Thriving not Surviving

Keywords thriving, surviving, resilience, discipline, boxing, recovery, addiction, mindset, coaching, personal growth, accountability, small steps, 1 percent better, purposeSummary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Bennie White, a coach, boxer, entrepreneur and podcaster, who shares his powerful journey from poverty, instability and addiction to discipline, purpose and service. Bennie reflects on growing up without safety, leaving home at 14, surviving on the streets, and numbing pain through alcohol and drugs. Everything changed when he found boxing, which gave him structure, belonging and a new way to face life. Together they explore discipline over motivation, the power of small daily steps, accountability, morning routines, and the philosophy of becoming 1 percent better every day. This episode is a reminder that it doesn’t matter where you start, only that you start.Takeaways • Discipline outlasts motivation• Small daily actions build lasting change• Accountability helps habits stick• Structure and community can be life-changing• Setbacks are lessons, not failures• Being present matters more than perfection• Anyone can change their life, one step at a timeSoundbites • If I can do it, so can you• I never lose, I either win or learn• Discipline will take you further than motivation• One step at a time, one round at a time• It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters that you start• Be 1 percent better every single dayFilm Mentioned – Creed with Silvester StalloneConnect with Bennie - Online Fitness and Lifestyle CoachBennie White - YouTubeIG: iambenniewhiteTik Tok: iambenniewhiteLinkedIn: Bennie WhiteFace book: bennie_whitevipTel: +44 742 337 5924Connect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords thriving, surviving, personal growth, relationships, health, wellness, self-discovery, kindness, morning routines, entrepreneurshipSummary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Ildiko Sealey for a heartfelt and honest conversation about the journey from surviving to truly thriving. Ildiko shares her personal story of growth through relationships, including reflections on her past marriage, the experience of loneliness, and the courage it took to choose herself before finding a deeply supportive partnership.Together they explore how personal growth is often born from challenge, the importance of self-discovery and independence, and how expecting others to make us happy can lead us away from our own inner power. The conversation also touches on the impact of morning routines on health and wellbeing, the ripple effect of random acts of kindness, and the simple yet transformative power of a smile.This episode is a gentle reminder that life is a rollercoaster, and thriving doesn’t mean avoiding the dips, but learning to meet them with grace, compassion, and self-awareness.Takeaways• Thriving is possible even in the midst of life’s challenges.• Expecting others to make you happy can lead to disappointment and loss of self.• Personal growth often emerges from difficult or uncomfortable experiences.• Healthy, supportive relationships begin with self-connection and independence.• Morning routines can have a powerful impact on mental and physical wellbeing.• Random acts of kindness create meaningful ripples beyond what we can see.• Self-discovery is an ongoing journey that leads to acceptance and freedom.• Embracing independence supports healthier, more balanced relationships.• A simple smile can shift your mindset and change the tone of your day.• Life’s ups and downs are inevitable – how we meet them makes all the difference.Sound Bites"I do feel that I am indeed thriving now""I am number one, full stop""Smile, it makes your brain happy"ReferencesChicken Soup for the Soul – Book By Jack CornfieldDanni Wallace – I am the Queen Bee – Big FestoonConnect with Ildiko Website: www.encorepreneurs.club Linked InFacebook: Ildiko SealeyIG: encourpreneursclubYou Tube Podcast: New Business in Later LifeConnect with Helen🔗 Helen on LinkedIn🌐 www.inspiredhealing.co.uk📷 IG: @helens_inspired_healing🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords sobriety, alcohol, recovery, Bee Sober, community, mental health, holistic practices, personal growth, podcast, wellness, sobriety, ADHD, rejection sensitivity disorder, family business, IPHM, mental health, personal growth, communication, financial awareness, holistic practicesSummary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Lisa Elsworth, founder of the Bee Sober community and Owner and Director of the IPHM Accreditation Board. Where she supports holistic practitioners and training providers to be recognised for the life-changing work they do, without losing their heart or values. She’s also the co-founder of Bee Sober, a global community for anyone who chooses not to drink, creating spaces rooted in connection, choice, and compassion. Here Lisa shares her deeply honest journey into sobriety, the moments that led her to stop drinking, and how that single decision transformed every area of her life. Together, they explore the way alcohol is normalised in our culture, the quiet struggles many people face behind closed doors, and the power of choosing a different path. Lisa speaks openly about ADHD, rejection sensitivity disorder, and the impact these have had on her relationships, work and self-understanding.The conversation also dives into the heart of IPHM — a family-run organisation supporting holistic practitioners worldwide — and the importance of community, compassion, and human-centred business. This is a powerful, real, and hopeful conversation about self-discovery, mental health, and what becomes possible when we choose connection over coping.Takeaways · Everything good in my life has happened since I stopped drinking.· Binge drinking was a cycle I couldn't escape.· Stopping drinking was an experiment for self-discovery.· Community is essential for those choosing sobriety.· Sobriety doesn't mean the end of social life.· Alcohol is often normalized in our culture.· It's important to acknowledge the challenges of sobriety.· Curiosity can make the journey of sobriety more interesting.· You can start your sober journey anytime, not just on New Year's. Lisa saved £27,000 over seven years of sobriety.· ADHD diagnosis can come later in life, impacting self-perception.· Rejection sensitivity disorder can lead to intense emotional responses.· Building a community helps individuals feel seen and valued.· IPHM aims to support holistic practitioners and training providers.· The importance of understanding ADHD in personal relationships.· Financial awareness can be a motivating factor in sobriety.· Creating a human-centered approach in business is essential.· Practitioners need support and understanding in their work.· The journey of building a family business can be fulfilling and challenging.Connect with IPHMWebsite: https://www.iphm.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iphm_/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iphmaccredited/Email: via IPHM contact form on their website, or call +44 (0)1706 838332Connect with Bee Sober & Bee Sober PodcastConnect with Lisa LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-elsworth/IG: @ i_am_lisajoConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords / ThemesThriving not surviving, soul cartography, spirituality, neurodiversity, healing, personal growth, storytelling, self-advocacy, creative expression, relationships, adversity, wisdom, community, meaning and purposeEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by writer and soul cartographer Caroline Carey for a deeply human conversation about neurodiversity, adversity, and the lifelong journey of understanding the soul.Caroline shares her experiences of childhood trauma, challenges with authority, and the healing power of writing and storytelling. Together, Helen and Caroline explore the dualities of light and dark, the role of ego, and how facing pain can become a doorway to profound personal growth.This episode weaves together themes of self-advocacy, creative expression, intergenerational wisdom, and the importance of community, reminding us that thriving is not about avoiding hardship – but about finding meaning, purpose, and connection through it.Key Takeaways• Thriving means living fully, even in the presence of challenge • Neurodiversity can bring both struggle and deep insight • Writing and storytelling are powerful tools for healing • Adversity often carries profound life lessons • Self-advocacy is essential for growth and wellbeing • Embracing both light and shadow supports true evolution • Community and intergenerational connection matter deeply • Finding meaning and purpose helps us thrive, not just surviveSoundbites• “I was always fascinated with the soul.” • “Acceptance is very much at the root of the work.” • “The spark of light is who we truly are.” • “I wouldn’t wish my childhood on my worst enemy.” • “We don’t have to do everything by ourselves.” • “Storytelling is so important.” • “We need meaning and purpose in our life.” • “Let’s be kind to ourselves.”Connect with CarolineFB: (20+) FacebookIG: (5) InstagramWebsite: Carolines Books - Middle Earth Medicine Ways – books and moreLinked in: Caroline CareyConnect with Helen🔗 Helen on LinkedIn 🌐 www.inspiredhealing.co.uk 📷 IG: @helens_inspired_healing🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios 🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Summary - In this solo episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino shares the morning gratitude practice that anchors her through times of grief, transition and change.This living, one-take offering weaves together reflection, drumming (which sadly you can’t really hear ☹), chant, and gratitude for the natural world. The practice moves through connection with Mother Earth, the elements, the cycles of nature, the body, ancestors and spiritual allies,  always returning to presence and the gift of the now.This episode is not a guide to follow word for word, but an invitation to listen, feel, and create a practice that is uniquely your own. A gentle reminder that gratitude is not about bypassing pain, but about remembering our resilience, connection and capacity to thrive.In this episode you’ll experience: • A spoken reflection on thriving, grief and resilience • Chant woven into a lived gratitude practice • Connection with nature, the elements and the cycles of life • An invitation to create a morning (or evening) practice that feels authentic to youKeywords thriving, surviving, gratitude, morning practice, cacao, drumming, nature, elements, shamanic practice, unity consciousness, ancestors, divine allies, healing, presenceTakeaways · Thriving means having tools and support during tough times.· Gratitude is essential for thriving, especially in challenges.· Morning practices can anchor us and set a positive tone for the day.· Connecting with nature helps us appreciate life's beauty and cycles.· The elements of earth, air, fire, and water are vital to our existence.· Space and unity consciousness connect us all and remind us of our shared experiences.· Miracles happen every day; we just need to be aware of them.· Calling in divine allies can provide guidance and support in our lives.· Gratitude can heal and transform our perspectives on life.· The present moment is a gift, and we’d be wise to cherish it.Chapters 00:00 Welcome & what thriving really means 01:10 Why this solo episode came to be 03:10 Morning practice: meditation, cacao & gratitude 05:30 Drumming and ceremonial gratitude 07:00 Honouring Mother Earth & the four directions 10:40 The cycles of nature & the seasons 13:00 The elements: earth, air, fire, water & ether 17:30 Unity consciousness & presence 21:00 Angels, ancestors & spiritual allies 25:30 Gratitude for the body, nature beings & animals 29:30 Divine feminine & divine masculine 34:00 Closing reflections & invitationConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios 🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk  

Keywords thriving, surviving, trauma, resilience, personal growth, Buddhism, storytelling, adventure, cultural experiences, empowermentTakeaways  · Thriving means having the tools and community for support.· Mary Gold's childhood was marked by dysfunction and challenges.· Traveling abroad shaped Mary Gold's perspective on life.· Surviving a traumatic experience in Somalia led to personal growth.· Cultural differences in Senegal presented unique challenges.· Mary Gold found solace in writing and poetry during tough times.· Buddhism provided a framework for resilience and personal empowerment.· Chanting became a powerful tool for Mary Gold's transformation.· Humour and storytelling are essential in coping with life's challenges.· Mary Gold's life experiences highlight the importance of community and support.Summary In this episode of 'Thriving Not Surviving', host Helen Valentino speaks with Mary Gold, who shares her extraordinary life story filled with challenges, adventures, and resilience. From a difficult childhood in a dysfunctional family to her travels across the globe, including traumatic experiences in Somalia and cultural challenges in Senegal, Mary Gold's journey is one of survival and empowerment. She discusses how writing, poetry, and Buddhism have played significant roles in her healing process, emphasizing the importance of community and support in thriving through life's adversities. With humour and insight, Mary Gold inspires listeners to embrace their own journeys of growth and resilience.Sound Bites· "Surviving trauma led to personal growth."· "I found solace in writing and poetry."· "Buddhism provided a framework for resilience."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Thriving and Surviving01:19 Mary Gold's Challenging Childhood05:28 Adventures Abroad and Life Lessons09:04 Surviving Trauma in Somalia13:34 Cultural Experiences and Love in Senegal17:09 Health Struggles and Resilience21:33 Reflections on Trauma and Writing30:37 Finding Thriving After Trauma31:39 Cultural Transitions and Personal Challenges33:03 Resilience Through Writing and Buddhism33:53 Discovering Buddhism: A Life-Changing Encounter37:54 The Power of Chanting and Its Meaning42:14 Transformative Effects of Buddhist Practice45:56 The Importance of Personal Responsibility49:15 Finding Joy in Life's Journey50:02 Humorous Anecdotes from a Colourful PastResourcesChant - Nam‑myōhō‑renge‑kyō (also seen written “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo”)“Nam” (or sometimes “Namu”) means a dedication/obeisance. “Myōhō-renge-kyō” refers to the title of the Lotus Sutra and means something like “the wonderful law of cause and effect of the lotus flower sutra”Soka Gakkai International UK https://sgi-uk.org/Connect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios 🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk