Healing A Brain Injury; Laura Renner

Laura Renner is a nurse turned author. Healing a brain injury is the topic of today's podcast. Laura received a brain injury in 2021, and because of this, she started thinking about her past. She discovered she had complex post-traumatic stress disorder from when she was a child. In an attempt to recover, she spent about a year and a half trying different ways to heal from her trauma.
She wrote a book called “No, I'm Not Fine. Thank You.” In this book, Laura talks about how she got better from her old wounds and became strong again. Now, she spends her time learning about how to heal her body and mind from trauma, and she helps other people do the same thing.
Laura first wanted to take care of babies in neonatal intensive care. However, because she had health problems, she had to focus on getting better and writing her story. In her book, she tells about her struggle with anxiety, strange health issues, and how she learned about the things that happened to her when she was younger.
Laura knows a lot about different ways to heal from trauma, like something called Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, craniosacral therapy, neurofeedback, and how to control your nervous system. She also knows about getting better after a brain injury and how our brains can change, which is called neuroplasticity. She can teach us how to change our thinking, about taking care of babies in the hospital, and about how to speak up for yourself when you're getting medical help. Laura wants her book and what she's been through to help other people feel inspired and to find their own way to heal.

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Most Influential Person

Joe Dispenza, author of Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One

Effect on Emotions

Mindfulness helped Laura understand and express her emotions. Before, she felt scared to show feelings, staying frustrated and avoiding tears.
Mindfulness changed this by highlighting emotions' importance for mental and physical health.
Emotions are natural and meaningful, offering a release. This realization greatly aided Laura's well-being.

Thoughts on Breathing

Laura emphasizes the power of intentional deep breathing and breathwork. She practices this several times daily for its benefit to the nervous system. It shows the brain that things are safe, promoting a calm state.
This simple technique, easily done while driving or walking, offers rapid and significant improvements for maintaining calmness and well-being.

Suggested Resources

Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Book: Happy Days by Gabrielle Bernstein
Book: No, I'm Not Fine. Thank You.: My Relentless Journey Healing Complex Trauma by Laura Renner
Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Joe Dispenza
App: Inner Balance by Heart Math Inc

Bullying Story

Laura Renner's history involves childhood bullying from family, friends, and school, but her major insight was self-bullying. She coined it her “inner critic,” using negativity to spur action.
Negative self-talk trapped her in self-doubt, shame, and worthlessness. Engaging in deep self-work through books and podcasts, she transformed this pattern.
Overcoming ingrained self-critique, she replaced it with self-compassion. This shift marked a pivotal point in her healing.
Laura now advocates self-kindness and mindfulness, showcasing the potential for inner change and personal growth.

Words of Wisdom

Despite progress in addressing trauma and becoming more open about our experiences, many still find it scary to be vulnerable and share their struggles. Fear of judgment holds us back.
Laura understands this fear but believes that talking about mental health and trauma can break this cycle of fear. Her book's title, “No, I'm Not Fine,” encourages honesty.
Opening up and starting conversations about healing is crucial.

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