In this episode of The Survivor’s Chair, host Kim Russell explores the power of emotional awareness and why it’s the foundation for healing, self-reflection, and authentic personal growth.

Drawing from her own story as a trauma survivor, adoptee, and mentor, Kim unpacks what it means to truly recognize, feel, and take responsibility for your emotions—especially when old wounds, patterns, or triggers show up in life.

She explains how our childhood experiences shape our emotional responses, how empathy and listening transform our relationships, and how conflict can become a path to growth when we stay emotionally present.

Keywords:

emotional awareness, emotional intelligence, trauma healing, self-reflection, personal growth, childhood trauma, empathy, listening skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, taking responsibility, healing journey

Key Takeaways:

• Awareness is 90% of the solution

• Healing requires feeling.

• Happiness is an inside job,

• No one can “make” you feel something, you’re in control of your emotional responses.

• Emotional unawareness often leads to reactivity miscommunication, and overwhelm.

• Listening is a healing skill most people hear to reply, not to understand.

• Triggers are invitations to grow

• Empathy and boundaries go hand-in-hand in emotionally healthy relationships.

• Taking responsibility for your emotions builds confidence, trust, and inner peace.

• Your early experiences matter but they don’t define who you are

Sound Bites:

“Happiness starts on the inside.”*

“Healing requires feeling.”

“Listening is an art.”*

“Your triggers aren’t the enemy—they’re a doorway to healing.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Emotional Awareness

04:13 – Understanding Emotions and Trauma

08:01 – Taking Responsibility for Emotions

11:24 – Navigating Relationships and Emotional Patterns

15:44 – Healing Through Emotional Awareness

20:24 – Empathy, Boundaries & Connection

24:54 – Handling Conflict with Emotional Intelligence

27:53 – Triggers as Opportunities for Growth

30:06 – Final Reflections & Outro

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