As a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in a family of golf enthusiasts, Amanda Balionis would return from school and go to the course with her dad to play for quarters in late afternoons. Although she liked a more active sport like volleyball, the time on the green meant more time with her father, Tony. But when he passed away in September 2018, Balionis felt like drowning. Of course, there were no longer those late-afternoon putting sessions. As a result of the grief, she gained 15lbs within two weeks. But instead of letting it dominate her, the CBS reporter controlled it with visits to the doctors, a healthy lifestyle, and even annual trips to Japan with her mother, Dana. Yet, to date, she experiences the grief turn into physical ailments.
On her Instagram story, Balionis detailed the experience she faced during the 7th anniversary of her father’s passing on Tuesday. She first gave what she was feeling, writing, “I’m seeing a chiro tomorrow morning and have been alternating ice and heat today which has kept the pain mostly at bay… but my fingers are still very tingly which is weird. Will keep you updated for those also on this fun journey! Let’s age in dramatic fashion together.”
In the same story, she also revealed, “Also worth noting: this week is the 7th anniversary of my dad’s death. I haven’t talked about it in a while but for those who may be experiencing grief… it ALWAYS comes up physically for me first. It’s like my body screams at me to pay attention before my emotions can catch up. This pain 100% started for me because of emotional stress. Just a gentle reminder to listen to your body and take care of yourself even when it’s not ‘convenient’… because spoiler it’s never convenient and your body doesn’t care about that anyways.”
Grief manifests uniquely for everyone; for Balionis, it came as a pinched nerve, leading to tingling sensations in her fingers. The upbeat reporter has always been open about the importance of mental health and self-care. But even with concerning updates, Balionis knows how to add a twist to not make it all sound sullen.
via Imago
Earlier, she invited advice from fans, asking: “Ah the joy of aging. Drop your pinched nerve fixes here.” Balionis’ story resonates with many who have experienced loss and the accompanying emotional and physical challenges, but assures them that they are not alone in these fights while also adding some personal, humorous touch. For Balionis herself, one of her biggest challenges remains balancing reality and her life.
Even in a post from 2018, Balionis had poignantly expressed: “You’re never ready to lose your Dad. This man has meant so much to so many and has taught me what it means to love, to be loyal, to actually live in each moment and have the best time doing it. No one loved my job more than he did because no one loves the game of golf more than my Dad.”
Balionis’ parents were avid golfers, and her maternal grandparents met on the course as well. So, despite her not playing golf professionally, her family was satisfied to see her still stay connected to the sport in some way. Now and then, she, too, grabs her irons and goes to courses when she’s not juggling between her work and practices to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition to chiropractic care, yoga, and contrast therapies, Balionis has embraced practices that nurture both her body and mind.
What’s your perspective on:
Is emotional stress the silent culprit behind your health issues? Amanda Balionis thinks so—do you agree?
Have an interesting take?Amanda Balionis’ journey from physical pain to inner peace
Yoga, in particular, has played a pivotal role in Amanda Balionis’ life. She began practicing yoga in 2012 during a turbulent period and later completed a yoga teacher training certification. For Balionis, yoga is more than a physical pursuit. In her own words, “Thanks to yoga, I had the tools I needed to step back and gain perspective. The biggest thing I learned about myself during my 200-hour training was that I was not a victim to things that happened to me.” In fact, her passion for yoga extends beyond her personal practice.
She actively shares this practice through her partnership with Stifel Financial. During their annual women’s summit, Balionis leads yoga sessions and once described it as, “Truly one of my favorite mornings… my heart is so full of gratitude. Being able to share this practice that changed my life is the best.” In addition to her yoga practice, Balionis is deeply committed to philanthropy, which again helps her find peace from within.
She founded Puppies & Golf, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting rescue dogs with individuals, particularly veterans, to foster companionship and support. The organization has partnered with various entities, including the PGA Tour, to raise awareness and funds for its mission. Onwards and upwards, Amanda Balionis has always found a way to look at the positive side of things, no matter the baggage the situations carry with them. Even now, she balances and promotes physical health and mental clarity, something that has helped her in her own journey as well.
