Thriving not Surviving

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

Keywords Obesity, depression, bariatric surgery, gastric band, gastric bypass, metabolic surgery, eating disorders, addiction transfer, sobriety parallels, mental health, body image, keeping weight off, Kio Method, transformation, resilienceSummary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with actress, podcaster and weight-loss mentor Mel Harris about her extraordinary journey from severe obesity, depression and eating disorders to lasting transformation. Mel shares how childhood low self-esteem, people pleasing and isolation led to compulsive eating, bulimia and a suicide attempt in her 20s. After years of trying every diet and therapy, she chose bariatric surgery — first a gastric band that later failed, and then a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass — and ultimately lost almost 15 stone. But the real work, she says, was not just losing the weight, it was learning how to keep it off for life. Mel talks about the grief of being “the fat friend,” working as an actress only getting bigger-body roles, the moment she couldn’t play with her nephews and finally asked for help, and how she now supports others through her Kio (Keep It Off) Method. This conversation also explores the parallels between food addiction and alcohol recovery, the lack of long-term support after surgery, and why relapse into old patterns is normal — but not inevitable.Takeaways • Obesity is often rooted in early low self-worth, people pleasing and not feeling “good enough.” • Depression and disordered eating frequently go hand in hand. • Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, but it is not a magic fix — aftercare matters. • A failed or slipped gastric band can be converted to a gastric bypass. • Weight-loss surgery patients often experience addiction transfer (e.g. to alcohol). • The “honeymoon period” after surgery ends — that’s when most people need support. • Keeping weight off requires conscious habits, self-talk and awareness of trigger foods. • 76% of people who lose a large amount of weight regain it without long-term strategies. • Mel created the Kio Method (Keep It Off) to help people maintain results for life. • We are all works in progress — long-term mental health support is valid.Sound Bites“I was just two pounds short of 25 stone and I couldn’t even play with my nephews — that was   my catalyst.”"The surgery helped me lose the weight. The mindset helped me keep it off.”"People think the hard bit is losing it — it isn’t. The hard bit is keeping it off.”“I heard myself say, ‘Go back to bed with a packet of biscuits’ — and I chose not to.”“Obesity is now classed as a disease because at a certain point your body can’t do it alone.” “I don’t want people to go through what I went through — that’s why I created the Kio Method.”Connect with MelKIO Method - https://kiomethod.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiomethod/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiomethodInstagram: KiomethodYouTube: KIO- Keep it Off - YouTubeTikTok URL: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiomethodPodcast: KIO Keep it off ! Connect with HelenWebsite: www.inspiredhealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

 Keywords thriving, surviving, personal growth, spirituality, intuitive decision-making, healing, dragons, ancestral patterns, corporate challenges, playfulnessSummary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Emily Janda about her transformative journey from surviving to thriving. Emily shares her childhood experiences, the impact of ancestral patterns, and her challenges in the corporate world. She discusses a near-death experience that led to a spiritual awakening and her unique work with dragons in healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intuitive decision-making, embracing playfulness, and finding joy in the present moment.Takeaways · Emily's journey illustrates the power of transformation.· Childhood experiences shape our adult lives.· Ancestral patterns can influence our sense of self.· Corporate environments can challenge personal authenticity.· Near-death experiences can lead to profound insights.· Dragons symbolize strength and guidance in healing.· Intuition is a valuable tool in decision-making.· Embracing playfulness can enhance our lives.· Life's challenges often lead to personal growth.· Finding joy in the present moment is essential.Connect with EmilieMy website: https://emiliejanda.com/Quantum Therapy session / Ancestral healing at the DNA level: https://emiliejanda.com/quantum-therapy/Embodying your Cosmic Blueprint / Energy Alchemy series: https://emiliejanda.com/energy-alchemist/Dragon Initiation: https://emiliejanda.com/dragon-initiation/MerKaBah Activation: https://emiliejanda.com/activations-initiations/merkaba-activation/Sovereign Divine Feminine Embodiment: https://emiliejanda.com/divine-feminine-activation/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantum.therapy.akena/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IpaAlAkenaFree Guided meditations for Sovereignty on YouTube.The scientist mentioned was Nassim Haramein.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

Keywords: infertility, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, IVF, medical consent, abortion pill, adoption, childhood trauma, special-needs parenting, alcoholism, sobriety, Kundalini yoga, Amma (the hugging saint), Gabor Maté, Compassionate Inquiry, self-trust, forgiveness, resilience, thrivingSummary: In this deeply moving episode, Denise Sohandev shares a decade-long journey from infertility and repeated pregnancy loss to adoption, medical trauma, and the slow rebuild into a meaningful, sober life. After being told one fallopian tube was blocked, Denise experienced multiple miscarriages, a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, and two rounds of IVF (including a brief triplet pregnancy). In a rushed clinical encounter she was given an abortion pill without informed consent, a breaking point that catalysed her decision to reclaim agency and listen to her body’s signals. Denise and her husband adopted a 15-month-old son carrying early trauma; the realities of special-needs parenting collided with her work as a yoga teacher and coach, and alcohol became her coping tool. A chance trip to India in 2017, a life-affirming darshan with Amma, and the support of a new friend became the pivot: Denise chose sobriety (3 July 2017) and later trained in Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry, which helped her soften self-judgement, process childhood patterns, and move from victimhood to responsibility and compassion. Today she supports others through body-based healing, reminding us that thriving isn’t perfection—it’s tools, support, and the courage to trust your own inner knowing.Takeaways:1.Your body knows—learn to recognise and trust its signals.2.Informed consent matters; slow down rushed medical decisions.3.Grief needs space; bypassing feelings delays healing.4.Parenting a traumatised child is a marathon—build a village of support.5.Alcohol “works” until it doesn’t; one decision can start a new chapter.6.Spiritual experiences can catalyse change, but daily practices sustain it.7.Compassionate Inquiry reframes blame into understanding and choice.8.Naming the inner critic helps you loosen its grip.9. Forgiveness frees you first—let go so you don’t carry the prison with you.10. Thriving ≠ constant bliss; it’s having tools, community, and self-trust.11. Agency is reclaimed one boundary at a time—especially with authority figures.12. Nothing was wasted: every step can become part of your medicine for others.ResourcesGabor Mate – Compassionate enquiry Connect with DeniseEmail - connect@denisesohandev.comWebsite denisesohandev.comIG - Denise.sohandevConnect 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