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When Ann became a mother, she had a clear vision: warm cookies after school, laughter, and a picture-perfect family life. But when her daughter arrived early and needed a NICU stay, that dream collided with anxiety, depression, and a world she didn’t feel prepared for. 

Ann shares how she learned to give herself grace, ask for help, and rebuild her sense of self through what she calls “five-minute magic.” With warmth, humor, and Hallmark-movie analogies, Ann reminds us that healing doesn’t happen instantly, but it does happen. 

 Key Takeaways

• You don’t know what you don’t know. Give yourself permission to learn, ask for help, and be human.
• Self-care doesn’t need to be complicated—try “five-minute magic,” small daily habits that open up joy.
• Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
• The “can’t” mindset can shift to “how can I?”—a lesson Ann learned from her grandfather and now passes down.
• Mental health practices ripple through generations. When caregivers care for themselves, families thrive.
• Hope isn’t instant, but it’s always possible.

Links:

• Ann's Website: https://annsplan.com/
• Ann's Linkden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-pells-10397615/

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 Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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