In a recent episode of Penny for Your Shots, I had the pleasure of speaking with Becca Ingersoll, a compassionate writer, podcaster, and mother. Becca’s journey is one of resilience and optimism as she shares her experiences navigating infertility, childhood cancer, and personal growth. Through her blog, podcast, and retreats, she offers a safe space for women to find connection and joy amid life’s challenges.

The Journey to Joy

Becca’s blog and podcast, Finding Joy Through Life’s Trials, aim to provide encouragement to those facing difficult circumstances. From her own experiences with infertility and her son Lincoln’s battle with leukemia, she understands the need for connection and support.

"I want women to know they’re not alone, that there’s always hope and beauty even in the hardest moments," Becca shared.

Her blog, Mercy Rose, emphasizes finding blossoms amidst life’s thorns—a beautiful metaphor for the strength and grace she embodies.

Creating Safe Spaces Through Retreats

Becca’s retreats, cleverly titled Becca’s RR&R Retreats (Rest, Relaxation, and Reading), are designed to provide women with much-needed downtime, connection, and the joy of shared experiences.

Her first retreat featured activities like book discussions, bingo with thoughtful prizes, and plenty of time for relaxation. Her upcoming retreat includes a book talk with her friend and author Emily M. Gold, whose work deeply resonates with Becca’s mission of finding joy and connection.

"It’s all about creating a safe and supportive environment where women can recharge and feel seen," Becca explained.

Navigating Childhood Cancer

Becca’s son Lincoln was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just three years old. While the journey was grueling, with 27 months of treatment, Lincoln has been cancer-free for two years and is thriving alongside his twin brother, Logan.

Through her blog and podcast, Becca shares valuable resources for families navigating similar experiences. She emphasizes the importance of offering support and practical help to those in need.

"Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just let someone know you’re there for them. A simple offer to bring a meal or even a stack of paper plates can make a world of difference," Becca noted.

Writing, Podcasting, and Following Dreams

Becca’s dream of becoming a published author took flight after years of focusing on family and overcoming fear of criticism. With the support of a life coach and her creative passion reignited, she launched her blog in 2022 and her podcast in late December of that year.

"It’s okay if it’s not perfect. The important thing is to start and keep moving forward," Becca said.

Her memoir, currently in progress, is a heartfelt reflection on her journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Advice for Building Community

A strong advocate for finding and fostering community, Becca encourages others to seek connection through online groups, local meetups, or shared interests.

"Community is everything. Knowing you’re not alone and having a support system makes life’s challenges feel more manageable," she shared.

She also highlighted tools like private Facebook groups to facilitate connection and support during challenging times.

Closing Thoughts: Finding Joy Every Day

Becca’s story is a reminder that even amid life’s trials, there are opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. Whether through her retreats, podcast, or blog, she inspires others to find beauty in the journey and embrace life’s silver linings.

 Let’s raise a glass (or a Dirty Diet Coke!) to Becca’s inspiring journey and her mission to bring light and hope to others.

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blingersoll/

Becca's Blog: mercy-rose.com

Finding Joy through Life's Trials on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CGSPd2I4znhVEhHvlEz1s?si=49ec84280b8b4bb0