of this piece turned into music.

 

A few moments from her episode:

 

Recall the Disney movie, Inside Out–remember that sadness, grief, suffering–they help us to grow as people to experience joy. If we are constantly chasing happiness, we usually miss the mark. We need BOTH sets of emotion for the full human experience. The “happy” emotions and the “tricky” emotions.

 

Difficult emotions exist to be felt, but we tend to try to avoid them. Remember, we as human beings are programmed to thrive, despite the obstacles we go through.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and Eye Patch Days are on May 20-22!

Help us raise awareness for Ocular Melanoma!

1. Decorate a patch! Encourage family and friends to do the same!

2. On May 20-22, proudly wear your patch any of those days to experience the day in the life of an omie if you’re a caregiver, or wear it around town to spark conversations around OM.
   
   3. Post any photos to enter the contest for best decorated patch on social media (make sure we can see it @acureinsight and #eyepatchday)  OR  email a submission to contact@acureinsight.org

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The Eye Believe Podcast is brought to you by Castle Biosciences. Castle Biosciences is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. The Company aims to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors. 

This podcast was hosted by Danet Peterson and produced by Agora Media.