Finding my voice again-A story of healing, reinvention and self worth

Be brave & find peace

17:27

Why do so many of us get nervous when public speaking? Communication expert Lawrence Bernstein says the key to dealing with the pressure is as simple as having a casual chat. He introduces the "coffee shop test" as a way to help you overcome nerves, connect with your audience and deliver a message that truly resonates. After the talk, Modupe explains a similar approach in academia called the "Grandma test," and how public speaking can be as simple as a conversation with grandma. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 15:48

MP3•Episode home

Episode 1: "Finding My Voice Again - A Story of Healing, Reinvention, and Self-Worth"

Welcome to the first episode of Be Brave and Find Peace! I’m your host, Donella Kaindaneh, and this season, we’re diving deep into the themes of reinvention, personal growth, and the courage it takes to step into your next chapter.

In this episode, I share my personal journey of rediscovering my voice after years of feeling silenced. It’s a story of healing, self-discovery, and reclaiming self-worth. If you’ve ever felt invisible or struggled to speak your truth, this episode is for you.

What I cover in this episode:

• The Power of Therapy: How an unexpected opportunity for therapy became a turning point in my life and the end of my relationship.

• Recognising Emotional Abuse: Understanding the behaviours that silenced my voice and how I found the courage to name them.

• Setting Boundaries: The importance of honouring yourself by saying "no" and creating space for your needs.

• Rebuilding Self-Worth: Practical steps I took to reconnect with myself, including journaling, self-care routines, and surrounding myself with supportive communities.

• The Journey of Reinvention: Why reinvention is a series of small, courageous moments that lead to a life aligned with your values.

4 Key Takeaways:

1. Your Voice Matters: Even if it feels like a whisper now, it can grow stronger with time and courage.

2. Boundaries Are Essential: Saying "no" is not selfish—it’s an act of self-respect.

3. Healing Takes Time: Reinvention doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey of choosing yourself every day.

4. Support Systems Are Vital: Therapy, coaching, and a strong community can be the foundation for growth and healing.

Resources:

• Join My Community: Subscribe to my newsletter at www.talktodonella.com for monthly insights, personal stories, and tips to step into your most confident self.

• 1:1 Coaching: If you’re navigating a life transition and need guidance, book a session with me at www.talktodonella.com or through the link in my Instagram bio.

Contact Me:

Have questions or suggestions? Email me at dk@talktodonella.com or DM me on Instagram @TalkToDonella.

Tune in for next week’s episode. We’ll explore practical steps to rebuild your self-worth after finding your voice. Reinvention isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about creating a life that honours your truth.

9 episodes

Finding my voice again-A story of healing, reinvention and self worth

Be brave & find peace

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Episode 1: "Finding My Voice Again - A Story of Healing, Reinvention, and Self-Worth"

What I cover in this episode:

• The Power of Therapy: How an unexpected opportunity for therapy became a turning point in my life and the end of my relationship.

• Recognising Emotional Abuse: Understanding the behaviours that silenced my voice and how I found the courage to name them.

• Setting Boundaries: The importance of honouring yourself by saying "no" and creating space for your needs.

• Rebuilding Self-Worth: Practical steps I took to reconnect with myself, including journaling, self-care routines, and surrounding myself with supportive communities.

• The Journey of Reinvention: Why reinvention is a series of small, courageous moments that lead to a life aligned with your values.

4 Key Takeaways:

1. Your Voice Matters: Even if it feels like a whisper now, it can grow stronger with time and courage.

2. Boundaries Are Essential: Saying "no" is not selfish—it’s an act of self-respect.

3. Healing Takes Time: Reinvention doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey of choosing yourself every day.

4. Support Systems Are Vital: Therapy, coaching, and a strong community can be the foundation for growth and healing.

Resources:

• Join My Community: Subscribe to my newsletter at www.talktodonella.com for monthly insights, personal stories, and tips to step into your most confident self.

• 1:1 Coaching: If you’re navigating a life transition and need guidance, book a session with me at www.talktodonella.com or through the link in my Instagram bio.

Contact Me:

Have questions or suggestions? Email me at dk@talktodonella.com or DM me on Instagram @TalkToDonella.

9 episodes

All episodes

Be brave & find peace

1
The Courage to Leave: Reclaiming Your Worth Amid Hope 28:04

4 days ago28:04

28:04

Episode Title: The Courage to Leave: Reclaiming Your Worth When Your Heart Still Hopes Host: Donella Kaindaneh ________________________________________ Episode Overview: In this deeply personal and transformative episode, Donella opens up about the courage it takes to leave a relationship when your heart is still holding onto hope. Speaking from her own experiences and years of coaching clients, Donella sheds light on the realities of emotional abuse, manipulation, and the invisible scars they leave behind. She guides listeners in recognising their true worth, separating fact from harmful narratives, and beginning the process of healing and reclamation. Topics Covered: • When Hope and Reality Collide: Donella shares her own story of heartbreak, unveiling how even after a painful breakup, lingering hope and manipulation can keep us emotionally captive. • Recognising Emotional Abuse: Understand the subtle and devastating nature of emotional abuse, from trauma bonding and love bombing to gaslighting and bread crumbing. • The Weight You Carry: An honest look at how many end up running the entire relationship, financially, emotionally, physically, and mentally, while being told they’re “not enough.” • Self-Worth vs. Self-Esteem: Learn the crucial difference between these two pillars of identity, why self-worth is your foundation, and how to start rebuilding both. • Actionable Exercises: • Who’s Really Running This Relationship? A guided journal assessment across five key areas of life and partnership. • The Evidence List: A practical exercise to separate harmful partner narratives from reality, helping you see your true contributions and value. Key Takeaways: • Emotional abuse often goes unrecognised because the wounds are invisible, but its effects are just as profound as physical harm. • Hope can be used as a form of manipulation—that “good times” are strategic, not genuine acts of love. • Recognising what you bring to your relationship (versus what you’ve been told) is your first step toward healing. • Self-worth is intrinsic and unchanging—it’s your birthright, no matter your past or another’s opinion. • You are not alone, not crazy, and it is possible to reclaim your peace and power. Resources Mentioned: • YouTube: “The Abuser’s Playbook” by HealthyGamerGG (Dr. K)—insightful video on manipulation [search YouTube for ‘Abuser’s Playbook Healthy Gamer GG’] • Books on Self-Worth: Donella will include specific recommendations in the episode’s show notes. • Coaching: • Donella offers free discovery calls for women ready to invest in their transformation. Book at talktodonella.com for coaching starting in July. A Note from Donella: If today’s episode stirred something in you, know that you are not alone and help is available. If you’re leaving a relationship, please prioritise your safety above all else. Donella will share additional support resources at the end of next week’s episode. This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Special! Next week, we’ll dive into the fears that keep us stuck—fear of being alone, starting over, and handling judgment—and explore Donella’s most effective frameworks for lasting self-healing and empowerment. If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who may benefit from hearing this message. Stay Brave. Choose Yourself. Find Your Peace. Additional resources: HealthyGamerGG – The Abuser’s Playbook Dr Kristen Neff’s books and resources on Self-Compassion and her mindfulness practices. She has a lot of free resources you can use. Her website is https://self-compassion.org/ Dr Ramani – all her books, her YouTube channel and her website – https://doctor-ramani.com/ The National Domestic Abuse Helpline The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ Some organisations have a free Employee Assistance program. It is a free and confidential service with qualified counsellors you can talk to in confidence. Use it if you have access.…

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Shame & Self-Compassion: Finding Your Way Back to Peace 53:15

12 days ago53:15

53:15

Episode Summary In this profoundly insightful and heartfelt episode, Donella dives into one of the most challenging emotions we face as humans: shame. She explains how shame differs from guilt, its roots, and why it has such profound power over our lives. Donella shares both personal and client stories, demonstrating how shame—especially stemming from childhood experiences, toxic relationships, and societal pressures—can shape our sense of self-worth and connection to others. The episode isn’t just about identifying shame, but also about healing. Donella introduces self-compassion as the antidote and provides clear, actionable frameworks and exercises to help listeners move from self-criticism and isolation to kindness, connection, and mindful awareness. Whether you’re grappling with shame from old wounds or want to cultivate more self-compassion in your life, this episode offers warmth, understanding, and a practical roadmap toward inner peace. Key Topics Covered The Nature of Shame: Difference between shame and guilt Psychological roots and real-life triggers How shame becomes toxic and internalised Real Stories: Donella’s own experiences with shame from childhood Client stories that illustrate shame in academic, family, and relationship settings The Framework for Healing: Understanding the “Shame Cycle” vs. the “Self-Compassion Solution” The three core components of self-compassion (via Dr. Kristin Neff): Self-kindness Common humanity Mindfulness Practical Strategies and Exercises: Compassionate Reframing Self-compassionate letter writing Physical self-compassion practices Sharing your shame with trusted friends/support groups Mindful practices such as naming emotions and the “Self-Compassion Break” Creating a “shame inventory” journal Therapy Approaches: Overview of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) The importance of trauma-informed therapy Encouragement to Seek Support: Why professional help is a powerful act of self-care, not a weakness Donella’s testament to the power of reaching out for help Donella’s Challenge for Listeners Donella invites you to take the “Self-Compassion Challenge”: Choose one self-compassion practice discussed in this episode and try it this week. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal. Your journey—and even your setbacks—are completely human. Resources & Recommendations Books/Authors Mentioned: Brené Brown on shame and vulnerability Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion Therapies Discussed: Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Check the show notes on Donella's website for a full list of exercises, resources, and recommendations. Once the new site is live, the episode content will also be available to read or print for your convenience! Connect with Donella Email/DM: Donella welcomes your stories and feedback! Instagram: @talktodonella Join the Community and Find More Resources: www.talktodonella.com Be kind to yourself, especially when it’s hard. Stay brave, embrace compassion, and find your peace.…

Be brave & find peace

1
Understanding Why You’re Stuck & Opening Your Mind To Change 17:53

19 days ago17:53

17:53

**Episode 5: Understanding Why You’re Stuck – Opening Your Mind To Change** Welcome back to Be Brave and Find Peace with Donella Kaidaneh. In this episode, Donella gets deeply personal as she unpacks the universal feeling of being “stuck” in relationships, careers, or life. If you’re longing for change but unsure where to start, this episode is your guide. **What You’ll Hear:** - **Donella’s Story:** Donella shares a powerful moment from her own life—facing a health scare at 50 and realising the truth about a lacking relationship. Her vulnerability sets the stage for an episode all about transformation, boundaries, and finding inner strength. - **Why We Get Stuck:** Donella explores why we feel stuck, from unrealistic expectations to drifting without clear goals. She uses examples from her own experience and a client, Eva, who broke through a decade of career stagnation to create a life she loves. - **Reflection Prompts:** - Are my expectations of myself realistic? - Do I have clear goals? - Am I investing in myself regularly? - Who am I surrounding myself with? - Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone? - What fears are holding me back? - Am I practising gratitude? - **Actionable Tips:** Donella provides journal prompts and encourages small, brave actions—a “baby steps” approach to change. You’ll be challenged to try her “Open Door Journaling Exercise” to help clarify what’s keeping you stuck and take your first courageous step toward change. - **Embracing Change:** Learn why accepting change, celebrating new choices, and trusting yourself are crucial for growth. Donella’s gentle advice and real-world examples will leave you inspired to reclaim your peace and pursue transformation. **Get Involved:** - Donella invites you to share your breakthroughs and experiences with her via email or Instagram DM—you never know who you might inspire by telling your story! - Join the community at [www.talktoDonella.com](http://www.talktoDonella.com). **Closing Message:** Remember, feeling stuck isn’t permanent—it’s an invitation to grow. You have the power to take that first step today. **If you loved this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and stay tuned for more inspiration. Until next time: stay brave, embrace change, and find peace.** --- Connect with Donella: Instagram | @talktodonella Email | www.talktoDonella.com…

Be brave & find peace

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Overcoming Fear-How To Reinvent Yourself In The Face Of Uncertainty 28:48

26 days ago28:48

28:48

**Be Brave and Find Peace Podcast** **Episode 4: Overcoming Fear – How to Reinvent Yourself in the Face of Uncertainty** **Host: Donella Kaidaneh** --- Welcome back to Be Brave and Find Peace with your host, Donella Kaidane. In this special episode, Donella dives deep into the transformational topic of fear—why it shows up, how it holds us back, and most importantly, how you can face it to reinvent your life even when everything feels uncertain. #### In this episode, you’ll hear: - **Understanding Fear:** Donella unpacks what fear really is, with definitions from Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com and a rundown of synonyms and types of trauma responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Learn how our ancient brains (the amygdala!) are hardwired for fear and how this can protect us… or hold us back in today's world. - **Donella’s Personal Story:** Donella shares a deeply personal account of facing fear after a painful breakup and how the fear of the unknown sometimes feels more threatening than the pain we already know. Her journey through therapy, support networks, journaling, and education is a beacon for anyone feeling stuck or scared to move forward. - **How Fear Manifests:** Why do we cling to comfort, even when it hurts us? Donella examines the powerful pull of the familiar and how fear can keep us from leaving unhealthy relationships or stagnant situations. - **Reprogramming Fear:** Learn how to “sit down with fear,” acknowledge it, and take action anyway. Donella shares wise words from Nelson Mandela and introduces the concept of reprogramming your amygdala with each brave step forward. - **Role of Self-Compassion:** Discover the importance of treating yourself with kindness during transitions. Healing isn’t linear, and self-compassion is key to breaking the cycle of fear and criticism. - **Practical Techniques:** - **Fear Journaling Prompts:** Donella guides you through journaling exercises to explore the roots of your fears and your hidden comfort zones. Fear Visualisation Technique:** This is a simple, guided imagery practice for physically processing and moving through fear. - **Professional Support:** Why it’s essential not to go it alone—Donella recommends contacting therapists or coaches for tailored support. - **Breathing & Meditation:** Tips on calming anxiety and resetting your nervous system. - **Weekly Challenge:** Donella’s “Fear Confrontation Challenge” invites you to face a small fear and share your triumph for community inspiration. - **Recommended Resources:** - *Whole Again* by Jackson Mackenzie - *Self-Compassion* by Dr. Kristin Neff - Dr. Ramani’s work on relationship dynamics and toxic patterns (especially her helpful YouTube resources) -- Also, resources by Richard Grannon- Youtube --- ### Connect with Donella - **Website & Community:** [talktodonella.com](http://www.talktodonella.com) - **Instagram:** [@talktodonella](https://www.instagram.com/talktodonella) (DMs and questions welcome!) --- **Key Takeaway:** Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s just a checkpoint. You have everything you need within you to move forward. You can reinvent yourself with self-compassion, the proper support, and a few actionable strategies, even when fear is shouting. If this episode has helped you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and join the growing Be Brave and Find Peace community for ongoing encouragement. --- *Stay brave. Face your fears. Find peace.*…

Be brave & find peace

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The Power of Choice: From Feeling Stuck to Self-Reinvention cont 23:13

5 weeks ago23:13

23:13

**Show Notes: Talk to Donella | Episode 2cont – The Power of Choice: From Feeling Stuck to Self-Reinvention **Host**: Donella Kaindaneh **Episode Overview:** Welcome back to *Be Brave and Find Peace* with Donella! In this follow-up to the previous episode, Donella continues her transformative journey, diving deep into strategies 7–13 for moving beyond feeling stuck and stepping into self-reinvention. This heartfelt episode is about embracing change, even when you’re unsure where to start. Donella opens up about her own struggles and shares actionable, practical advice for anyone ready to transform their life. **Key Topics & Strategies Discussed: ** - **Embody the Role:** Donella redefines "fake it till you make it," focusing on embodying confidence and the person you want to become, even before it feels natural. She highlights small acts like smiling at yourself or adopting a power pose before a challenging moment. - **The Power of Connection:** Don’t retreat into isolation—connection is key. Donella shares how reaching out to loved ones, even for a simple chat, helped her break out of sadness and procrastination. She encourages listeners to reach out, not just text, and explore authentic connection. - **Permission for Self-Care:** Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s essential! Donella shares a breakthrough moment when she finally allowed herself to pause and prioritise her well-being, emphasising that self-care is maintenance, not indulgence. - **Finding Your Balance:** Go beyond “work-life balance”—investigate where your energy is leaking. Donella outlines tools like journaling, time-tracking, energy audits, and aligning your time with your values to reclaim your time and vitality. - **Honest Self-Examination:** Sometimes the hardest look is in the mirror. Donella shares her own moment of radical honesty after a painful relationship, encouraging listeners to examine their own patterns and take responsibility for both problems and solutions. - **Community Connection:** Building lasting change often requires community. From book clubs to networking events, Donella reminds us that your “vibe attracts your tribe”, and nurturing community is essential—even for introverts. - **The Power of Gratitude: ** Gratitude isn’t just fluffy talk—it’s neuroscience! Donella offers practical gratitude exercises like a gratitude jar, daily walks, and volunteering, showing how focusing on what’s working can create powerful mindset shifts. **Donella’s Challenge: ** Pick one strategy from this episode and commit to it for just one week. Then, DM Donella to let her know which one you’ve chosen—she reads every message and is eager to support you. **Book a Call:** Ready for deeper transformation? Schedule a session with Donella via [www.talktoDonella.com] (https://talktoDonella.com) or through the link in her Instagram bio [@talktodonella](https://instagram.com/talktodonella). **Episode Takeaways: ** - Small, intentional choices lay the foundation for major shifts. - Change doesn’t require perfection—just willingness and honesty. - Reinvention isn’t about becoming someone new but about showing up as your best self every day. **Connect with Donella: ** - **Website: ** [talktoDonella.com] (https://talktoDonella.com) - **Instagram: ** [@talktodonella] (https://instagram.com/talktodonella) **Thank you for tuning in! ** Remember: Stay focused, stay brave, and find your peace.…

Be brave & find peace

1
The Power of Choice: From Feeling Stuck to Self-Reinvention 27:47

6 weeks ago27:47

27:47

Episode 2: The Power of Choice: From Feeling Stuck to Self-Reinvention Episode Summary: Are you feeling stuck? In this episode of Be Brave and Find Peace, host Donella Kaindaneh shares how you can use to reclaim your power! Donella shares her journey of self-reinvention after a life-altering breakup. She shares how small, intentional daily choices can lead to profound transformation. Donella also shares 6 six powerful strategies that have helped her and her clients move from feeling stuck to becoming the architects of their reinvention. Six (6) Strategies we cover in this episode 1. Organise Your Phone: Clean up your digital space to create mental clarity. 2. Mindful Disconnection: Take breaks from your phone to reconnect with the present moment. 3. Strategic Silence: Unplug from social media and online negativity to regain peace of mind. 4. The Power of Completion: Tackle tasks you've avoided to relieve mental stress and boost your self-worth. Procrastination drains energy; completing tasks creates a sense of accomplishment. 5. Embracing Creativity: Rediscover joy through creative outlets like music, art, or writing. Creativity is about self-expression, not perfection. 6. The Power of Presentation: Present yourself well, even on tough days, to reinforce your self-worth. Small actions like wearing your favourite outfit or perfume can positively influence your 3 Key Takeaways 1. The secret to re-inventing yourself is not in grand gestures, it’s in the small choices you make daily. You have the power of Choice, even in the tough days. 2. The Power of Completion can boost your self-worth and remove feelings of self-doubt. 3. External choice influences your internal state. Looking and feeling good reinforces your self-worth. Next Episode Preview: In the next episode, Donnella will discuss the seventh strategy, "Embody the Role", and share additional tools for deepening your reinvention, reclaiming energy, building meaningful connections, and cultivating gratitude. Connect with Donnella: • Instagram: @TalkToDonella • Website: www.talktodonella.com Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss the continuation of this powerful discussion. Share your thoughts and let Donella know which strategy you’ll try first!…

Be brave & find peace

1
Finding my voice again-A story of healing, reinvention and self worth 15:48

7 weeks ago15:48

15:48

Episode 1: "Finding My Voice Again - A Story of Healing, Reinvention, and Self-Worth" Welcome to the first episode of Be Brave and Find Peace! I’m your host, Donella Kaindaneh, and this season, we’re diving deep into the themes of reinvention, personal growth, and the courage it takes to step into your next chapter. In this episode, I share my personal journey of rediscovering my voice after years of feeling silenced. It’s a story of healing, self-discovery, and reclaiming self-worth. If you’ve ever felt invisible or struggled to speak your truth, this episode is for you. What I cover in this episode: • The Power of Therapy: How an unexpected opportunity for therapy became a turning point in my life and the end of my relationship. • Recognising Emotional Abuse: Understanding the behaviours that silenced my voice and how I found the courage to name them. • Setting Boundaries: The importance of honouring yourself by saying "no" and creating space for your needs. • Rebuilding Self-Worth: Practical steps I took to reconnect with myself, including journaling, self-care routines, and surrounding myself with supportive communities. • The Journey of Reinvention: Why reinvention is a series of small, courageous moments that lead to a life aligned with your values. 4 Key Takeaways: 1. Your Voice Matters: Even if it feels like a whisper now, it can grow stronger with time and courage. 2. Boundaries Are Essential: Saying "no" is not selfish—it’s an act of self-respect. 3. Healing Takes Time: Reinvention doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey of choosing yourself every day. 4. Support Systems Are Vital: Therapy, coaching, and a strong community can be the foundation for growth and healing. Resources: • Join My Community: Subscribe to my newsletter at www.talktodonella.com for monthly insights, personal stories, and tips to step into your most confident self. • 1:1 Coaching: If you’re navigating a life transition and need guidance, book a session with me at www.talktodonella.com or through the link in my Instagram bio. Contact Me: Have questions or suggestions? Email me at dk@talktodonella.com or DM me on Instagram @TalkToDonella. Tune in for next week’s episode. We’ll explore practical steps to rebuild your self-worth after finding your voice. Reinvention isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about creating a life that honours your truth.…

Be brave & find peace

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Welcome! It's me again 3:49

7 weeks ago3:49

3:49

Coming back from my hiatus.

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1
Trailer 4:42

3 years ago4:42