The Emotional Prison So Many People Never Escape

Grief and healing don't always begin after the loss of a loved one. Sometimes they begin when we decide to let go of shame, forgive ourselves, and rewrite the story we've been carrying for years.In this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Matilde Hernandez, author of Beyond These Walls and founder of Dare 2 Lift It. After experiencing incarceration, separation from her children, and the difficult journey of rebuilding her life, Matilde now helps others move beyond survival and into intentional living.Together, we explore what it means to release the labels that keep us emotionally imprisoned, why healing takes time, and how resilience is built one decision at a time. We also discuss the stigma surrounding incarceration, rebuilding family relationships, forgiveness, faith, and finding purpose after life's hardest chapters.In this episode, we discuss:• Healing after incarceration• Breaking free from shame and limiting beliefs• Rebuilding life after adversity• The grief of separation from family• Why an "incarcerated mindset" affects more people than we realize• Self-forgiveness and emotional healing• Finding purpose after trauma• Turning pain into purpose through storytellingNo matter what chapter you're in, this conversation is a reminder that your past may shape your story, but it doesn't have to define your future.Connect with Matilde Hernandezhttps://www.dare2liftit.comhttps://www.instagram.com/dare2liftit