In this Wellness Wednesday conversation, Beth Gustin, Robin Ennis, and Jeff Thompson slow things down to ask a deceptively simple question: what does "I'm fine" really mean? From aging and identity shifts to vision loss, assisted living, and feeling quietly pushed to the sidelines, the group digs into the unspoken grief that can come with life transitions. They talk about how losing roles, routines, and independence can chip away at a person's sense of purpose—and how often those feelings stay hidden behind polite responses. With warmth and honesty, they explore inclusion, belonging, and the deep human need to be seen, heard, and asked for our thoughts. The episode is a gentle call to listen beyond the surface, to make space for real answers, and to reach out—especially to older adults—before stories, wisdom, and connection fade into silence.

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Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes.

Show Hosts:

Robin Ennis on the web at www.robinennislcsw.com

Beth Gustin, LPC, NCC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, CAGCS, PLGS

Www.transitioningthroughchange.com

You can message Beth and Robin by calling 612-367-6093. They are looking forward to hearing from you!

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Episode Three of Blind Abilities – The Musical explores what it really means to find your voice as you move from K–12 into college and on toward a career. The three acts set the theme, but the heart of the episode lives in the conversation—real stories about IEPs, learning to speak up in meetings, navigating disability services, and building access when the rules change. Cheryl, Seyoon, Lori, and Jeff share practical strategies for getting accessible books and materials, communicating with professors, managing deadlines, and using tools like screen readers, Braille, and modern tech to stay independent. The discussion also digs into disclosure, confidence in interviews, choosing a campus that fits your mobility needs, and building peer networks that help you succeed. Together, the music and lived experience show that advocacy is a skill you grow over time—and the more you use your voice, the more it carries you forward into college, work, and life.

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If you're a blind or low-vision high school student heading to college, this College Readiness Workshop from State Services for the Blind of Minnesota breaks time management into a simple system you can actually use. Tou Yang and the SSB transition team talk with students about setting clear goals, knowing your "why" (motivation), building a realistic schedule, and staying disciplined—especially when you hit that week-two wall and want to quit. The group names common traps like procrastination and cramming, and offers practical fixes: block out study time, write everything down, set reminders, and cut distractions (yes, your phone). A key college takeaway is the "1 hour in class = 2 hours outside class" guideline, which shows how fast a 15-credit schedule becomes a full-time workload. Students also hear that schedules can flex—shift time between classes and protect downtime to avoid burnout.

Links of interests:

The Spectacle Newsletter

Youth Services at SSB

To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205.

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