To Be Honest, I'm Still Learning to Heal From Hard Experiences

In this episode I'm joined by one of my best friends, Abbey, for an honest conversation about trauma, healing, and the quiet ways our past continues to shape us. Abbey opens up about surviving a life-altering car accident and how that moment changed her relationship with boundaries, safety, and the world around her. We also talk about growing up in a home where her dad was physically present but emotionally unavailable due to bipolar disorder and how those early experiences influenced the way she learned love, attachment, and self-protection. We explore how unprocessed trauma shows up later in life, especially in relationships, and what it looks like to start unlearning patterns that once helped you survive but no longer serve you. This conversation is a reminder that healing isn't about blaming the past, but understanding it so you can move forward with more compassion for yourself. In this episode, we talk about: Surviving a traumatic car accident and its lasting emotional impact Growing up with an emotionally unavailable parent How childhood experiences shape attachment and relationships Unlearning survival patterns in adulthood How trauma can show up in dating and connection The ongoing process of healing Giving yourself grace while you're still becoming ✨Lets connect on Instagram: @mikalen.co 🎨 Connect with Abbey:  @abigail_vk_ @artfullyabbey