In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass is joined by Kristin Taylor, a life and executive coach with over 20 years of experience. Kristin shares her own journey, from growing up in a family affected by domestic violence and drug addiction, through her early career in therapy and crisis counseling, to her current role as a coach.

Key discussion points include:

1. **Understanding Trauma**: Kristin defines trauma as an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering our ability to process and recall memories. She emphasizes that trauma is not just about past events, but about the current impact of those events on the individual.

2. **The Body-Brain Connection**: Kristin explains how trauma can lead to a heightened state of alertness or 'sympathetic activation' in the nervous system. This can be harmful to the body, leading to issues such as adrenal fatigue and high cortisol levels.

3. **The Impact of Unresolved Trauma**: Irene and Kristin discuss how unresolved trauma can resurface during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as perimenopause and menopause. This can lead to symptoms like nightmares or intrusive thoughts.

4. **Healing from Trauma**: Kristin shares some strategies for healing, including recognizing there's a problem, reaching out for help, and practicing self-compassion. She also introduces the 'traffic light' framework for self-awareness, which involves identifying whether you're in a 'green' (calm), 'yellow' (activated), or 'red' (burnout) state.

5. **Self Compassion and Trauma**: Kristin emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in healing from trauma. She explains that many of us betray and abandon ourselves, and that learning to treat ourselves kindly is a crucial part of recovery.

Listeners can reach out to Kristin via her website, kristintaylorconsulting.com, or email her directly at [email protected]

Resources:

- Website: https://www.MenoCoaching.com: https://www.menocoaching.com/
- Book: "The Body Whispers Before It Screams" on Amazon.com (Available Now!): https://www.amazon.com/Body-Whispers-Before-Screams-Emotionally/dp/195682202X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=SCKZOHRXEU2D&keywords=the+body+whispers+before+it+screams&qid=1697378087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwdVVEKUZW8WZV0Kn3gn_g
- Mira Fertility Tracking: https://www.miracare.com
- Kristin Taylor's Podcast, How I Made It Through, on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-made-it-through/id1605802615

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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