A picture of Christine and her Father
mental health, podcast, self help

episode 40: the injustice (How My Father’s Racism Impacted My Childhood)

Christine and her father
A Young Christine with her Father

Summary

Hearing the N-Word my entire life was a trauma for me. Witnessing injustice frequently impacted my childhood. Injustice was a trauma for me. 

Today’s episode is about my experience with being raised by a Racist White Alcoholic Father. 

How my Father not only said the N-Word but would describe a group of people as subhuman.  Connecting the dots with how my father became racist and how his racism has led to my soul’s calling. 

How my racist grandmother would not let me swim with black people. 

Why I have always been drawn to other cultures. 

And the surprising time I felt love and safety for the first time at 14 years old. 

Thank you for listening. My hope is for others to find ways to heal through my journey. 

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Connect with Christine for Mental Health Discussions and Tools for Recovery:

https://howcoronavirussavedmylife.com

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 


Check out Christine’s other podcast with her sister The Family Burrito

Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howcoronavirussavedmylife/message



2022 alcoholism black history month boundaries bullies burnout Childhood chronicpain chronic pain conversation coronavirus embrace evidence based family Father healing healthcare human design journal journey longcovid meditation Mental Health mindbodyconnection mother motherhood narcissist nursepractitioner nursing parenting Podcast polyvagaltheory psychology racism recovery science selfcare selfhelp selflove Spirituality therapy trauma Universe vagusnerve worthiness

Christine
mental health, podcast

My Story of Being Raised by a Narcissistic Mother & Alcoholic Father:

How I Learned to Stop Believing My Story and Started Living Mine




We all have a story. An untrue story we’ve been telling ourselves since childhood—an inaccurate story created by the broken people who raised us. Our Parents.

A Narcissistic Mother and an Alcoholic, Racist Father built my story.

These two broken people created my childhood story filled with chaos, toxicity, no accountability, emotional abuse, manipulation, and reckless behaviors.

My childhood story was built on a toxic illusion created by two broken people–My Parents. 

My narcissistic mother, who was emotionally abusive and manipulative and constantly demanded I prove my love to her, built half my story.

My alcoholic racist father, who was chaotic and unpredictable, put me in unsafe situations and who was consistently inconsistent, created the other half.

My childhood story, created by my toxic parents, was a story built on unworthiness, chaos, confusion, and uncertainty which led me to toxic cycles of behaviors, thought patterns, low self-esteem, and not showing up for myself.

A story I did not know at the time was untrue.

A story I believed for years. 

My Emotionally Immature Parents with no Awareness

My parents had ZERO awareness. Their world was wrapped up in selfishness and trying to meet their needs through toxic, repeated behaviors and cycles.

My home lacked unconditional love, connection, empathy, and compassion because these broken people created my home.

As you can imagine, this story didn’t allow me to believe I had value or worthiness. It didn’t allow me to believe I deserved anything better than what I got from this childhood story. It didn’t allow me to believe I could do anything different than the broken model shown to me.

My story is not unique but common among many children raised by narcissists and alcoholics. Narcissistic parents break their children down until they depend entirely on them for everything: food, warmth, and clothing. The child becomes an extension of the narcissist; they do whatever they say without question because they want to please them so badly. They don’t realize they are losing their identity in this process because they are too young to understand what is happening in their lives.


How my Story Shifted

How could I heal this broken story? How could I rewrite this narrative? How could I change the ending? How could I rewrite my childhood story?

How did my untrue story shift?

My untrue story shifted in my backyard when I had Coronavirus. This false story turned when I thought I was going to die. 

A pivotal moment in my backyard-when I thought I would die from the acute Coronavirus symptoms in April of 2020- was the beginning of questioning that BROKEN story—my childhood story, which those broken people built.

I was short of breath. I couldn’t breathe. My brain told me to call 911, or I would die.

But, I paused and listened to MY GUT.

My gut told me if I called 911, I would die because I would believe it.

Several minutes later, I was ok. How is this possible? 

The beginning of questioning that false childhood story started with my own false belief instantly changing.

This moment of thinking I would die was the beginning of my new story and shift. A shift into a new story I would create on MY TERMS.

A story and belief I was worthy of.

A story of worthiness we all deserve.

Awareness is the Key

The first step to healing my childhood story was awareness.

I had to learn that my story was not true because there were too many inconsistencies in it and it didn’t fit anymore with who I was becoming now in this moment.

I had to teach myself awareness of being in the moment and conscious of my thoughts and behaviors. Awareness is a skill every single person has.

I read the life-changing book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza, who is a neuroscientist, Researcher of epigenetics and quantum physics. In Joe Dispenza’s book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, he says that 90% of the thoughts we think are the same thoughts we thought the day before, the day before that, and the day before that one. 

This was my aha moment, as I’d never heard of this before. So, I decided to test this by observing my thoughts. And guess what? Dr. Dispenza was right. It was true.

Teaching myself awareness

Observation skills are fundamental in getting to know yourself and your thoughts. 

When we can look at situations in new and different ways, it enables us to make necessary changes.

I’ve had to teach myself awareness by observing my thought process. 

Observing my thoughts helped me evaluate how I think, behave, and eventually react to every problem I encounter daily.

Observing your thoughts and emotions helps create your new story. 

Observing your thoughts and emotions may not come easily or naturally because our minds are used to the same old beliefs and feelings we’ve had forever.

I started by observing my thoughts and reactions and then writing these down. I would ask myself, “Is this thought true? What is your evidence? What is my limiting belief?”. 

Questioning this story, these beliefs created by those broken people, was my game changer. Questioning these untrue beliefs created my new story of worthiness, strength, and how I viewed myself. 

Our thoughts hold the key to that untrue story, but our awareness has power then our questions change that story. 

So, what is your story? And is YOUR Story true?


2022 alcoholism black history month boundaries bullies burnout Childhood chronicpain chronic pain conversation coronavirus embrace evidence based family Father healing healthcare human design journal journey longcovid meditation Mental Health mindbodyconnection mother motherhood narcissist nursepractitioner nursing parenting Podcast polyvagaltheory psychology racism recovery science selfcare selfhelp selflove Spirituality therapy trauma Universe vagusnerve worthiness

My Journal Entry from 2006
mental health, podcast

episode 39: the gratitude (How My Journaling Practice Saved My Life)

My Journal Entry from 2006
The old broken me in 2006 writing in her journal (Dec 12, 2006)

Summary

This Episode is about JOURNALING and GRATITUDE – How Journaling has helped me understand myself. 

When you start your day by Writing 5 Things you are Grateful for, YOU start with Love for Yourself.

 Starting off with Gratitude releases Oxytocin, the Love Hormone, LOVE FOR YOURSELF. 

 Listen as I am shifting through my past journal entry from a 29-year-old me to a today me. 

Gratitude makes a difference. Journaling Changed My Life.  Journaling Has Made A Difference In How I View Myself. 

Journaling Practice has helped Me Heal Childhood Wounds & Trauma. 

The New Healing Me writing in her Journal
The New Healing Me Writing in her Journal (Dec 12, 2020)

Today’s MANTRA: 

I AM LIMITLESS

I AM POWERFUL

I CREATE BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCES 

I AM FUCKING AMAZING

——————————————————————–

Connect with Christine for Mental Health Discussions and Tools for Recovery:

https://howcoronavirussavedmylife.com

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 

Check out Christine’s other podcast with her sister The Family Burrito

Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howcoronavirussavedmylife/message

Christine's alcoholic father
mental health, podcast

episode 38: the memory (How My Dad’s Alcoholism Impacted My Childhood Memories)

Christine's alcoholic father
The Memory of My Father Drinking Forever Stuck in my Mind (A 12-year old me beside him)

Summary

What do we do when a painful childhood memory comes up? Do we ignore the painful memory? Do we stuff the painful memory down with food, drugs, alcohol, sex, overworking, toxic relationships, starving ourselves, people pleasing, and saving others? What do we do if multiple painful childhood memories flood in at once? 

This episode was inspired by my client who didn’t want to remember her painful childhood. Little did I know a flood of childhood memories would happen after our encounter.  Memories of my father always using alcohol, drugs, weed, cigarettes, etc. Memories of him giving me alcohol when I was 3 years old. Memories of my father teaching me to cope with stress with any substance you can get your hands on–every single night. 

I recorded this episode as I was sifting through these memories. My goal is to help others shift through their painful memories as well. These memories are coming up for a reason. I am grateful for my painful memories coming to the surface because I NOW have the choice of what to do with them.  

Connect with Christine for Mental Health Discussions and Tools for Recovery:

https://howcoronavirussavedmylife.com

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 

Check out Christine’s other podcast with her sister The Family Burrito

Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howcoronavirussavedmylife/message

Jack Perkins Profile Picture
mental health, podcast

episode 37, part two: the gift (How Spirituality Plays a Positive Role in Mental Health Recovery with Dr. Jack Perkins)

Jack Perkins Profile Picture
Dr. Jack Perkins

Summary

Welcome back to episode 37, part TWO! Dr. Perkins and I continue our conversation about the importance of Spirituality in Mental Health recovery. 

Jack Perkins is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of Psuche Education Counseling & Coaching Services. He has a heart to help others discover the secret to living a fulfilled life by integrating their spirituality into every area of their lives. He’s seen first hand how the integration of spirituality into healthcare is important in the recovery process.

Topics Discussed:

  • Why integrating spirituality into healthcare is important
  • Why people turned to prayer after Sept 11
  • Spirituality gives people hope and helps them cope with depression
  • Why Christine went into nursing
  • World Health Organization states spirituality is a pillar of healthcare
  • Low Percentage of doctors assessing spirituality with patients
  • Importance of spirituality assessment in healthcare
  • Providers need to assess their spiritual health first
  • Provider bias with patients’ religions and spiritual beliefs
  • Jack’s touching story of helping grieving parents whose baby just died

———————————————————–

Connect with Christine for Mental Health Discussions and Tools for Recovery:

https://howcoronavirussavedmylife.com

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 


Check out Christine’s other podcast with her sister The Family Burrito

Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howcoronavirussavedmylife/message

Jack Perkins Profile Picture
mental health, podcast

episode 37, part one: the gift (How Spirituality Plays a Positive Role in Mental Health Recovery with Dr. Jack Perkins)

Jack Perkins Profile Picture

Dr. Jack Perkins, Founder of Psuche Education, Counseling & Coaching Services in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma

Summary

What is YOUR definition of Spirituality?

In this episode (part one), Dr. Jack Perkins and I talk about the power of Spirituality. The power of finding meaning in our childhood suffering.

Dr. Perkins tells his personal story of suffering first. His story of childhood suffering touched me deeply. I know it will touch you deeply as well. 

My guest today is Dr. Jack Perkins. Jack is the founder of Psuche Education, Counseling & Coaching Services in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Jack is an ordained minister, conference speaker,  licensed counselor, certified life coach, and sexual addiction counselor.

Spirituality has been a huge part of my inner & outer healing. 

Spirituality has been a huge part of my Long-COVID healing. Spirituality has deepened my connection with my friends and family, and my connection with clients. Spirituality led me to discover my inner worthiness and love for myself I was never taught in childhood. 

Evidence-based research shows integrating spirituality decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. Neuroscientific research shows the practice of mindfulness, the brain’s cortex literally grows, with an increase in grey matter and more gyrification (Spencer, 2012). 

https://howcoronavirussavedmylife.com

Connect with Christine:

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 

Check out Christine’s other podcast with her sister The Family Burrito

Resources:

Integrating Spirituality Into Recovery Requires Ethical Approach

What is Spirituality? A Personal Exploration by Dr. Maya Spencer

Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howcoronavirussavedmylife/message

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How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast Cover
mental health, podcast

episode 36: the story (Our Childhood Story Created By Broken People)

Listen to episode 36 below


Summary

What is your Story? What Story have you been telling yourself since childhood? What is the constant story running in your head?

Today’s episode is about My Story. The Story I’ve been telling myself since childhood. A story built by broken people AKA my Parents. 

The purpose of today’s episode is to help Empower You to create a new story.

I share techniques that work for me. You deserve to feel good in your story.

I first began observing my thoughts and emotions. “What am I feeling?”  Then ask yourself where does this feeling come from? Is it real? Is it based on fact? Is it based on a memory or an emotion from childhood? Is this a belief? What is the evidence that supports this belief? Are there any other points of view that might support this belief? What would someone who loves me say about this belief? Would they agree with me or disagree with me? What can I do today to support myself in making changes toward becoming healthier emotionally and spiritually? 

Listen to episode 36: the story for more healing techniques. 

—————————————————————————–

I dedicate this episode to my friend & fellow podcaster Willie Porter

Willie asked me a question no one ever asked me in childhood.

“When was the last time you took a break?” was the question. 

Thank you Willie for being a great friend & supporter. 

Check out Willie’s podcast he makes with his Wife 

Check out Willie Podcast Below:

Connect with Christine:

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 


Check out Christine’s other podcast with her sister The Family Burrito



Resources: 

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza


Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast

Continue reading “episode 36: the story (Our Childhood Story Created By Broken People)”
Headshot of Arun Nijhawan
mental health, podcast

episode 35: the recovery (Ways to Recover from Chronic Pain and Long COVID with Arun Nijhawan, PART TWO)


I was 99.99999% Skeptical

-Arun Nijhawan
Headshot of Arun Nijhawan
Arun Nijhawan, Co-founder of menda.health

Summary

Do you suffer from Chronic Pain? 

Do you have Long COVID symptoms still but can’t get answers?

This episode is for YOU. YOU are not alone.

My guest today is Arun Nijhawan.

Arun was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease at age 24.

His pain became so debilitating he no longer could play basketball, hike–his pain made it difficult to even walk. His pain was REAL. So was the SOLUTION.

Listen to Part TWO of episode 35: the recovery— where Arun tells his story of how he recovered from Chronic Pain while I tell my OWN story of Long COVID Recovery.

The purpose of today’s episode is for people suffering from Chronic Pain and Long COVID symptoms to feel heard and cared for, to not suffer as much, and find hope once again in the possibility of recovery. 

Arun Nijhawan is the co-founder of menda.health— an evidence-based virtual pain recovery program. 

Arun suffered from Chronic Pain for 5 long years.

Arun still didn’t have answers despite having the BEST access to medical resources.

Listen to his story of Chronic Pain Recovery.

Arun’s story will blow you away. 

https://www.menda.health/

Connect with Christine:

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 

Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howcoronavirussavedmylife/message

episode 43: the cord (How My Dad's Death Was A Gift To My Healing) How Coronavirus Saved My Life

episode 43: the chord (How My Dad's Death Was A Gift To My Healing) When my dad died, a toxic limb was severed from my body. It was startling when the detective called to tell me my Dad was dead. I no longer had to endure my father's dysfunctional behaviors. He was dead. So now what? In this episode, I share epiphanies about my dad’s death being a gift to my healing and the unconditional love I gave him directly before he died despite the hurt he caused me in childhood. My father’s death gave me unspeakable freedom and release. His death created a deeper pathway to my inner worthiness.  My father’s death led me to discover my mother is a narcissist. How? Because his chaotic behaviors were no longer in the picture or a distraction. A fog had lifted. I could see my mother's abuse clearly now.  ———————————————————————– This episode is sponsored by Uphealing Mental Healthcare. Uphealing Mental Healthcare is a telehealth service in the Dallas / Fort Worth, providing psychiatric treatment with medication management and therapy. Visit uphealing.org for more information. http://uphealing.org —————————————————————- Connect with Christine for Mental Health Discussions and Tools for Recovery: ⁠https://howcoronavirussavedmylife.com⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠website⁠ | ⁠Youtube⁠ | ⁠FB ⁠ Check out Christine's other podcast with her sister ⁠The Family Burrito⁠ Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of ⁠How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast — Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/howcoronavirussavedmylife/message
  1. episode 43: the cord (How My Dad's Death Was A Gift To My Healing)
  2. episode 42: the perspective (How Changing Your Perspective is Healing)
  3. episode 41: the uncertainty (How to Embrace Uncertainty Rather Than Fearing It)
  4. episode 40: the injustice (How My Father's Racism Impacted My Childhood)
  5. episode 39: the gratitude (How My Journaling Practice Saved My Life)

mental health, podcast

episode 35: the recovery (Ways to Recover from Chronic Pain and Long COVID with Arun Nijhawan, PART ONE)

Summary

Do you suffer from Chronic Pain? Do you have Long COVID symptoms?

This episode is for YOU.

Per the CDC, Nearly 1 in 5 still have long COVID symptoms. A Medscape article predicts Long COVID could cost the economy TRILLIONS. 

My guest today is Arun Nijhawan. Arun was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease at age 24. His pain became so debilitating he no longer could play basketball, hike–his pain made it difficult to even walk. His pain was REAL. So was the SOLUTION.

Listen to Part One of today’s episode where Arun tells his journey of Chronic Pain Recovery while I tell my OWN story of Long COVID recovery.

The purpose of today’s episode is for people suffering from Chronic Pain and Long COVID symptoms tofeel heard and cared for.

Arun Nijhawan is the co-founder of menda.health, an evidence-based virtual pain recovery program. Arun suffered from chronic pain for 5 long years. Arun still didn’t have answers despite having the BEST access to medical resources.

https://www.menda.health/

How did he recover from Chronic Pain? How did I recover from Long Covid?

Listen to our similar journey of recovery and healing. YOU are not alone

Topics: 

  • The trillion dollar prediction COST of Long COVID
  • Arun’s diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease at age 24
  • Christine’s Long COVID Symptoms (Brain fog, numbness and tingling in hand, fatigued, sensitive to environment, headaches, short of breathe)
  • The cycles and spirals of hopelessness in chronic pain and long covid
  • The “thing” that shifted Arun’s Chronic Pain into recovery 
  • The role of thoughts and emotions
  • Modern pain Neuroscience
  • Neuroplastic pain
  • Tough life experiences priming your nervous system for chronic pain
  • Pain Processing Therapy
  • Finding hope in the possibility of recovery

Connect with Christine:

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 

Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6736a2.htm

https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/clearing-the-brain-fog-in-long-covid

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/981583?reg=1

Listen to episode 34 part one

2022 alcoholism black history month boundaries bullies burnout Childhood chronicpain chronic pain conversation coronavirus embrace evidence based family Father healing healthcare human design journal journey longcovid meditation Mental Health mindbodyconnection mother motherhood narcissist nursepractitioner nursing parenting Podcast polyvagaltheory psychology racism recovery science selfcare selfhelp selflove Spirituality therapy trauma Universe vagusnerve worthiness

podcast

How to Heal Chronic Pain with Dr. Les Aria, (part TWO), episode 34

Watch Episode 34 on my Youtube Channel

Summary

Do you have Chronic Pain? Ready for Pain Recovery? This episode is for YOU!

We have a special guest today—Dr. Les Aria, a Pain Psychologist & Co-founder of Menda.Health, who specializes in helping people recover from chronic pain. Today, he’ll explain what polyvagal theory is and how it can help you feel safe when you’re dealing with chronic pain.

This week’s episode, Part TWO, on polyvagal theory and its application to chronic pain therapy. Polyvagal theory is the science of feeling safe, and it’s based on decades of research by Dr. Stephen Porges, who pioneered research into the autonomic nervous system and its relationship with emotions.

Watch our episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/jucIIsQkvig

Check out Dr. Les Aria’s Pain Recovery Apphttps://www.menda.health/

Topics Covered:

  • The only question you brain is trying to answer
  • 3 worlds our body & brain responds to
  • Easy ways to recognize nervous system dysregulation
  • 90 seconds to correct your emotional experience  
  • Why intense attraction can’t be trusted
  • Why we are attracted to people who dysregulate our nervous system 
  • Our brain is reacting to past while in the present
  • What we need to experience to believe we can heal ourself 
  • Practice is the drive changer of your nervous system 
  • Co-regulation 

Connect with Dr. Les Aria: 

Website: https://lesariaphd.com/| Youtube: Myndfulness here| Dynamic Healing Podcast |Instagram @drlesaria

Connect with Christine: 

 Twitter | Instagram | website | Youtube | FB 

Disclaimer: The information and recommendations in this Podcast are only opinions of the host and guests of How Coronavirus Saved My Life Podcast — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howcoronavirussavedmylife/message