Triumph Over Trauma: Building a Legacy of Strength and Support, Inspired by Juneteenth

by Trudy Shines | Jun 18, 2024 | Coach, I Do, Juneteenth, Radiant Coach, Trauma Survivors

Triumph Over Trauma: Building a Legacy of Strength and Support, Inspired by Juneteenth

Growing up as a black woman with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, exacerbated by Huntington’s disease, was a journey filled with challenges and resilience for me. Despite the adversities, I emerged strong, guided by a foundation of strong family leaders and a legacy of never giving up and always learning. Today, I am not just a survivor but a beacon of hope, paying forward my experiences through my coaching business and an inspiring documentary project.

A Legacy of Resilience

My family has a rich history of perseverance and strength. My story is deeply intertwined with the legacy of my ancestors, who instilled in me the values of resilience and continuous growth. Growing up in a household marked by the challenges of my mother’s mental health struggles, I found solace and strength in the unwavering support of my extended family. This foundation helped me navigate the complexities of my upbringing and emerge as a strong, determined individual.

Turning Adversity into Strength

My journey from a trauma survivor to a radiant coach is a testament to my resilience. My experiences have shaped me into a compassionate and understanding coach, particularly attuned to the needs of trauma survivors. I believe in the power of learning and growing through helping others, a philosophy that guides my coaching practice. I work with individuals who have faced significant traumas, helping them transition from merely surviving to truly thriving.

Paying It Forward: My Coaching Journey

In my coaching practice, I focus on building resilience, rediscovering joy, and shaping a life of meaning for my clients. I incorporate teachings, mindsets, and philosophies from various sources, blending them with my unique experiences to offer holistic support to trauma survivors. My brand, BeYourTruShines, reflects my commitment to authenticity and empowerment, guiding my clients to embrace their true selves and shine brightly despite their past traumas.

“Running to Harvard”: A Story of Perseverance

I am also working on a documentary titled “Running to Harvard,” which chronicles the untold story of mixed African- and Native-American Dolphus Stroud. Denied funding for travel due to the color of his skin, Dolphus set out on a 2,000-mile journey by foot to compete in the 1928 Olympic Trials at Harvard Stadium. This story of determination and perseverance resonates deeply with my own experiences and the values I uphold.

Continuing the Legacy

As we commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate the resilience of black men and women throughout history, my journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination that have defined generations. My work, both as a coach and a documentarian, is a tribute to those who have fought tirelessly for their dreams and a beacon of hope for those who continue to struggle.

In conclusion

My story is one of triumph over adversity, of turning personal challenges into a source of strength and inspiration for others. Through my coaching business and documentary project, I am paying forward the lessons of resilience and continuous growth, embodying the legacy of my family and inspiring others to never give up. As we look back on the progress made and the struggles overcome, let us continue to support and uplift those who are determined to shine, just as I do every day.

The Spiral Journey to Success

by Trudy Shines | Jun 17, 2024 | Coach, I Desire, Radiant Coach, Spiral Journey of Success, Trauma Survivors

The Spiral Ladder of Success Journey

Inspired by Harry H. Gillespie

Discovering Spirals in Nature

As a trauma survivor, you may often feel as if you’re running in circles, getting nowhere fast. Imagine yourself as Alex, experiencing this same sensation. While seeking solace in a garden, Alex observed the spiral patterns of nature, particularly in the arrangement of leaves and flowers. This observation sparked a curiosity within him. He realized that these spirals are a fundamental pattern not only in the plants he was observing but also in our bodies and the vast cosmos. This insight helped him see that what feels like going in circles might actually be part of a natural, forward-moving progression, echoing the spirals found throughout nature.

Spirals in Our Lives

This observation led Alex to reflect on his own life’s patterns. He recognized that the spiral is not just a physical shape but also a metaphor for growth and evolution. Just like the DNA in our cells and the galaxies in the cosmos, our life’s journey also moves in spirals, not straight lines. This realization brought a new perspective on his challenges and setbacks. They weren’t failures but parts of a larger, ongoing journey.

Changing Our Perspective on Success

As your Radiant Coach, I want to share this perspective with you. Often, we view success as climbing a vertical ladder—every setback feels like a devastating fall. But if we shift our view and see our path as a spiral, we realize that what seems like going backward could actually be moving forward on a different arc. Each challenge represents a more in-tuned level for success, providing a new skill or perspective for us to learn.

Embracing Challenges: Alex’s Journey

Alex began to see each obstacle not as a vertical fall but as a move to the next level of awareness on a spiral staircase, leading him to a better understanding and greater resilience. He learned that true success is not about reaching a peak but about how we rise, adapt, and evolve through our experiences. This journey of continuous growth and self-discovery was his path toward genuine fulfillment.

In Conclusion: The Spiral Ladder of Success

For us, like Alex, the path to our dreams is a beautiful, ever-unfolding spiral. Each twist and turn adds depth to our experiences, helping us to navigate life with a new mindset. As we face life’s complexities, remember, the spiral leads us ever upwards, if we embrace its turns with courage and an open heart.
This narrative reframes our journey, highlighting the spiral as a natural pattern of life and growth, encouraging us to see each challenge as part of a greater whole—moving us not just forward, but upward.

Unleashing Potential:Mapping Processes

by Trudy Shines | Jun 12, 2024 | Coach, Creative Habits, I am, Radiant Coach, Trauma Survivors

Unleashing Potential: Mapping ICF Processes with ProcessPro

As a fully accredited ICF certified Radiant Coach and a trauma survivor, my mission is to help others transition from surviving to thriving. This journey has been deeply personal, shaped by my experiences and guided by the principles of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The ICF’s mission, values, core competencies, and methodologies form the backbone of my coaching practice, and now, with the integration of ProcessPro software, I am poised to elevate my coaching to new heights.

ICF’s Mission and Values: The Foundation of Excellence

The ICF’s mission to “use our ingenuity, creativity, and diverse perspectives to solve our clients’ toughest challenges” resonates deeply with my personal and professional ethos. The values of integrity, challenging assumptions, passion, collaboration, embracing differences, and striving for greatness are not just words but guiding principles that I embody in my daily interactions with clients.

ICF also emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, humanity, and equity—values that are crucial when working with trauma survivors. These values ensure that every coaching session is conducted with the utmost respect, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Core Competencies: The Pillars of Effective Coaching

The ICF’s updated core competencies are essential in shaping a robust coaching framework:

1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice: Upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all coaching interactions.
2. Embodies a Coaching Mindset: Adopting a reflective and proactive mindset that promotes continual learning and improvement.
3. Establishes and Maintains Agreements: Creating clear agreements with clients and stakeholders about the coaching process and desired outcomes.
4. Cultivates Trust and Safety: Building a safe and supportive environment where clients feel valued and understood.
5. Maintains Presence: Staying fully present and focused on the client during coaching sessions.
6. Listens Actively: Engaging in deep, active listening to understand the client’s perspective fully.
7. Evokes Awareness: Facilitating client self-discovery and insight through powerful questioning and feedback.
8. Facilitates Client Growth: Supporting clients in achieving their goals and sustaining their progress.

ProcessPro: Streamlining Coaching with Technology

The integration of ProcessPro software into my coaching my coaching practice is a game-changer. By leveraging this tool, I can map out the ICF processes, set roles for the AI coach, myself as the Master coach, or a combination of both. This allows me to spend more time working directly with my clients, ensuring that they receive the personalized support they need.

With ProcessPro, I can:

1. Map Out Processes: Clearly define and visualize the coaching processes aligned with ICF competencies, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.
2. Set Roles and Responsibilities: Allocate tasks between the AI coach and myself, optimizing the blend of technology and human touch in coaching.
3. Create Detailed Templates: Develop and utilize template documents that streamline repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time for more impactful coaching activities.
4. Leverage GenAI: Use GenAI within ProcessPro to achieve quicker, streamlined results, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

A Personal Journey: Survivor andRadiant Coach

My journey as a trauma survivor has profoundly influenced my approach to coaching. Surviving childhood sexual abuse and navigating the complexities of trauma recovery has given me unique insights and empathy that I bring to my coaching practice.

It has been a 30-year journey that has brought me here to you. Had I not worked at getting to the root cause of my worry, Trudy Shines pic truShines Coaching BeYourTruShines anger, and guilt, I would never have moved onto loving life and myself as I do today. I would probably be dead— as is the case with my younger twin sisters who never had the positive guidance to get them through their trauma. Oh, howI often wish that I had been at a better mindset earlier in life and been there to help them. But Iam here now, excited and determined to help as many trauma survivors as I can.

As a trauma survivor, it’s easy for me to get caught up in paperwork and not get out there and find and work with those that need my help. I am very happy to be in partnership with ProcessPro. This tool will allow me to get more things done in a fraction of the time it takes to use Visio and other types of process tools. In addition, I can also use GenAI with ProcessPro to obtain even quicker streamlined results.

By using ProcessPro, I can ensure that my coaching practice is both efficient and effective, allowing me to focus on what truly matters: helping my clients overcome their challenges and thrive.

In conclusion, integrating ProcessPro into my coaching practice allows me to honor the ICF’s mission, values, and competencies while leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance my service delivery. As your radiant coach, I am committed to guiding you on your journey to healing and growth, ensuring that every step is supported by a robust, ethical, and efficient coaching framework.

Moving Beyond Trauma’s Grip

by Trudy Shines | Mar 18, 2016 | Architecture, I Desire, Orange Day, Trauma Survivors

Moving Beyond Trauma’s Grip

Understanding Survival Mode

Experiencing trauma can trap individuals in a cycle of fear, anxiety, and stress—commonly known as “survival mode.” Trauma survivors often remain on high alert, bracing for the next threat long after the actual danger has passed. This state of hyper-vigilance, while initially necessary for survival, can hinder long-term healing and growth.

The Importance of Releasing Stress

Recognizing and gradually releasing worry, stress, and resentment is crucial to moving beyond survival mode. This process is essential for reclaiming a sense of peace and wholeness. Introducing daily habits can facilitate this journey.

Embracing Orange Energy Day

Today is Orange energy day, a time to focus on creativity, emotions, and desire. Associating specific colors with their related energy activities helps trauma survivors develop lifelong habits. These habits can balance the pelvic floor area, fostering emotional well-being, creativity, and a sense of pleasure and fulfillment.

Nourishing Foods for Orange Energy Day

Orange Fruits and Vegetables: Include carrots, mangoes, oranges, orange peppers, peaches, apricots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins. These foods are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support emotional well-being.
Seafood: Salmon, tuna, and other seafood are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which improve mood and emotional regulation.
Nuts and Seeds: Flax, almonds, walnuts, and sesame seeds provide essential fatty acids and support hormonal balance, positively impacting emotional health.

Colors to Wear

Orange: Wearing orange clothing or accessories stimulates and balances the sacral chakra.

Creative Writing: Journaling, poetry, or short stories can be powerful outlets for processing emotions.
Art Therapy: Engaging in artistic activities like painting, drawing, or sculpting helps express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize.
Dance or Movement Therapy: Moving your body in expressive ways, such as through dance or yoga, releases pent-up emotions and promotes a mind-body connection.

Effective Workouts

Hip-Opening Yoga Poses: Poses like Seated Forward Bend, Hero Pose, Reverse Warrior, Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend, and Reclining Bound Angle Pose help open and balance the sacral chakra.
Dance: Engaging in dance forms like belly dancing or simply moving your hips to music stimulates the sacral chakra.
Water-Based Activities: Swimming or taking a relaxing bath connects with the water element of the sacral chakra.

Music to Listen To

Sacral Chakra Healing Music: Listen to music specifically designed to balance the sacral chakra, such as 288Hz sound beats or hang drum music.
Upbeat and Creative Music: Songs that inspire creativity and joy can also be beneficial.

Self-Care Practices

Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing mindfulness helps you become more present and aware of your emotions without judgment, promoting emotional regulation and resilience.
Affirmations: Repeating positive affirmations about your worth, strength, and resilience counteracts negative thought patterns and boosts self-esteem.
Connecting with Nature: Spending time in nature, whether in a park, beach, or backyard, has a calming effect and promotes a sense of grounding.

Transitioning from Survival Mode: A Path to Healing

Healing from trauma is a journey that requires patience and compassion. By integrating these habits into your daily routine, you can gradually transition from survival mode to a state of emotional well-being, creativity, and self-expression.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the energy of “I feel, I desire” on this Orange Chakra Day. Develop these life-enhancing habits and discover the strength within you to heal and thrive.

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