Surviving is NOT Your Real Personality (Episode 136)

Your body doesn’t “overreact” for no reason, and your habits aren’t random. We’re joined by Patty Cabot, a New York based author whose story cuts through diet culture and goes straight to the root: how childhood sexual abuse can shape weight, boundaries, self-worth, and the way we show up in relationships for decades.Patty shares how she spent more than 20 years gaining and losing 50 to 75 pounds at a time, becoming “great at dieting” while still feeling stuck. The real shift happens when she finds a therapist who understands eating disorders and trauma, and says the quiet part out loud: the weight is a symptom. From there, we unpack what trauma looks like in real life: shutting down during intimacy, feeling like you can’t say no, self-medicating to get through dates, and living with a nervous system trained for freeze when fight and flight were never options.We also talk about the taboo of child sexual abuse, how shame and secrecy keep survivors isolated, and why “normal” can become dangerously distorted when harm is familiar. Patty explains the difference between a trauma mindset and a healthy mindset, and why simple truths like “sex can be an expression of love” can feel like a lightning bolt when your history taught you otherwise. She offers her book, Not That Girl Anymore, to help others feel less alone and to show that healing and love are still possible, even if it takes real work.If any part of this conversation hits close to home, share it with someone who needs it, subscribe for more honest conversations, and leave a review so more survivors and supporters can find this show.For a free download fo Patty's book 'Not That Girl Anymore', please visit:https://www.fatimabey.com/136If you would like to support her and purchase her book, please visit:https://www.amazon.com/Not-That-Girl-Anymore-Childhood/dp/B0CKCVQ3VXSend us an anonymous text messageSupport the showEvery episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-searchExplore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.comI also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblogFollow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492Thank you for listening!