My guest today on As Told by Nomads is Michael Unbroken, an advocate for adult survivors of child abuse. Michael is a life coach, international speaker, and author of four books, including Think Unbroken: Understanding and Overcoming Childhood Trauma. His own experience of trauma began in childhood, when his mother cut off his index finger, and continued through being abused by his stepfather, adopted by his racist grandmother, and getting into drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. Michael finally began to recover from his trauma after nearly committing suicide at the age of twenty-six and deciding that he had to make changes in his life. His mission is to end generational trauma in his lifetime through education and information so that another kid doesn’t have a story like his. In today’s episode, we discuss different ways to navigate trauma, what trauma is, and the complexity that comes from figuring out how to heal.

We then move the conversation to Michael’s own experience with trauma, starting with his mother’s shocking violence. He takes us through his journey from his family’s abuse to being expelled from school at fifteen for dealing drugs and finding professional and financial success only to realize his lingering unhappiness. Michael discusses the lowest point of his life, his attempted suicide, and his subsequent choice to change his life, bringing him to his current success and fulfillment. And, as always, I end the episode with my mission statement question: how does Michael use his difference to make a difference? Michael responds that he does it by showing up, having honest conversations, and being willing to suffer public embarrassment because he doesn’t care what you think about him, so long as he can look in the mirror and be okay with the reflection.

Episode Highlights:

• How Michael defines trauma
• Learning the tools to navigate life with trauma
• Using self-awareness to find clarity and meaning
• Michael’s history with trauma
• Hitting rock bottom and rising up
• Having the courage to seek out support and community
• Michael’s Think Unbroken programs
• Shifting to a mindset of kindness
• Surrounding yourself with the right people
• How Michael uses his difference to make a difference

Links:

Michael's website: https://www.thinkunbroken.com/

Michael's podcast: https://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/

Michael's book: https://book.thinkunbroken.com/

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