As mothers, we often carry the weight of our past experiences into our parenting journey. But what if I told you that it's possible to break free from the patterns that hold us back and create a new story for ourselves and our children? That's exactly what I discovered in my recent conversation with Kathy Baldwin, a life purpose strategist and author who has turned her own trauma into triumph.

Kathy's journey resonated deeply with me, and I believe it will strike a chord with many of you as well. She shared how she navigated the complexities of motherhood while carrying unhealed traumas, and how she ultimately found a path to healing and empowerment.

The Impact of Unhealed Trauma on Motherhood

One of the most powerful insights Kathy shared was how unhealed trauma can affect our parenting. She candidly admitted, "I did not handle my motherhood the way I wish I could have. Because at the time that I became a mother, I still had unhealed traumas that I had become the queen of suppression."

This resonates with so many of us who have found ourselves repeating patterns or struggling to be the mothers we want to be because of our own past experiences. Kathy's words remind us that it's not about blame, but about awareness and the opportunity for change.

Understanding the Root of Our Patterns

Kathy delved into the concept of epigenetics and how the circumstances of our birth and early experiences can shape our beliefs and behaviors. She explained how she entered the world with a sense of not belonging, which led to a life of self-sacrifice and people-pleasing.

This understanding is crucial because it helps us realize that many of our struggles aren't our fault. They're often the result of generational patterns and societal conditioning that we've unknowingly inherited.

The Power of Unlearning

The heart of Kathy's message lies in the power of unlearning. She introduced us to her concept of "Unlearn the Crap," which stands for Condition Responses on Automatic Programming. This idea challenges us to examine our automatic responses and beliefs, asking ourselves a crucial question:

Does this empower me or disempower me?

This simple yet profound question can be a game-changer in our healing journey. It gives us permission to let go of beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve us, even if they've been part of our lives for years.

Rewriting Our Stories

One of the most inspiring aspects of Kathy's talk was her emphasis on our power to rewrite our stories. She shared how she transformed her own narrative from feeling unwanted to recognizing her inherent worth and purpose.

This process of redefining our stories is not always easy. As Kathy honestly shared, "Just because I redefined that, just because I came up on that awareness, doesn't mean it automatically went away." Healing is often a journey of continually choosing our new story, even when old patterns try to resurface.

The Importance of Community in Healing

Perhaps one of the most important takeaways from Kathy's talk was the reminder that we don't have to go through this healing journey alone. In fact, she emphasized that we weren't meant to.

This is why spaces like our Mamahood After Trauma community are so vital. They provide us with the support, understanding, and resources we need to navigate our healing journey and become the mothers we aspire to be.

Embracing a New Chapter

As we reflect on Kathy's powerful insights, let's remember that our past experiences don't have to define our future or our children's future. We have the power to unlearn, to rewrite our stories, and to create a new legacy of healing and empowerment.

I encourage you to take a moment today to ask yourself: What beliefs or patterns am I ready to unlearn? What new story am I ready to write for myself and my children?

Remember, mama, you are stronger than you know, and your journey of healing is not just for you—it's a gift to your children and future generations. Let's embrace this opportunity to turn our trauma into triumph, one step at a time.