E533 - Corinna Dunn - Note To Self - Lessons on Trauma and Thriving in its Aftermath

Episode 533 - Corinna Dunn - Note To Self - Lessons on Trauma and Thriving in its Aftermath

Author Corinna Dunn joins host Dave on Living The Next Chapter to share her powerful memoir, Note to Self: Lessons on Trauma and Thriving in its Aftermath. Living in Virginia with her husband and four teenagers, Corinna also hosts the Melanin Wellness Podcast, a platform dedicated to Black women's wellness that resonates across diverse audiences. She opens up about transforming personal pain into purpose through writing, treating her book like a pregnancy, complete with the doubts of the first trimester, the creative flow of the second, and the daunting final push toward publication.

Corinna describes the emotional challenge of discussing her trauma-filled story with her protective sons and husband, who remain unable to read the book despite purchasing it and her accompanying journal prompting cards as a show of support. Her youngest daughter, however, found it beautiful and affirming of her mother's strength. Reflecting on her unhealed family members, Corinna emphasizes understanding their perspectives without excusing the past, recognizing how unprocessed trauma often cycles through generations. Pre-healing, she lived in constant anger, frying bacon or folding laundry with simmering rage, until therapy unlocked grief and growth.

Her husband witnessed her evolution from an angry protector, shaped by childhood neglect, to a blossoming, inspiring force. As a mother determined to overcompensate for her own lacks, Corinna raised children who instinctively ask, "What would Mom think?" before acting, a testament to her nurturing success. Therapy prevented her from becoming overprotective, especially with her two autistic children, teaching her to let them navigate the world while fostering decision-making skills through pros-and-cons discussions.

The book serves as a conversational guide for healing, blending journaling, meditation, yoga, prayer, therapy, and hobbies to dismantle shame. Corinna urges survivors to show themselves compassion, unpack events with professional help to uncover protected memories, and reject blame, especially from family insiders who perpetrated or enabled harm. Feedback has been empowering, with readers appreciating the path to thriving she illuminates.

Key Takeaway: You hold the strength to heal from trauma and claim the rich life you deserve. Start with one step, like journaling or therapy, knowing a vibrant future awaits on the other side.

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Friday, May 02, 2025