Thriving Trauma Survivors Embrace the Wisdom of Dan Gable

by Trudy Shines | Jul 27, 2024 | Coach, Radiant Coach, Trauma Survivors

Thriving Trauma Survivors Embrace the Wisdom of Dan Gable

Embrace the Wisdom of Dan Gable

Dan Gable, an iconic figure in the wrestling world, once said, “There is no mat space for malcontents or dissenters. One must neither celebrate too insanely when he/she wins or sulk when he/she loses. He/she accepts victory professionally and humbly. He hates defeat but makes no profound display of it.”

Gable’s words echo a powerful message: true champions are defined not only by their victories but by their character and conduct. In the journey from surviving to thriving, this principle is a cornerstone.

Ego-Driven vs. Spirit-Driven

In life, we often encounter two types of individuals: the ego-driven and the spirit-driven.

The Ego-Driven

• Characteristics: These individuals are consumed by a need to win at any cost. Their actions are driven by pride and a desire to outshine others.
• Behavior: When they win, they celebrate excessively, seeking validation and recognition. When they lose, they sulk and display their frustration openly.

The Spirit-Driven

• Characteristics: Thriving individuals who act with integrity and humility. They focus on doing what is right, rather than seeking external validation.
• Behavior: They handle both victory and defeat with grace. Their celebrations are modest, and their losses are met with quiet resolve to improve.

The Path to Thriving

Thriving in life is not just about achieving success but about how we handle the highs and lows along the way. Here are some steps to cultivate a spirit-driven mindset:

1. Practice Humility:
   • Celebrate your successes quietly. Acknowledge your achievements, but do not let them define you.
   • Learn from your failures without making a spectacle of them. Use them as stepping stones for growth.
2. Focus on Integrity:
   • Always choose to do what is right, even when it’s difficult. Integrity builds trust and respect.
   • Make decisions based on your values and principles, not on the desire to win or be recognized.
3. Develop Resilience:
   • Accept that both success and failure are part of the journey. Resilience is built by learning to navigate both with grace.
   • Use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as reasons to give up.

Change Your Conduct, Change Your Life

Your conduct shapes your character, and your character shapes your life. By embracing a spirit-driven approach, you pave the way for a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Remember, thriving is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about how you travel the journey.

Are you ready to transform your trauma into triumph? Embrace the wisdom of Dan Gable and learn how to thrive with grace, humility, and integrity. Discover the power of being spirit-driven and make a lasting change in your life. Join our community of resilient individuals who are turning their setbacks into comebacks. Read the full article now and start your journey to thriving today!

From Anxiety to Empowerment: A Coach’s Path to Supporting Trauma Survivors

by Trudy Shines | Jul 19, 2024 | Coach, Radiant Coach, Trauma Survivors

From Anxiety to Empowerment: A Coach’s Path to Supporting Trauma Survivors

Introduction

For much of my life, anxiety and worry were my constant companions. Growing up with a mother who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, I lived in perpetual fear that I would inherit her condition. Coupled with the trauma of childhood sexual abuse and the heavy responsibility of caring for my younger siblings, my early years were filled with immense stress and role reversals. Despite these challenges, I have transformed my experiences into valuable lessons that I now share as a Radiant Coach for trauma survivors.

My Personal Struggle with Anxiety

Until the age of 30, I was plagued by the fear that I would end up like my mother. This fear, combined with the traumatic experiences of my childhood, created a deep-seated anxiety that was difficult to overcome. My mother’s condition meant that, often, I had to take on adult responsibilities and care for my siblings, leading to a role reversal that added to my emotional burden.

Reading articles on sexual abuse and understanding the feelings of guilt and hatred associated with it was a turning point for me. Through this learning, I was able to let go of the hatred and guilt that had consumed me, and I began to truly live. However, my journey to overcoming anxiety didn’t stop there. It was only the beginning of a long process of healing and self-discovery.

The Impact of Chronic Illness

During puberty, I began suffering from a painful chronic illness called boils, which was later correctly diagnosed as Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). Initially treated with antibiotics, the treatment depleted my immune system, exacerbating my anxiety. This physical ailment added another layer of stress to my already burdened life. However, through reading and adopting a holistic way of life, including organic living, consuming lots of fruits and vegetables, and engaging in regular sweaty workouts, I managed to heal significantly. While HS will never completely go away, it has subsided, allowing me to focus more on my mental and emotional well-being.

The Importance of Challenging Beliefs

One of the most powerful tools I have learned and now teach as a Radiant Coach is the practice of challenging beliefs. This was not something I was taught as a child, but it has become a cornerstone of my approach to managing anxiety and worry. My coaches introduced me to this transformative practice, which has been instrumental in my healing process.

What is Challenging Beliefs?

Challenging beliefs involves questioning the validity of the thoughts and assumptions that fuel our anxiety. Often, we accept these thoughts as truths without examining their basis. By scrutinizing these beliefs, we can identify those that are irrational or unhelpful and replace them with more balanced and realistic ones.

How to Challenge Beliefs

1. Identify the Belief: Start by identifying the specific thought or belief that is causing anxiety. For example, I often worried that I would develop schizophrenia like my mother.
2. Examine the Evidence: Look at the evidence for and against this belief. Is there concrete evidence that supports it? In my case, I realized that while genetics play a role, environmental factors and personal experiences are also significant.
3. Consider Alternatives: Think about alternative explanations or perspectives. Could there be another way to view the situation? I began to see that my mother’s condition did not define my fate and that I had the power to shape my own life.
4. Test the Belief: Experiment with thinking differently. Replace the irrational belief with a more balanced thought and observe the impact on your anxiety. I started to tell myself, “I am not my mother, and I have control over my mental health,” which significantly reduced my worry.

Moving Forward with Confidence

My journey from a life dominated by anxiety and worry to one of confidence and resilience has not been easy. It has required a conscious effort to challenge and change my beliefs, but the rewards have been immense. Not only have I found peace and stability, but I have also turned my experiences into a source of strength and inspiration for others.

As a Radiant Coach, I now help others navigate their own journeys through trauma, stress, and anxiety. I share my story to show that it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges and to live a life filled with joy and purpose.

Conclusion

Anxiety and worry may have been my companions for much of my life, but they no longer define me. By challenging my beliefs and learning to let go of guilt and hatred, I have reclaimed my life and now guide others to do the same. If you are struggling with anxiety, remember that you have the power to change your thoughts and, ultimately, your life. It is never too late to begin living fully and radiantly.