Episode 11: Reframing Childhood Trauma - Part 2
How a woman’s loss of innocence as a child became the prelude to a heroic story of strength, survival and reclamation of self.
In Episode 11, Natalie and Chelsea sit down with Ali Marcus, a survivor of child sexual abuse, to discuss the inspiring conclusion to her story.
If Part I is about the loss of a woman’s innocence as a child and related consequences, Part II is an anthem of strength, self-love and resiliency.
Show Notes:
Hosts:
Natalie M.
Chelsea M.
Timestamps:
**00:00** - Introduction
**00:22** - Trigger warning/resources.
**1:28** - Chelsea introduces this episode's guest.
**2:16** - Ali tells us about how she began to free herself from her previous trauma, starting with her relationship with her now ex-husband.
**14:24** - Ali details what the final straw was in her first marriage.
**18:32** - Natalie asks Ali to tell us more about her weight loss surgery.
**28:14** - Ali tells us exactly what type of surgery she had.
**35:10** - Break
**38:20** - Ali discusses meeting her Husband Patrick, going back to school, and that there are other goals in her life that she’s excited to go after now.
**41:29** - Ali discusses how differently the world reacted to her post weight loss.
**45:37** - Chelsea asks Ali how her relationship with Patrick is different than her relationship with her first Husband, Alex.
**51:31** - Chelsea asks Ali if she has any specific plans to further her personal development.
**56:47** - Natalie asks Ali how she’s been able to maintain intimacy and personal boundaries after the trauma she experienced.
**1:02:01** - Chelse asks Ali what the most important skill, thing, characteristic, or strategy was that she used to overcome the challenges she encountered along her journey.
**1:06:42** - Ali tells us what her “word” is.
**1:09:38** - Ali tells us what the theme of her life is right now.
**1:12:59** - End of Episode
**1:13:23** - Stay tuned for next week
**1:14:49** - Outro
Key Takeaways:
1. “Fixed Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits are fixed or inherent and cannot be significantly changed.
Example: Avoiding challenges for fear of failure.
2. “Growth Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits can be developed and improved through effort and learning.
Example: Embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.
3. **Tips for Cultivating a Growth Mindset**
Self-Awareness
Identify Your Fixed Mindset Triggers: Recognize the situations that trigger a fixed mindset (e.g., challenges, setbacks, or criticism).
Reflect: Make it a habit to reflect on your thoughts and feelings regularly, identifying instances where a fixed mindset held you back.
Change Your Language
Switch Your Language: Instead of saying “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never . . .,” say “I can’t do this yet,” or “I am moving towards . . . .”
Embrace Constructive Feedback: When you or others fail, #fail forward by focusing on what can be learned from the experience.
Reframe Challenges and Setbacks
Stretch Goals: Set an objective that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Reframe Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for growth, not as a validation of an inability or shortcoming.
Embrace Feedback and Prioritize Learning Over Validation
Constructive Criticism: Actively seek out feedback that helps you improve or refine your skills.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment or cultivate relationships where open and constructive feedback is welcomed and regular.
Value the Process: Prioritize learning and improving over success or perfection.
Focus on Yourself: Prioritize yourself, focus on your personal development, and celebrate your achievements. Avoid seeking approval or validation from others.
Additional Resources:
Connect with Us:
- TikTok
- Threads
---
Thank you for tuning in!