Episode #76
Ep 76 Jo's Story: The Day I Decided to Live
Keywords Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Resilience, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Tapping, Neuroplasticity, Chronic Pain, Mental Health, Recovery, Healing, Forgiveness, Marathon Running, Mindset, Personal Growth, Adversity, Hope, Inspiration, Thriving Not Surviving Summary What happens when years of unresolved trauma finally catch up with the body? In one of the most emotional episodes of Thriving Not Surviving , Jo shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood overshadowed by her father's severe mental illness, through years of hidden trauma, chronic pain and devastating health challenges, to becoming a marathon runner who has completed 16 marathons, over 70 half marathons and raised more than £21,000 for charity. Diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and later Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Jo was repeatedly told she would never recover. But everything changed after a life-changing moment in hospital when she made the decision that she simply couldn't live that way any longer. Through Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), learning about neuroplasticity, confronting buried trauma and refusing to accept the limits others placed upon her, Jo gradually rebuilt both her body and her life. This is a powerful conversation about courage, forgiveness, healing and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation begins when we stop running from our past and finally face it. Key Takeaways • Trauma doesn't always stay in the mind—it can profoundly affect the body. • Healing often begins with honesty and facing the experiences we've buried for years. • Diagnosis is important, but hope and determination can be equally powerful. • Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. • Neuroplasticity demonstrates the brain's incredible ability to adapt and change. • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) became a life-changing tool in Jo's recovery. • Forgiveness is about freeing yourself, not excusing someone else's behaviour. • Recovery isn't always linear, but setbacks don't erase progress. • Never allow someone else's prognosis to become your identity. • One decision can change the direction of an entire life. Resources The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner Connect with Jo To donate to her current charity - Rome, Brighton & Loch Ness Marathon 2026 - https://teenagecancertrust.enthuse.com/pf/joanne-wright Connect with Helen Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk IG: helens_inspired_healing FB: Inspired Healing LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn WhatsApp: +447971798462 For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios Cover art: Dave Champagne For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
