<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Heather McAdams Official]]></title><description><![CDATA[ I encourage clients to see themselves as their champions, urging them to face daily challenges with determination and aim for greatness.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadamofficial.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:17:58 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.heathermcadam.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Let the Falling Begin: Practicing Life on the Mat]]></title><description><![CDATA[“When you perform, you are out of yourself and more potent, more beautiful. You are for minutes heroic. This is power. This is glory on earth, and it is yours whenever you step on the stage.” — Agnes de Mille I first read this quote during my New York acting days, and it made me less afraid of the stage — and less fearful of life. To me, art and life have always been the same. The problems you face in your art are often the same ones you face in your life. These days, I practice my life on...]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/let-the-falling-begin-practicing-life-on-the-mat</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5bf55ae447e3bde58817d4</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:06:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/222c1a_b712f512ac6a48d4ba76d93c99bfa681~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don’t Lose Yourself ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Grief and hard times can feel incredibly lonely, like holding a sad little plate of emotional snacks at a party. But you are not alone. When everything else fails, I highly recommend crying in the shower—it’s free therapy with great water pressure. Read my personal permission slip on how to survive the heavy days without losing who you are.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/i-promise</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4c2020a178a38b32c9f127</guid><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:42:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_2def5003202c47c2849ed010705dd76e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[“A Gentle Look at What I’m Doing to Support My Body”]]></title><description><![CDATA[Living with idiopathic cerebellar ataxia has taught me that I don’t have to wait for perfect answers or perfect days to take care of myself.
I’ve learned to listen to my body and try gentle things that actually help — red light therapy, my vibration board, ubiquinol, NAD, and cycling three days a week. Some days these tools give me more energy. Other days they simply remind me that I’m still showing up for myself, even when progress feels slow.
Staying positive doesn’t mean pretending it’s easy.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/dailywinswithataxia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a470e2e316fbd62aff883a1</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:27:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_4fd6cb3bee03419c9bde641210b5a597~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_960,h_891,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[I Have Other Plans: Embracing Life with Ataxia]]></title><description><![CDATA[I already have other plans. I do what’s recommended, but I also keep doing what I know works for me. I’ve always been a capable, multi-tasking woman, and ataxia hasn’t changed that. This is how I’m choosing to meet my journey with strength, consistency, and self-trust.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/making-other-plans</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a3c4bf6433568818446909b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:52:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_91b21c1914614a7981ef2b95e4151729~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding My Feet  ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Advocating for yourself when you have a disability is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to learn.
Especially when your speech is slurred, your energy is gone, and you’re facing it mostly alone.
I prepare lists of questions for every doctor’s appointment. I write scripts for important phone calls. I remind myself to be patient when speaking for others.
Because the truth is — no one is coming to do it for you.
Community is beautiful when you have it, but many of us walk this path alone]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/finding-my-feet</link><guid isPermaLink="false">666396048d38eb68a837ccf2</guid><pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 22:17:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_f67da86deebf4d1f94faaacb6f409af1~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_750,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Once Upon a Time: A Journey Through Child Actor Mental Health]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once there was a little girl who found herself in a very big business.
She was only 8 years old in an industry that devours its own for breakfast. She learned very early how to smile through exhaustion, how to please everyone, and how to perform — both on camera and off.
She played the “good girl.” She played the victim when it got her attention. She tied her worth to applause and approval.
What most people didn’t see was the quiet cost it took on her heart and mind.
]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/story-time</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a120d7758e6754d67c748b0</guid><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 20:50:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_beb13ee5aa9c48469fc960b3b15c8d9b~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_828,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Kitchen Sink Moment That Changed How I See Myself]]></title><description><![CDATA[This morning at the kitchen sink, one thought stopped me cold:
How and why did this happen to me?
For years I put everyone else first — I was the strong one, the capable one, the “good wife” and “good mother.” I practiced self-sacrifice without even realizing it… even while my own body was falling apart.
My ex chose self-preservation.
Why didn’t I?
I should have.
My mom always said, “Just because the doorbell rings doesn’t mean you have to answer it.”
I wish I had listened sooner.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/reflection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0f369cf401e60bd5de0e93</guid><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 23:14:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_f0f1695362fc42a2bcf0af185d971eeb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_922,h_922,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[“Daily Wins with Ataxia: The Small Victories That Keep Me Going”]]></title><description><![CDATA[What if the tiniest victories could change everything?
Living with cerebellar ataxia, I used to count only what I had lost. Then I started focusing on daily wins with ataxia — the quiet miracles that light up even the hardest days.
Laughing after dropping something for the tenth time. Standing long enough to make tea. Choosing rest without guilt.
These small ataxia wins became my daily medicine.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/daily-wins</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a08c9f50b9e4f37fd28469f</guid><pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 20:16:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_fcbb750e9e0542a0856a37343b9a5120~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[“Stress Made  My Ataxia Worse — Here’s What Actually Helps Me”]]></title><description><![CDATA[Living with ataxia means some days your balance is off and stress takes over. But waiting for someone to fix it is a total disaster. True freedom comes when you stop waiting and start moving. Read on to see how I shifted my mindset around chronic illness, learned to embrace the challenges, and unlocked a tool that helps me heal.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/grace</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f67b15edf5696920d58d78</guid><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 22:37:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_6e1f52a37f854b46a775e4c28b381b0c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_750,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Saving Yourself: The Medicine is you.]]></title><description><![CDATA[You know that saying, “No one is coming to save you”?  

I don’t know why, but as women, so many of us were taught that we needed saving. Softly, I remind myself that there is great power and acceptance in deciding once and for all that I can “save” myself. It may sound like a simple catchphrase, but it hits so much deeper than that.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/saving-yourself</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cda3632a4608ae001af25e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:26:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_764525e9f2fb4cb88d74c360bf2ddee4~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_723,h_922,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Embracing Bold Choices: A Journey of Strength and Vulnerability]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Power of Bold Choices

One of my mentors, as a young adult, once shared a profound insight: making bold choices is essential. This wisdom resonates with me deeply, and I carry it into my daily life. Along with many different traits, I strive to make bold choices. Sometimes they work out, and sometimes they don’t. ]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/the-dream-is-to-be-bold</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68bcb4cc98886589b90251f0</guid><pubDate>Sat, 06 Sep 2025 22:42:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_5d12e4b15d61497dac65114f366fa51f~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding My Voice: Understanding Dysarthria]]></title><description><![CDATA[Embracing Change in My Journey

My voice wasn’t just sound—it was my signature. That gritty, raspy tone carried me through every role, from the stage to Sisters to Beverly Hills, 90210. It was the spark in every conversation, the heart of every story I told. I was the ultimate Chatty Cathy, and I loved it. So when I learned that my voice—my essence—was being altered by a new symptom, my world tilted. Devastated doesn’t even cover it. It felt like losing a piece of my soul.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/finding-your-voice-how-i-deal-with-dysarthria</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68af7298412b28e83d0a9d46</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 21:10:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_d9ebd1cbec694f2498f6ffa6434ebc6a~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[My Journey to Optimal Health: A June Health Protocol]]></title><description><![CDATA[Morning Ritual: Fueling Your Day with Nutrient Power

Smoothie with AVE Therapy

Starting the day right with a nutrient-packed smoothie combined with Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) therapy sets the tone for enhanced mental clarity and focus. This combination has become a cornerstone of my morning routine.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/balancing-act-finding-your-sweet-spot-for-optimal-health</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66787a51d6e63f54f208378a</guid><pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:28:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_f5f554af175e48908ac0da062142a347~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Embracing Resilience: My Journey with Ataxia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Understanding Ataxia and Its Impact

Ataxia is a condition that affects coordination and balance. For those of us living with it, daily tasks can become daunting challenges. I remember the first time I noticed something was off. I was at a family gathering, trying to navigate through the crowd. Suddenly, my legs felt unsteady. It was as if the ground beneath me had shifted. ]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/just-a-reminder-you-got-this</link><guid isPermaLink="false">688e8e71703020ba46e31239</guid><pubDate>Sat, 02 Aug 2025 23:35:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_3f677cb7636740369c1283fa4891a766~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Strength on the Bike: My Spin Journey with Cerebellar Ataxia]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I was going through a hard time, I went to a spin class. Little did I know, five years later, I still am showing up for myself on the bike and in life, too. It's not easy, but I want to prove to myself that I can do hard things. I still get scared, but that's part of it. It's not worth doing if you're not a little bit afraid, right?]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/how-i-found-joy-on-the-bike</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6737c873e8010a0df62ac495</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 22:55:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_7c0765b1db494693b0ea464bcf65dc52~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your beautiful Self]]></title><description><![CDATA[In my personal journey of embracing and finding my beautiful self in times of challenges and adversity, Yin and Restorative Yoga have been instrumental in helping me reconnect with my inner beauty and resilience. These gentle and nurturing practices have provided me with a space to slow down, tune into my body, and cultivate a sense of deep relaxation and self-compassion.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/your-beautiful-self</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67103132f6f6c3c0d545580a</guid><pubDate>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:44:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_a3b4d24208d44e47b00e2fc10fecb2ed~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_604,h_339,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Ultimate Self-Care Guide: Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul]]></title><description><![CDATA[What is Self-Care?

Self-care is a deliberate and conscious effort to attend to your holistic well-being by nurturing your mind, body, and soul. It involves recognizing your needs, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that replenish your energy and restore balance. Contrary to what some may think, self-care is not selfish but rather a fundamental aspect of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/the-ultimate-self-care-guide-nurturing-your-mind-body-and-soul</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66dcb0a88c9327ca591fef5c</guid><category><![CDATA[Self Care]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 07 Sep 2024 20:57:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b0c4a99a81b74efab4464f34c45e2a32f000.jpg/v1/fit/w_640%2Ch_480%2Cal_c%2Cq_80/file.jpg/v1/fit/w_640,h_480,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Being All in.]]></title><description><![CDATA[In a world inundated with quick fixes and instant solutions, mastering one's mindset may seem elusive and challenging. However, the truth is that developing an empowering mindset is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. As the saying goes, the hack to mindset mastery is that there is no hack at all – it's about hard work, challenging old belief systems, and, above all, patience. Did I say patience?]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/being-all-in-a-successful-mindset</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6694208c2c045483eea9c8b5</guid><pubDate>Sat, 10 Aug 2024 07:35:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_e0e21b73281244638ccc0b2ee9a45abc~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Strategies for Overcoming Life's Tough Challenges and ]]></title><description><![CDATA[I cried on my daughter's shoulder, literally. I missed my dog Poppy, and I wanted to get back to spin class, but I couldn't walk. What was I going to do? In life, we encounter hurdles that seem insurmountable, challenges that threaten to break us. However, amidst the chaos and struggle, a simple yet profound mantra remains: "Whatever you are going through, keep going." These words encapsulate the essence of resilience, the power of persistence, and the unwavering determination to persevere...]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/5-strategies-for-overcoming-life-s-tough-challenges-and-thriving</link><guid isPermaLink="false">667cab13a1ffab72c47925b5</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:16:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_3445175cd5bc4c4da7103248a7dd0c0f~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Me and Adelle: The Power of Nutrition]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I was 12, I picked up a book near my mom's art stand. It was Adelle Davis's "Let's Get Well." My mom was big into healthy food and yoga, so finding random art and health books across the house was not unusual. My mom also had a big record collection, so listening to or taking a peek at what she was consuming made me feel close to her in some way.]]></description><link>https://www.heathermcadam.com/post/me-and-adelle</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6677424079bfcad202b7752e</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Jun 2024 21:32:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f453c0_0202e45e86054511b124c04d8f57c528~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Heather McAdam</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>