255 — Stop Rehashing, Start Healing: Skills to Move On from a Tough Past with Author Anna Runkle

Do you ever wonder why some people thrive after a tough childhood while others stay stuck in patterns they can’t break? A difficult childhood can impact how you connect with others, set boundaries, and see yourself—but there are practical ways to heal and build a better life. In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Runkle, known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, who has helped millions recover from the effects of childhood trauma. We talk about what actually works (and what doesn’t) and the skills that help you heal—without having to rehash every detail of the past. Some of the things we talk about are: How childhood trauma shapes connection, boundaries, and self-worth Why traditional talk-only approaches don’t work for everyone (and what to try instead) Daily practices that calm emotional dysregulation How to spot the survival skills that once saved you but now hold you back Practical social and connection skills you can learn as an adult The “Acts of Connection” that build confidence in small steps Why you might be drawn to unavailable or troubled people—and how to break the pattern How to tell “Is it me or are they mistreating me?” when your radar is off The path from isolation to genuine support—and why healing requires other people Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Links & Resources CrappyChildhoodFairy.com Connectability Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠ AquaTru - Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods - Go to UncommonGoods.com/Stronger for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices