290. Shattering the Mirror — What Breaks Can Also Heal with Lena Fein

Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we explore leadership, healing, identity, and the stories that help us reclaim our voice and lead with intention.In this deeply moving episode, Yo welcomes author Lena Fein to talk about her memoir, Shattering the Mirror, and the healing journey that unfolded after a lifetime of living behind distorted beliefs formed through childhood trauma.Lena shares how achievement, perfectionism, and high performance became her armor — and how, later in life, she began peeling back the layers to rediscover her true self, her voice, and her heart.Together, Yo and Lena explore:✨ Healing in layers over time✨ Moving from survival to wholeness✨ Reclaiming the parts of ourselves we left behind✨ Releasing shame and self-rejection✨ Finding courage to tell our stories✨ Learning to surrender instead of holding on so tightly✨ The connection between voice, breath, heart, and healing✨ Why healing and authentic self-expression are possible at any ageLena also shares one of the original songs that became part of her healing journey and reclaiming of her voice.💡 In this episode:The metaphor behind Shattering the MirrorHow trauma shaped Lena’s self-worth and identityWhy achievement became survivalThe role of somatics, singing, dancing, and writing in healingRecording her audiobook and reclaiming her voiceSeeing both the loving and painful sides of her parentsWhy mature women are resonating deeply with her memoirWhat Lena would tell her 20-something self today“Blessing the moment instead of cursing the moment”🎧 Timestamps:00:00 Welcome & introduction01:30 What “Shattering the Mirror” means03:00 Lena’s hope for readers and healing later in life04:20 Achievement and perfectionism as protection10:00 Reading her audiobook aloud and reclaiming her voice15:30 The complicated relationship with her parents20:00 The healing journey beyond writing23:50 Singing, breath, and reclaiming her voice27:00 Surrender and self-forgiveness31:20 Why writing your story matters35:30 What Lena would tell her 20-something self37:45 “Blessing the moment instead of cursing the moment”39:00 Lena’s butterfly card choice and brave wings metaphor🦋 About Lena Fein:Lena Fein lives in San Francisco and is a retired high-tech executive, nonprofit founder, artist, singer, dancer, and writer. Her memoir, Shattering the Mirror, explores her journey through childhood trauma toward freedom, clarity, authentic self-expression, and love.🔗 Connect with Lena:Website: https://shatteringthemirror.comBook: https://www.amazon.com/Shattering-Mirror-Memoir-Lena-Fein/dp/B0FDX5R89CInstagram: @lenafein.authorFacebook: Lena FeinContact: [email protected]💌 Connect with Yo & Girl, Take the Lead!Website & Shop: https://girltaketheleadpod.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272025931481748YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@girltaketheleadInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/girltaketheleadLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yocanny/🎧 Listen on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen or view your podcasts.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need this conversation today.