Stark Conversations

Learn how processing and metabolizing our stories is a powerful healer.

Heather briefly explains why she pushed pause on the podcast, how she has triumphed, and what is in store for Season 2 of This is Me.

Sometimes the only way to move forward is to look back. I know this is contrary to what you've heard time and time again, but it's true. Looking back at our own stories helps us become aware of why we make certain choices and recognize coping habits we develop through experiences of shame, stress and self-doubt. But most importantly, it helps us understand how those things affect the stories we're still writing today. In this episode, I talk about recognizing the starting point of your own story and using awareness to fuel change.

Did you know your body physically holds onto memories and emotions you experience throughout your life? They get bound up and stored, waiting for the opportunity to be released. That’s why yoga can be so therapeutic. When I first started my practice I was in it for the strength and flexibility, but soon I found myself crying when I went into certain poses. Caught by surprise, I found myself reliving distant memories and experiencing emotions I hadn't felt in years. Since then, I’ve learned how yoga helps release and expose the thoughts and emotions our physical bodies hold onto. Yoga is mystical and therapeutic, and now vital to my life. Today I consider my hour of morning yoga to be part of my 8-hour work day. Join me as I talk to the owners of Trinity Yoga. Listen as as we discuss how yoga can help you process and heal the most difficult parts of your story.

(Part 2 of 2) The mass devastation of the Liberian Civil War of 1989 served as a backdrop to Sonnie’s earliest memories. Her father headed to the United States when she still was very young, leaving Sonnie, her mother and younger brother to seek refuge in a small village outside the city. Soon after the war ended, Sonnie’s mother left both children behind in the village as she, too, made her way to America.

The physical, sexual and emotional abuse Sonnie endured throughout her life set the tone for her self-perception as she grew into womanhood. Trapped in a tumultuous marriage, she eventually found herself at the breaking point in the form of a suicide attempt interrupted by her young son. In that moment, she knew things had to change.

Fast-forward to today: Sonnie has transformed her life's traumas into a story of empowerment, fueled by the understanding that forgiveness and self-love must be at the center of healing. Today she is devoted to her young children and loving husband. And, though each day remains a struggle, she has found the light in her life and now sees how she can use her story to help other women.

(Part 1 of 2) The mass devastation of the Liberian Civil War of 1989 served as a backdrop to Sonnie’s earliest memories. Her father headed to the United States when she still was very young, leaving Sonnie, her mother and younger brother to seek refuge in a small village outside the city. Soon after the war ended, Sonnie’s mother left both children behind in the village as she, too, made her way to America.

The physical, sexual and emotional abuse Sonnie endured throughout her life set the tone for her self-perception as she grew into womanhood. Trapped in a tumultuous marriage, she eventually found herself at the breaking point in the form of a suicide attempt interrupted by her young son. In that moment, she knew things had to change.

Fast-forward to today: Sonnie has transformed her life's traumas into a story of empowerment, fueled by the understanding that forgiveness and self-love must be at the center of healing. Today she is devoted to her young children and loving husband. And, though each day remains a struggle, she has found the light in her life and now sees how she can use her story to help other women.

Facing your own story can be difficult. Sometimes you need a solid supporter - the one that sees all the moments of your struggle, never judges, always encourages and helps pull you through to a better place. That person actually becomes part of your story.

In this episode, my husband Lanham and I talk about how *my* story is actually *our* story. We've been married more than 20 years and he's seen me through my hardest and darkest times. He's the one that saw the potential in my struggles and encouraged me to turn them into a story of empowerment. Now, 3 businesses later, my story has turned a corner and it's all about impacting other women in a positive way. Listen as Lanham and I talk about how *we* got here.

Have you ever hit a breaking point, a true rock-bottom moment when you knew things had to change? I’ve felt compelled to dive deeper into my experience with mental illness. In this podcast, I talk about my breaking point – the moment “broken” reached the bottommost layer of my soul. In that moment, tears fell uncontrollably. But there is a voice that comes after tears. It brings warmth and it brings a choice. For me, that choice was to decide “unworthy” was no longer acceptable. It was time for healing to begin.

**Trigger warning:** I use some terms that could be problematic for those with any history with over-exercise, body dysmorphia or eating disorder.

What is your mean-girl memory?

Being a mom is tough. But the best way through it is with your tribe, so the “book club” ladies are back for a second Winecast! Pour your own glass of wine and join the gals as they discuss the mean-girl culture that exists today, not only in adulthood but also while raising their daughters.

Do you constantly ask yourself the most absurd questions?

Join Heather as she shares with you the hilarious, but uncomfortably truthful questions that come up often for her, and most likely other women.