*Advisory: Today I’m talking with my guest Alli who bravely shares her story of sexual assault and rape and how she healed from that trauma. If this is a topic you’re not comfortable with that’s ok. Feel free to skip this episode. Alli Owen is an engineer, writer, and life coach. She vulnerably owns her story of trauma and shares her journey to healing on her blog where she posts inspirational stories, life advice, and guided meditations.   We Talk About: Alli shares her story of trauma and sexual assault and her process of healing How hookup culture can be damaging to your relationship to self How to own your story without labeling yourself as weak Why it’s helpful to see your story through an outsider’s persepctive to give yourself compassion Why vulnerability isn’t weakness Why is it so hard to admit we’re brave versus weak? How memory can be clouded by confusion and emotion - how shame can cloud our experiences How to start opening up and healing from your experience - start small with friends and trusted family It’s so important to validate people’s experiences Why is it so scary to share? Fear that people will deny your experience Knowing when it’s the right time and whether you should sharing your story on a larger platform Ask: “am I sharing this to help people and serve people or am I sharing this to sort it out for myself” You don’t have to solve everyone’s problems - it’s better as a friend just to listen Being ok with being different - measuring your self worth against who you are and who you want to be - it’s a daily practice - accepting it’s not something you can achieve Creating your own standard of worthiness Cutting ties with friends who trigger unworthiness Why achievement is a coping strategy - and why you need to feel the pain in order to heal How to practice mindfulness regularly (to help build awareness) How to deal with the “not enough-ness” feeling Why play is so important for overachievers   This Episode is Perfect for Anyone Who: Has experienced trauma Has friends or family who have experienced trauma and you want to be a support Is on a journey of healing Has used achieving as a coping mechanism for dealing with pain Has felt "not-enough" in their life, work, health, relationships   Connect with Alli: On instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allio.co/ On her blog: http://allio.co/   Resources: https://www.rainn.org/ (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) https://www.rainn.org/after-sexual-assault Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE   Get the Full Show Notes: http://init4thelongrun.com