Episode 31
31: Beyond Chronic Illness: Chantel Soumis on Spiritual Growth, Self-Advocacy, and Finding Your Light
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Spiritual Fertility with your host, Alison Bucklin. This week, Alison welcomes Chantel Soumis—a resilient mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for those living with chronic illness. Chantel shares her powerful journey from receiving a life-altering diagnosis of multiple sclerosis shortly after her miracle son's birth to redefining what it means to be "differently abled." Together, Alison and Chantel dive deep into the importance of self-awareness, maintaining a positive attitude through life’s peaks and valleys, and embracing spiritual transformation in the face of adversity.
Chantel opens up about her challenges and the vital role family support, mindset shifts, and neuroplasticity played in her healing and resilience. She also explores her spiritual awakening, shedding light on surrender, purpose, and the power of human design in understanding herself—and her relationships with others—on a deeper level. As a working mom raising a uniquely gifted son, Chantel’s story is a heartfelt reminder of the strength, vulnerability, and courage it takes to move forward, trust the process, and inspire others along the way.
Tune in for an honest conversation about transforming the darkest moments into sources of clarity, hope, and authentic power. Whether you're navigating your own life transitions or seeking fresh inspiration, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, warmth, and an invitation to honor your own path of spiritual growth.
00:00 "Awareness and Connection Journey"
04:10 "Sharing My MS Journey on LinkedIn"
06:44 Embracing "Differently Abled" Identity
09:46 Mindset's Role in Health Transformation
12:53 "Surrender and Spiritual Awakening"
18:27 Awakening Beyond Taught Beliefs
21:38 Empathy and Advocacy for My Son
23:14 Empowering Children Through Parenting
28:35 Trust the Process, Share Your Light
30:35 Embrace Awareness and Trust Process
34:24 "Embrace the Journey Ahead"
Connect with Chantel:
Chantel Soumis’s journey took an unexpected turn ten years ago, right after the birth of her “miracle baby” son. Just as she was starting a new job—which suddenly fell through—Chantel was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a challenge that affected her vision and mobility so severely that her husband became both a new dad and her caregiver overnight. While those early days were daunting, Chantel discovered unexpected blessings in her struggle, finding empowerment and purpose in sharing her story.
Choosing LinkedIn as her platform, Chantel opened up about the realities of working with a chronic illness, inspiring countless others by turning vulnerability into strength. Today, she is a successful fractional Chief Marketing Officer and respected speaker, known for her courageous leadership and dedication to supporting fellow working parents and adults with disabilities. Through every challenge, Chantel continues to advocate for safe, honest conversations where others feel seen, heard, and motivated to press forward.
