
Getting Past Survivor
Because surviving was never meant to be the whole story
Sometimes becoming a survivor comes after big, obvious traumas.
Other times it’s the seemingly smaller experiences — being dismissed, embarrassed, bullied, or unheard — the kinds of moments that quietly wire our brains to live in survival mode.
That’s why I call this space Getting Past “Survivor.” It’s about living beyond those survival defaults — fight, flight, freeze, or fawn — and into the life you choose. A lifelong journey of letting go, rewiring the mind, and becoming someone you can finally rely on to treat you well.
Here you’ll find:
The Hidden Wounds — reflections on bullying, micro-traumas, parenting patterns, and the unspoken ways we learn to survive
The Brain & the Unconscious Mind — why it does what it does, how it protects us, and how we can rewire it
Tools for Change — practical strategies, NLP and hypnosis insights, and simple ways to move from survival to choice
Living & Healing Out Loud — personal stories of grief, growth, and the messy, beautiful process of becoming
If you feel like there’s something beyond the survival mode you’ve grown uncomfortably comfortable with — even if you can’t name it yet — you’re right. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
💙 Helen
To read more about my story: The Reason for Getting Past Survivor
How Survivors Are Still Being Silenced
Silence doesn’t protect survivors—it protects abusers and the systems that dismiss our pain. From families to social media, survivors are told to stay quiet. But every time one of us speaks, the shame cracks and the cycle weakens. Your story matters. Your voice is enough.
Your unconscious mind is driving more than you think
Your unconscious mind is working behind the scenes, making choices long before you notice. In those hidden seconds, it shapes your actions, reactions, and even emotions. The good news? You can reprogram these automatic patterns and harness your mind’s power to create the life you actually want.
The Silence Around Sibling Sexual Abuse
When people think of child sexual abuse, they often picture strangers or adults outside the family. What rarely gets talked about is the harm that happens at home — at the hands of siblings. This silence leaves many survivors confused, dismissed, or doubting their own experience. It’s time to change that.
How to Stop Expecting the Worst
Still on edge, even though nothing bad has happened in years? Your brain may be stuck in fear. Learn how to begin retraining unconscious patterns and finally feel safe—without forcing yourself to “just get over it.”
Are You Gaslighting Yourself?
Think gaslighting only comes from others? Learn how self-gaslighting shows up, why we do it, and what happens when we finally stop minimizing our truth. The most convincing lies are the ones we tell ourselves.
Change Can Be Easy
Change doesn’t have to be a battle.
If your brain feels stuck, it’s not broken—it’s just following old instructions. Real change starts when you stop pushing and start listening.
You’re Not Broken
You’re not broken.
Even after healing, something can still feel off. There’s a reason—and a way through it.
The Day I Didn’t Stay Silent
He counted on me staying quiet. But something in me had changed. Years ago, I might’ve frozen. This time, I found my voice—right there in the middle of the holiday crowd.
Are You Reacting to Life or Proactively Shaping It?
Do you feel like life is happening to you, leaving you scrambling to catch up? Living in reaction mode can be exhausting, driven by fear and the need to survive the moment. But what if you could step out of the cycle? What if you could purposefully create your life starting now?
The Weight We Carry Isn’t Always Measured in Pounds
Our relationship with food runs deeper than we realize, often tied to emotions we haven’t faced. It’s not about willpower—it’s about understanding what’s really driving the choices we make.
Love Starts with Self-Trust
Discover how true love starts with self-trust. Explore the role of trust and attachment in building relationships that last—beginning with trusting yourself first.
Healing from the Inside Out
For most of my life, food was my comfort, and weight was my shield. Losing 50 pounds felt like a victory, but as the pounds dropped, so did my sense of security. Looking good on the outside doesn’t heal the wounds you carry inside. Real change happens when you heal from within and learn to love yourself at every size. It’s not about the number on the scale—it’s about shedding the emotional weight that’s been holding you back.
Detaching from Attachment
Explore how attachment, as vital as food and oxygen, shapes our lives and emotions. From early unhealthy connections to the deep, mutual bond of true love, the journey of detaching from attachment can lead to profound healing and self-discovery. This reflection delves into the balance between honoring meaningful relationships and maintaining one's sense of self after loss.
The One True Brain (and the Other Two "Brains" People Like to Talk About)
Explore the fascinating connection between the brain, heart, and gut—the three "brains" that influence your emotions, physical health, and overall well-being. Learn how these systems communicate with each other and how understanding this connection can help you improve mental clarity, emotional resilience, and even physical health.
Neuroplasticity: How to Rewire Your Brain for Growth
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to adapt and change, helping you build new neural pathways and strengthen cognitive flexibility. By engaging in activities like learning, physical exercise, mindfulness, and proper nutrition, you can enhance brain function, recover from emotional and physical injuries, and improve overall well-being. Discover how neuroplasticity supports growth, creativity, and emotional resilience, empowering you to thrive in all areas of life.
The Brain-Body Connection
Our bodies respond to stress, pain, and emotions in ways that might seem mysterious, but it all comes down to the brain. Let's talk about the science behind how your brain controls every sensation through a complex network of communication pathways. Learn how to tap into this connection using visual, auditory, and sensory techniques to manage stress, reduce tension, and create lasting calm.
I Knew What Love Was
In this follow-up blog, I dive deeper into the conflicting messages I received about love and intimacy, and how they shaped my beliefs. Growing up, I witnessed the powerful bond my parents shared through their 63-year marriage, but at the same time, I endured a childhood of sexual abuse, which distorted my sense of self-worth.
A People Pleaser Reclaims Herself
For years, she carried the weight of others' expectations, always putting herself second. Raised in a home filled with guilt and shame, her need to please turned into perfectionism. But now, she’s letting go of those burdens and living for herself. Read her full story of transformation.
The Little Things Matter
Micro-traumas—those small, often overlooked moments of hurt or rejection—can have a big impact on your emotional well-being. While they might seem insignificant at the time, these subtle experiences can accumulate over the years, shaping your self-esteem, relationships, and even your everyday decisions. It’s not just the big, life-changing events that leave a mark; the little things matter too.
From Sexual Healing to True Connection
For years, I believed that my worth was tied to fulfilling others' needs. Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” echoed my experience of being used and discarded. But healing came when I opened up to real love—one built on genuine connection, not just physical needs. True intimacy is about mutual respect and deep emotional bonds.