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“You are not your past. You are all of it, your past, present, and future. So do the work to release the shame, the humiliation, and the negative judgments you have about yourself. Release yourself.” - Kathy Caprino

Over the past several weeks on the podcast I’ve been highlighting the critical power gaps and chapters from my new book, The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss. In this 7th installment of the series, I share the power gap that may be closest to my own heart and soul. I’m talking about how we allow our past trauma and deep challenges to continue to define us. I have lived this in such a deep way (and continue to work on it) and never fully understood this phenomenon until I became a therapist and did the work to uncover it.

Life can hurt us badly sometimes and leave deep scars, and no one is immune. Every single one of us has experienced some form of pain, suffering, sadness, isolation, rejection, and trauma in our lifetimes. Many have experienced and witnessed things that forever alter how they see the world and operate within it. Sometimes, pain and hardship make us close down and stop trusting others.

Other times, it makes us turn our pain into rage and violence against the world. Yet some people, while crushed by their pain for a time, are able to find a way to become more of who they really are at their core – more loving, compassionate, helpful, generous, insightful, brave, committed, and resilient -- through all of it. And some are fortunate to know exactly how to turn their emotional challenges into new ways to be of service in the world so they can uplift others while healing themselves.

I sincerely hope that this “The Most Powerful You” series has been enlightening, and in conjunction with my new book, can help you uncover the power gaps that may be holding you back at this very moment. As always, I want to thank you for listening and I would be so happy to hear your feedback on not just this episode, but the entire series and the upcoming book.

Remember that tremendous success, joy, and reward aren’t just reserved for a handful of people, but everyone, including you. You are worthy of an amazing life and career, and it’s waiting for you.