BackerKelly

BackerKelly

Kelly "Nerdzilla" Mendenhall

My Story

I am a recovering nonprofit professional who, after becoming suddenly medically disabled in 2017, began working in the digital space. I am now an author as well as being a content and community engagement specialist for BackerNation.

I have had three neurosurgeries from December 2018 - October 2019. My diagnoses include degenerative disc disease, myelopathy (spinal cord injury,) osteoarthritis, and piriformis syndrome (contributing to chronic sciatica.) I am very familiar with nerve and muscle pain. I have spent the last three years of my life learning how to best honor my body and control my discomfort as much as possible while moving forward with rehabilitation.

You can learn more about me and my personal story at Nerdzillakelly.com. I hope that you'll join me in the support groups, especially the Sciatica and Piriformis group as well as the Spinal Fusion support group.

4d

On Mondays, we share what we're thankful for because gratitude improves the attitude. It's a small way to practice mindfulness to kick off each week. So, what are you thankful for? I'll add mine in the comments.

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BackerKelly

5d

Saw this image and thought maybe others needed a reminder. I'm the queen of beating myself up for arbitrary standards of productivity. I try my hardest to work 20 hours a week. Some weeks, if I have an injury or illness or flare, that's just not happening. Productivity and self-worth are not intertwined. If you need to rest, rest. Honor your body. You'll get more done later if you rest when you need it.

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BackerKelly

7d

Does anyone have a Rose and a Thorn they would like to share for the week? You can brag on something great that happened and vent about something that was maybe not-so-great. I'll add mine in the comments!