Truth Then Dare with Dr. Nandi Shareef

Episode 8: When We Heal Ourselves, We Heal Each Other with Ellena Balkcom

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Guest: Ellena Balkcom

Welcome back to another episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, hosted by Dr. Nandi Shareef. In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Nandi chats with Ellena Balkcom about the power of healing, vulnerability, and transformation. 

Ellena Balkcom, Founder of Written on Purpose and former employee of The Walt Disney Company, shares her remarkable journey of healing and self-discovery. After deciding to leave her corporate career to launch her business, Ellena faced unprecedented challenges, including a life threatening car accident and a painful marital breakdown. This episode explores Ellena's story of resilience and the profound impact major life transitions can have on individuals and their families.

Key Takeaways:

Major Life Transitions:

  • Ellena transitioned from Orlando, Florida to Savannah, Georgia, facing numerous obstacles, including leaving a stable job at The Walt Disney Company and dealing with marital challenges.
  • A near-fatal car accident required emergency surgery and led to a significant hospital stay. 
  • Despite her husband's lack of support during her recovery, Ellena found the strength to move forward, co-writing a book from her hospital bed, which sparked her re-energized spirit.

    • Rebuilding and Growth:

    • After her marriage fell apart, Ellena took the courageous steps to leave, get a job, and move to Atlanta. 
  • She bought a house, creating stability and a new life for herself and her daughter.
  • Ellena’s journey highlights the vulnerability of not having permission or time to break down, particularly as it affected her daughter who observed the challenges closely.

    • Healing Through Rediscovery:

    • Ellena healed by rediscovering herself, allowing herself time, and appreciating the love and support she received.
  • She encourages listeners to rediscover themselves, steer clear of harmful coping mechanisms, and to share their stories for communal healing.

    • Time-stamped Discussion Points:

    • 05:21 Ellena’s story of how she left a cushy role in Orlando for her husband's job relocation to Savannah and subsequently launched her writing services firm
  • 10:12 How Ellena’s near-fatal car accident led to emergency surgery and lasting trauma for daughter
  • 17:11 How Ellena transitioned remarkably, creating a successful and fulfilling life post-divorce
  • 22:07 How entrepreneurship can surpass corporate success, yielding significant rewards despite challenges
  • 27:53 The importance of rediscovering identity after divorce and remembering who you were before marriage and children

    • #TTDareoftheDay:

    Dare to Rediscover Yourself.

    Who were you before life’s challenges shaped you?
    Chase that version of yourself with unwavering determination—the path to healing and fulfillment starts within.

    Quotes:
    • "Many of us don’t realize how much of ourselves we lose in trauma and transition and surviving." - Ellena Balkcom
  • "I felt such a tug that it's something more. It's something different, not necessarily better, just more of me that was left to be discovered and put into the world, more of the world to be experienced. And I just couldn't shake it." - Ellena Balkcom
  • "It was less about proving anything to anybody else and more about making her (my daughter) proud." - Ellena Balkcom
    • Connect with Ellena for Ongoing Inspiration:
    • Written On Purpose:
    • Website: www.writtenonpurpose.com
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wopcomms/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WOPComms/
    • Next Episode Teaser: 

    In this solo episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef delves into the powerful concept that our beliefs drive our lives. Through personal anecdotes and insightful observations, she explores how deeply ingrained beliefs shape our experiences, relationships, and outcomes. Dr. Nandi shares her journey of recognizing and transforming these beliefs to create a more fulfilling life, offering listeners practical advice on how to do the same.

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    • Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.

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    Truth Then Dare with Dr. Nandi ShareefBy Dr. Nandi Shareef