Thriving not Surviving

Keywords thriving, surviving, community, beekeeping, personal growth, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, healing, spirituality, success, trauma, art, healing, portraits, health challenges, business success, personal turmoil, women in business, grief, motherhood, resilience, beekeeping, spirituality, community, self-worth, personal growth, bees, mindfulness, connection, organic food, mental healthSummary In this deeply moving episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Paula Carnell – spiritual beekeeper, author, healer and truth-teller – whose life has been shaped by profound loss, chronic illness, courage and soul-led calling.Paula shares her extraordinary journey through Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, years of being bed- and wheelchair-bound, near-death moments, divorce, grief and reinvention. From building a six-figure creative business to giving everything up after being called by the bees to a remote island in the Indian Ocean, Paula reflects on what thriving really means when life strips everything away.Together, Helen and Paula explore receiving vs striving, community vs isolation, feminine wisdom, worthiness, healing through nature, and the bees as teachers of presence, connection and frequency. This conversation is an invitation to redefine success, soften into trust, and remember that simply being alive is enough.Raw, expansive and full of soul medicine, this episode is for anyone navigating illness, change, loss, burnout or a deeper calling – and wondering how to thrive on the other side.The conversation also touches on themes of self-worth, authenticity, and the interconnectedness of all beings, particularly through the lens of beekeeping and sustainability.Takeaways• Paula’s journey has been a profound rollercoaster of challenge, loss, and transformation.• The call of the bees sparked a life-changing path rooted in purpose and deep listening.• Thriving is deeply personal and often redefined through community, simplicity, and support.• Returning “home” after profound experiences can feel disorientating and alien.• Living simply can bring a powerful sense of enough.• Community plays a vital role in healing, resilience, and true thriving.• Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome shapes every aspect of life and identity.• Art, creativity, and portrait-making have been central to healing and self-expression.• Health challenges can lead to unexpected discoveries and new beginnings.• Navigating grief, motherhood, love, and business requires immense resilience — especially for women.• When living feels harder than dying, a radical shift can awaken a deeper will to live.• There is always a gift in adversity, even when it takes time to see it.• Food, environment, and community are foundational to health and wellbeing.Connect with PaulaTEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI4LCGMM-gAWebsite: https://paulacarnell.comPodcast: 'Creating a Buzz about Health' available on all major podcast platforms. https://paulacarnell.com/podcasts Community: https://www.skool.com/spiritual-beekeeping/about?ref=4982f003fc5c47d9b4889348b95092b1Buy my books: https://books.by/paula-carnellMinerals I recommend: https://simplynaturals.co.uk/?ref=4HhtBRrgInstagram: https://instagram.com/paula.carnell?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-carnell-3016421?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords thriving, surviving, healing, self-love, intuitive healing, Reiki, personal growth, spirituality, trauma, empowermentSummary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen is joined by intuitive healer, former nurse and fellow podcaster Beverley Holt, whose extraordinary life journey spans trauma, spiritual awakening, abusive relationships, spontaneous cancer remission, and a deep return to self-love as medicine. Beverley shares her story of growing up highly intuitive, learning to hide her gifts, navigating grief, loss and control, and ultimately reclaiming her divine connection through Reiki, forgiveness, and embodied healing. From survival to true thriving, this is a powerful conversation about self-love, intuition, resilience, and remembering who we really are.Takeaways · Thriving means having tools and support networks.· Beverley's journey emphasizes self-love as medicine.· Childhood experiences can shape our adult lives.· Empathy can lead to absorbing others' emotions.· Healing is a journey, not a destination.· Relationships can reflect our inner struggles.· Beverly's cancer journey led to profound healing.· Reiki and self-love are powerful healing tools.· Creating community is essential for growth.· Grief can lead to unexpected emotional releases.Connect with BeverleyBeverley’s websites:www.atomicempowerment.auwww.mywellnessspring.cohttp://www.youtube.com/@beverleyholt828Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyholt/https://www.instagram.com/health.wellness.podcaster/https://www.facebook.com/beverley.holt.2025My Wellness Spring page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580044537845Collaborative Best-selling book Lady X - https://www.amazon.com.au/Lady-X-MIrav-Tarkka/dp/1733095535Connect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust  a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions

Keywords : holistic medicine, child development, sensory processing, dyslexia, ADHD, primitive reflexes, functional neurology, parenting, brain development, environmental factorsSummaryIn this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Lara Barnes about her journey supporting her son, Archie, who faced severe sensory processing difficulties and dyslexia. Lara shares her insights on the importance of understanding primitive reflexes, functional neurology, and the environmental factors affecting child development. She emphasizes the need for foundational development in children and discusses the broken systems in place that often overlook these critical aspects. The conversation highlights the transformative journey of Archie and the potential for all children to thrive when given the right support and tools.Takeaways· Lara's son, Archie, faced severe sensory processing difficulties and dyslexia.· Understanding primitive reflexes is crucial for brain development.· Functional neurology can significantly impact children's learning abilities.·· Foundational development is key to overcoming learning challenges.· Environmental factors play a significant role in child development.· The current academic system often fails to support children with learning difficulties.About LaraLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. She has seen profound changes in her son, emotionally, physically and academically. Now she wants to share these techniques to the world to show there is a way to heal your child.www.braindevelopment.co.uk   lara@braindevelopment.co.ukSocial media - Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook all @ braindevelopmentukBrain Development UK provides parents with a pathway to healing the behavioural and learning symptoms of their Autistic, Dyslexic, ADHD, Dyspraxic child, which builds the foundation of the brain. These children may have missed key milestones in their development before the age of 12 months. I assess and teach parents primitive reflexes and use the sensory system of vibration, smell, coloured lenses and sound to change the nervous system, correcting the foundational problem. My podcast will address HOW to manage this to change the brain, addressing all aspects. Brain Development, the nervous system, the sensory system, the gut and its importance in the brain functioning, visual and auditory processing, lab testing, food sensitivities, diet & supplements, exercising for the body and the brain. We share parent success stories, expert insights, how the brain develops, what causes changes in a child's trajectory, join us to understand how you can help build your child's brain to let your child shine.Resources from LaraDr MelilloDr Melillo’s Books Including Disconnected Kids - Third Edition: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders: Amazon.co.uk: Melillo, Dr. Robert: 9780593713419: BooksPodcast: https://youtu.be/JMPSGVKdwkM?si=MaxGpv9uJ-2udrP9Rakhi Pabari - Behavioural Optometrist - Vision and Auditory Processing @eyesinmotionJohansen Program : Johansen Individualised Auditory Stimulation (JIAS) - Johansen IAS Sound TherapyConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust  a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords thriving, surviving, trauma, mentorship, healing, documentary, cinematography, social change, grief, community supportSummary In this episode of 'Thriving Not Surviving', host Helen Valentino engages in a deep conversation with Ben Cole, an actor, filmmaker, and mentor. They explore Ben's journey from a challenging childhood, through the struggles of acting, to his eventual reinvention as a cinematographer and documentary filmmaker. The discussion delves into themes of trauma, healing, mentorship, and the importance of community support. Ben shares his insights on grief, self-discovery, and the role of elders in guiding the younger generation. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic change in society to better support those in need.Takeaways • Thriving means having tools and support to navigate life’s challenges• Early trauma can shape identity, but it does not have to define the future• Reinvention can be a powerful act of self-trust and healing• Mentorship plays a vital role in growth, recovery and self-discovery• Grief is an ongoing practice that many people are never taught• Listening and presence can be profoundly healing for others• Community support has the power to change lives• Documentary filmmaking can be a vehicle for healing and social awareness• Society needs systemic change in how it supports those who have suffered• Awareness is the foundation of personal transformationSound Bites"I had to reinvent myself.""Hurt people hurt people.""The real me was just awareness."Connect with BenWebsite: bencolecinematographysite.comA Band of BrothersBoarding School film: Boarding on InsantityR-evolution film promo:1 Giant LeapConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust  a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 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 TubePodcast: New Business in Later LifeConnect with Helen🔗 Helen on LinkedIn🌐 www.inspiredhealing.co.uk📷 IG: @helens_inspired_healingNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust  a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 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