Keywords thriving, surviving, grief, trauma, nervous system, chronic pain, breathwork, somatics, ADHD, authenticity, community, self-responsibility, healing, resilience, embodiment, conscious leadership, authentic relating, Spain, off-grid living, Biting Lemons

Summary In this powerful episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen is joined by therapist and truth-teller Beth Hardwick, who shares an extraordinary journey through upheaval, grief, and transformation. Beth opens up about growing up in a deeply Christian community, early rupture and rebellion, the devastating loss of her baby daughter Florrie, and the relentless pressure to keep functioning while her world fell apart. She shares how trauma lived in her body as shutdown and chronic pain — and how breathwork, somatic listening, community support, authentic relating, and conscious leadership helped her rebuild from the inside out. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation about choosing yourself, breaking loops, welcoming what is, and remembering that thriving is possible — even after the unthinkable.

Takeaways

Thriving can start with the next hour — one choice at a time.

Grief and shock live in the body, not just the mind.

Shutdown and “numbing out” are often survival strategies, not failures.

Your nervous system needs safety before feelings can fully move.

Breathwork can reopen what the body learned to block.

Healing isn’t solo work — we heal in community.

Notice the loop… and gently break it.

“Welcome everything” is a practice that changes your whole life.

Boundaries can be loving — and you’re only responsible for you.

You don’t need a perfect plan… you need the next brave step.

Connect with Beth

Sensitivita

https://www.sensitivita.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sensitivita/

Podcast Biting Lemons (coming soon):

https://www.bitinglemons.com/

https://www.instagram.com/biting_lemons/

https://www.patreon.com/cw/BitingLemons

Resources mentioned

Conscious Leader program - Gregg Kendrick - CEO / Guide & Facilitator Certified CNVC Nonviolent Communication™ Trainer

 [email protected]  | www.greggkendrick.com

Join the Becoming a More Conscious Leader publication & community on Substack

ART – Authentic Relating Training: https://authenticrelating.co/

For a discount: https://www.sensitivita.com/product/authentic-relating-level-1-foundations

Books

And Breathe — Rebecca Dennis

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma — Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century — Barbara Carrellas

The Ethical Slut — Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

WhatsApp: 07971798462

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions

🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

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