Hello!

I hope this long weekend was velvety soft or highly energetic!

Whichever you needed most

Your continued support reading, and messaging me on Instagram are priceless! Thank you.

I’ve been thinking a lot about healing and identifying and celebrating growth vis-a-vis trauma. The word trauma is splashed on every social media outlet, and thats fantastic. Thanks to many therapists and coaches like Mastin Kipp, most of us have an idea of what trauma is. But (I recently learned its ok to start a sentence with But ) if you’re reading this, I know you can benefit from distinguishing your healing progress as well.

Healing: Irene’s definition: managing your childhood wounds so they do not negatively interfere with your everyday life. Taking the driver’s seat. Like Thelma & Louise style before the cliff scene

APA definition: the process of alleviating or attempting to alleviate mental or physical illness.

Small “t” Trauma: an emotional reaction -usually overlooked- to a distressing experience or a series of events. Ex: divorce, relational conflicts, legal issues, money worries, infidelity.

Big “T” Trauma: an emotional response to an impactful event such as rape, natural disasters, war that effect one’s life in a negative way. If not treated this can turn into bigger challenges such as addictions.

As my mom once said, there is no quick fix, Irene. So, hang in there and keep making room for feelings.

Here are some telltale signs you’re successfully turning trauma into glitter dust.

You Fire The Liar– Instead of accepting the lies your mind is dishing out as the truth, you question them. Youve kicked the lying jackass to the ground. You no longer numb out. Examples Below:

· You talk back to your inner critic out loud or in your head

· You know that all feelings are transient. You hang out with them for a bit, then let them pass. Even if you succeed occasionally.

· You instinctively use learned techniques to come back to the present moment

· You reflect on why this particular liar keeps coming up and try finding a suppressed feeling beneath it (anger could really be suppressed helplessness, sadness etc.)

You Stop Isolating

· Hibernating in bed, with oily hair alone is no longer your go to resolution

· You answer your phone when a friend calls and don’t pretend you’re fine.

· You reach out to your elevator people (the ones that shoot you up the energy ladder)

· You open parts of your life with friends and family for the first time

· You stop equating asking for help with weakness and practice interdependence

You Neutralize Old Triggers

· You can listen to songs, visit places and have conversations that previously made your heart sink without crumbling.

You Begin to Trust Yourself More

· You stop needing others validation or opinions to make forward movement

· You tell your truth despite the risk of losing something or someone.

· You follow through on your commitments

· You stop being over-critical of yourself

· You stop trying to control every minor detail

So sure, lets continue hiking, being creative, practicing CPT and EMDR, but lets ALSO CELEBRATE how far we’ve come!

Blessings,

Irene Abbou

For a complimentary soul session please click the link below:

https://coachingwithirenescheduling.as.me/?appointmentType=21016838

Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/irene.abbou/

PS- I am excited to share that I have begun work on my newest course THE MARGOT METHOD. It concentrates on unapologetically guiding you to self-worth and healthy love.

Hello My Gorgeous [FIRST NAME GOES HERE]!

My greatest professional dream has been consistent since age fifteen. The idea was crystal clear. Remind women of their undeniable self-worth so they could achieve their dreams. I’m a believer that self-worth is the fuel to women living their most authentic life, and these women do not raise the white flag in the face of adversity. They are flexible, agile wild cats that know it’s only a matter of time before they fall on their feet. They do hard things, scared.

Most people would say I was a late bloomer to the taking scary action part of achieving my dream. I was slow but steady, until something out of a Tony Robbins documentary occurred that shifted everything I believed was possible for me.

It was February 10^th 2020, a gorgeous afternoon in Los Angeles.

My heart is about to pound onto the hardwood floor in my living room, which would royally suck since my husband is a germaphobe.

My palms are bright red and on fire.

My mouth is so cotton ball dry I can barely get sound out.

The mean girl in my head starts again “who do you think you are being an interviewed expert on a live summit with guests like Jack Canfield?” She had a point. What if they realize I’m having trouble speaking without tears about to well up like traitors exposing my ultimate fear of looking stupid.

Me. The enthusiastic coach, preaching like a practiced priestess on her pulpit, “What you want is outside your comfort zone,” about to be on the receiving end of her message. I speak this comfort zone phrase daily with a whole heart and an unwavering belief. I wasn’t prepared for the ultimate challenge that tested my courage to step into the arena when it came to my biggest fear of public speaking.

Public speaking was a few 100 miles past the comfort zone yard line of what my ego could handle. It became crystal clear, that in order to support women to achieve their greatest dreams (with the impact of my dream), I would have to break down my armor and risk being seen. I knew I had to face my dragon to encourage others to meet their own.

The interview was a 30 min surreal experience. I couldn’t help being distracted by my own stoic reflection on the Zoom application displayed on my screen. The interviewers’ questions were rhythmic and each sent a low grade current down my belly. At about halftime, my responses seemed to come from outside of me. My practice of becoming the observer magically kicked in at the perfect time. I was able to see myself in conversation with a carefree confident Oprah-Esque ease. My heart took the reigns and my fear subsided.

The magic words were spoken, “where can people find you” and the highest sense of accomplishment seeped through my veins.

I felt bulletproof.

It didn’t matter that it may take years before I make the impact of my dreams. What counted was, that after all of these years of mastering the art of live video escapism, I showed up and did my version of hard.

Fast forward a few weeks, one of my biggest dreams of being interviewed on a podcast came true. Twice! With my momentum at an all-time high, I also signed two separate consulting contracts.

We all have our personal fear dragons.

The next time yours shouts “who do you think you are to (fill in the blank)?”

Stand tall and simply respond “who am I not to?”

And continue ruling you my sister.

With Love Always!!

Irene

Preview of my first Podcast first interview

Irene is the creator of the Happiness Within Reach program which coaches high-achievers on how to create a more holistic approach to success. This teaches leaders evidence-based techniques to building more meaningful interpersonal connections while simultaneously growing their self-confidence and productivity. She is an ICF, ACC Certified life and business coach who holds two certifications from the University of Pennsylvania on Positive Psychology and is trained in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy. Irene has helped hundreds of professionals get reacquainted with their hearts most affirming personal and professional desires and supports them to take action despite their fears. Her mission is to remind her clients of their indisputable worthiness and capability of creating an extraordinary life aligned with their highest truth.https//happinesswithinreach.com

Tag: self-worth

FROM TRAUMA TO TRANSFORMATION

Healing: Irene’s definition: managing your childhood wounds so they do not negatively interfere with your everyday life. Taking the driver’s seat. Like Thelma & Louise style before the cliff scene

You Fire The Liar– Instead of accepting the lies your mind is dishing out as the truth, you question them. Youve kicked the lying jackass to the ground. You no longer numb out. Examples Below:

DREAM ACHIEVING GODESSES DO HARD THINGS