Thoughts on how shutting down others is counterproductive, putting feelings into words so that we can separate ourselves from, and how facing our fears is the only way forward

A year ago I posted the barest details of the abuse at the hands of my stepfather and how my mother had been complicit in protecting him and shaming me as part of the #whyididntreport campaign. This sent shockwaves through our #lds #mormon community of which we had been a prominent golden family. Three of my four siblings courageously stood by my public claims. A year later I talk about the path to healing and why it was imperative that this revelation had to be as public as it was. What my gratitude to our unlikeliest of allies and the betrayal of others has meant for us and the lessons I am carrying forward into my own parenting. This is a story of harrowing healing and hope. #C-PTSD is not a life sentence and our abusers do not get to write our stories.

In this episode I chat about how getting vulnerable with my family drastically improved all of our lives, why mom guilt will wreck your relationships and how to get closer to your kids after you have a parenting screw up.

In this episode I talk about how a calm and soulful Summer dedicated to mastering my mindset and finding my spiritual groove again gave me the strength and resilience to withstand the perfect storm of a few of my greatest fears recently.

Long distance running is the perfect metaphor for life. Here are some of the most important nuggets of truth and wisdom I have gleaned on my long runs which anyone can apply to the Marathon of Life. Alternatively titled: I run long so you don’t have to ;)

In this episode I talk about the simple epiphany I recently had which instantly allowed me to become drastically more resilient to former triggers, far less affected by the actions of others, and infinitely more confident in my ability to handle whatever life may bring.

In this episode I talk to my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA teacher and friend Joe Garcia about the mentality of being a fighter and how the lessons from the ring (and before and after) synch up perfectly with anything we are facing in our life. We also talk about my experience with using BJJ as therapy for PTSD and what I gained from going One Inch Past Scary and being embraced by a Fight Club Family.

In this episode Ben who will be 21 in a couple of weeks speaks candidly of his struggles with perfectionism, burden of being a habitual high achiever and the ensuing depression and burnout he experienced in college. With his life in a state of hedonistic disarray, m and his attitude apathetic at best, he signed on for an intense summer job of field coursework in the Mojave desert. There he struggled with anxiety and Imposter Syndrome and resolved to give up before even starting. Instead he made a drastic mental adjustment and literally overnight began discovering reserves of strength and coping skills he forgot he had and a renewed zest for life and sense of direction as well as a deep testimony of the gift of vulnerability.

The next episode in my series of “What If” questions.: What if you stopped trying to control your life and instead chose to participate in it? A lesson in radical acceptance of WHAT IS and how it’s healing and changing me, recharging my physical energy, my relationships, (and helping me to be the parent I wish my kids had always had). I surprised myself by crying (with joy!) in this one.

A year ago my friend Jennifer Knowles made a simple set of 4 daily goals to make the most of her Summer. This quickly exploded into a 1000+ person strong incredibly active online community which is making a profound difference in countless lives. Based on radical kindness with Mr Rogers as their mascot this group is changing the world in the best possible way. Prepare to be inspired!