19. Unlearning Toxic Patterns: How I Overcame My Top 3

In this episode of the Soul Wide Open podcast, host Michelle Renee reflects on her upbringing and the programming that influences our behaviors and coping mechanisms. Broadcasting from her brother's house near Lake Tahoe, she discusses the importance of unlearning unhealthy patterns that were necessary for survival in a challenging environment. Michelle emphasizes the process of unraveling unhealthy coping mechanisms, comparing it to untangling a ball of yarn. She explores how many of us operate from outdated beliefs that no longer serve us and can even be harmful. To make the topic manageable, she outlines three key areas to focus on for unlearning and healing:  self shrinking, self abandonment and over explaining. These are important aspects to consider, especially when healing from emotional trauma or when building self-awareness.  Join Michelle as she guides listeners toward self-discovery and personal growth and be sure to take the free Soul Wide Open healing self assessment here: https://bit.ly/SWOHealingAssessment Talking Points: 00:00:45 - Unlearning for Healing and Growth 00:01:05 - The Process of Unlearning 00:02:00 - Top Three Things to Unlearn 00:03:25 - Unlearning Self-Shrinking 00:07:09 - Dave Joins the Conversation 00:09:06 - Self-Shrinking as a Survival Tactic 00:11:05 - Unlearning Self-Abandonment 00:14:02 - The Impact of Shame 00:18:11 - Unlearning Over-Explaining 00:24:06 - Shifting Mindset and Acceptance 00:25:31 - Conclusion and Self-Assessment Quotes: "Self-shrinking literally became something I felt like I needed to master that in order to avoid the pain and what came with being noticed." "In what ways do we abandon ourselves when we're running from the pain caused by traumatic events?" "Shame is like this cloak of darkness over you, where you just abandon yourself." "I really don't owe anybody an explanation at all about anything." "Living with my soul wide open has everything to do with unraveling all of those things that we learned growing up in environments that were really challenging."   Resources:  Take the Soul Wide Open Healing Self Assessment:    https://bit.ly/SWOHealingAssessment Order Nine Days on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4acIkt1 Soul Wide Open Podcast On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49lrveA Join the Soul Wide Open Healing Community: www.facebook.com/groups/soulwideopen Watch the CBS/Paramount Plus Special on Michelle & Breea's Story: https://cbsn.w Stay Connected: Don't miss out on more inspiring conversations and stories on the Soul Wide Open podcast. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of healing, growth, and living with your soul wide open. Connect with Michelle: Website:  https://michelle-renee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_michellerenee_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themichellerenee