Welcome back to a new podcast episode with a brand new Season 9! So happy you're here. *Discretion is advised for this episode as we discuss heavy topics including depression, trauma, and dark thoughts. We have special guest Dr. Elayna Fernández share her journey through writing as a form of self-compassion while unlearning trauma in the dark. We also talk about the importance of presence over positivity and finding gratitude with recovery after escapism. Here are the topics discussed in this episode:

- Journey of healing through storytelling, writing, & poetry

- Don’t compare your traumas with others

- Understanding pain and vulnerability

- Impact of ancestral healing as gift

- Danger of toxic positivity

- Personal stories of trauma and recovery

- Bestselling author of The Gifts of Pain series

- Transforming pain into purpose

- Healing power of community and connection

- Role of unconditional love with pain

- Healing through validation

- Pain demands to be felt

Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Dr. Elayna Fernández (@thepositivemom on Instagram) has been an influential Storyteller and Story Strategist for over 20 years. As a Student of Pain and multiple-trauma survivor, she has spoken on prestigious stages worldwide, including TEDx and the United Nations. She’s the bestselling author of The Gifts of Pain series and the visionary behind the Transformational STORYtellers Community, where she teaches impact-centered leaders how to harness the power of storytelling to invite transformation. To learn more, visit thepositivemom.com

Ari https://youtube.com/shorts/Ac2YwtV4emE?si=2Yq53B4VJm3TNyoC is the host of the Growth, Grace, and Gratitude Podcast! She is a pre-med/psychology graduate, a professional ballerina, lifestyle columnist, and author who grew up performing ballet at Lincoln Center with New York City Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and at Madison Square Garden. Her poem book "Long Distance Love" is out now! Her unique upbringing has inspired her to open up the conversation with experts in their field for the purpose of growing in self-development. We cover themes pertaining to spirituality & astrology, relationships & dating, mental health & career, and more. From everyone’s favorite Astrologer Valerie Mesa to ADHD Mental Health Coach Brooke Schnittman, to Board-Certified Neurophysiologist Toby Pasman and International Renowned International Spiritual Teacher Guy Finley, our guests are diverse and motivational in their approach to lending their expertise in the form of offering practical daily mental health guidance for our listeners. We celebrated over 50 inspiring guests and counting in a few months. I look forward to continuing the conversation to inspire all generations towards achieving authentic happiness and success! Connect with us for daily & weekly inspired content & conversation on:

The Podcast: Growth Grace Gratitude

YouTube:@GrowthGraceAndGratitudePodcast

Instagram: @growthandgracemindset

Ballet YouTube: @BalletDaily

Join us for our weekly Zoom ballet barre classes and learn the art of ballet and classes range from beginner to advanced in pointe work and variation! https://youtube.com/shorts/Hel9n8WXBwo?feature=share

And get your typewriters, dance class sign ups, paintings, empath awakening poem books, emotional support guidebooks, essay help & tutoring services via ⁠: growthandgracemindset@gmail.com⁠⁠ Share, comment, & rate 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Thanks for tuning in!! 🤗