In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass is joined by Kristin Taylor, a life and executive coach with over 20 years of experience. Kristin shares her own journey, from growing up in a family affected by domestic violence and drug addiction, through her early career in therapy and crisis counseling, to her current role as a coach.

Key discussion points include:

1. **Understanding Trauma**: Kristin defines trauma as an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering our ability to process and recall memories. She emphasizes that trauma is not just about past events, but about the current impact of those events on the individual.

2. **The Body-Brain Connection**: Kristin explains how trauma can lead to a heightened state of alertness or 'sympathetic activation' in the nervous system. This can be harmful to the body, leading to issues such as adrenal fatigue and high cortisol levels.

3. **The Impact of Unresolved Trauma**: Irene and Kristin discuss how unresolved trauma can resurface during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as perimenopause and menopause. This can lead to symptoms like nightmares or intrusive thoughts.

4. **Healing from Trauma**: Kristin shares some strategies for healing, including recognizing there's a problem, reaching out for help, and practicing self-compassion. She also introduces the 'traffic light' framework for self-awareness, which involves identifying whether you're in a 'green' (calm), 'yellow' (activated), or 'red' (burnout) state.

5. **Self Compassion and Trauma**: Kristin emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in healing from trauma. She explains that many of us betray and abandon ourselves, and that learning to treat ourselves kindly is a crucial part of recovery.

Listeners can reach out to Kristin via her website, kristintaylorconsulting.com, or email her directly at coachkristintaylor@gmail.com

Resources:

- Website: https://www.MenoCoaching.com: https://www.menocoaching.com/
- Book: "The Body Whispers Before It Screams" on Amazon.com (Available Now!): https://www.amazon.com/Body-Whispers-Before-Screams-Emotionally/dp/195682202X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=SCKZOHRXEU2D&keywords=the+body+whispers+before+it+screams&qid=1697378087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwdVVEKUZW8WZV0Kn3gn_g
- Mira Fertility Tracking: https://www.miracare.com
- Kristin Taylor's Podcast, How I Made It Through, on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-made-it-through/id1605802615

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass shares her insights into the menopause transition and the importance of awareness, education, and support for women going through this life phase.

1. Irene starts the episode with the significance of October as World Menopause Awareness Month and October 18th as World Menopause Awareness Day. She emphasizes the need for education and awareness about menopause and its transition period.

2. Irene announces the release of her book, "The Body Whispers Before It Screams," on October 18th. The book is a comprehensive guide for women going through perimenopause and menopause, providing them with the necessary information to handle this transition phase effectively.

3. Irene shares excerpts from her book, discussing the struggles and the silent suffering that many women experience during perimenopause. She highlights the lack of education, awareness, and support from healthcare professionals and the financial burden of seeking help.

4. Irene talks about her mission through her book, podcast, and mental coaching practice - to educate, empower, and give hope to every woman suffering in silence.

5. Irene shares statistics about menopause, emphasizing the need for non-traditional, holistic approaches to healing that consider the whole body system.

6. Irene shares another excerpt from her book, discussing the wilderness of perimenopause and the loneliness that many women feel during this period. She emphasizes that the menopausal transition can serve a purpose if women are willing to explore the terrain.

7. Irene concludes the episode by encouraging women to seek answers for themselves, to advocate for their health based on solid science and education, and to share their experiences without fear or shame.

8. Irene invites listeners to visit the website, mentalcoaching.com, listen to the podcast, and share it with others.

Resources:

- Website: https://www.MenoCoaching.com: https://www.menocoaching.com/
- Book: "The Body Whispers Before It Screams" on Amazon.com (Available Now!): https://www.amazon.com/Body-Whispers-Before-Screams-Emotionally/dp/195682202X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=SCKZOHRXEU2D&keywords=the+body+whispers+before+it+screams&qid=1697378087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwdVVEKUZW8WZV0Kn3gn_g
- Mira Fertility Tracking: https://www.miracare.com

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass interviews Bill Faris, a professional Christian counselor. They delve into the topics of mental health, suffering, healing, and reconciliation. Here are some key points discussed:

1. **Mental Health and Menopause:** Irene discusses the deep connection between menopause and mental health, highlighting that 40% of women going through perimenopause and menopause are more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts and depression.

2. **The Role of God in Suffering:** Bill explains that God is present in suffering, even though His presence can sometimes be a mystery. He encourages listeners to seek God in their suffering rather than questioning why they are suffering.

3. **Reconciliation with the Past:** Bill discusses the importance of reconciling with past hurts and traumas. He highlights that reconciliation is about mending and repairing things that were separated and broken.

4. **The Process of Healing:** Bill describes healing as a process that includes removing what is harming you, repairing the damage, restoring what was lost, redeeming the situation, and revelation - thanking God for the hardest things you've been through because they've brought you closer to Him.

5. **Bill's Book:** Bill shares about his book, "How Healed Do You Want to Be?" which lays out the process of healing in a series of steps. He also mentions his YouTube channel where he has a series of classes that cover the same principles from his book.

This episode is a deep dive into the journey of healing and reconciliation, offering hope and guidance to those navigating their own paths.

Resources:

- Bill Faris Website: https://billfaris.com/
- "How Healed Do You Want To Be" on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/How-Healed-Do-You-Want/dp/0982328656/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CMVJTCM743G&keywords=How+Healed+Do+You+Want+to+Be&qid=1696370391&sprefix=how+healed+do+you+want+to+be%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-1
- Mira Fertility: https://www.miracare.com/

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

*****************************

Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com