Breaking Myths & Thriving Beyond Trauma with STOP & FLOW
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I want to talk about something we all experience—the myths we carry, especially in health, recovery, and professional fields. These myths can keep us stuck, but in my journey, I’ve learned that what we think is true often isn’t reality.
Just as we confront misconceptions in our recovery journeys, we often deal with myths in the workplace and our healing processes. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Myth 1: "They won’t want me there." Truth 1: I never imagined a church on a lake would become home to my immersive STOP & FLOW trainings, or that I’d work in recovery. But here I am, renting space at a stunning church on Skaneateles Lake, led by a female priest who has welcomed us with open arms. Stress is everywhere—not just in recovery—and creating a sense of ease benefits everyone.
Myth 2: "It’s hard to do this work we do." Truth 2: Life—and work—can be hard. It doesn’t always have to be so difficult though. A recent county-funded training was designed to be fun and stress-relieving for the team. Grief and pain are part of life, and healing happens when we open ourselves to move through it. Letting go of the struggle can create the space for relief and transformation.
Myth 3: "People don’t care anymore." Truth 3: Far from it. The people I’ve worked with in recovery are some of the most compassionate, thoughtful individuals. They care deeply about their community, their peers, and their own healing journeys. This is a powerful reminder that we’re all in this together.
Thriving Beyond Trauma with STOP & FLOW
This ties into my own journey of healing from trauma. As someone who has navigated domestic violence while balancing a career as a CPA and parenting, I know that the myths we hold about ourselves can keep us in survival mode.
Through STOP & FLOW, I’ve learned that healing is possible—and not only can we heal, but we can thrive. I’ve reclaimed a life of balance, joy, and freedom, and through this work, I help others do the same. Whether through mindful movement or positive psychology, STOP & FLOW has transformed my life and the lives of so many others.
Mindful Movement for Emotional Healing
Research shows that moving meditation, like Tai Chi, significantly reduces stress and improves mental clarity. Through STOP & FLOW, we use these practices to help you reconnect with your emotional center and restore peace in your mind and body.
Resilience and Transformation
It’s not just about surviving trauma—it’s about stepping into a life where you feel joyful, proud, and confident, both at work and at home. STOP & FLOW offers tools for professionals to navigate workplace stress while fostering emotional resilience.
If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join us on October 24th at Noon for Conversations in FLOW—a free, open community space where we’ll continue to explore these themes, share our truths, and discuss how to bring ease into our work and lives. Sign up HERE!
Together, we can break these myths and rewrite the narrative.
Warm regards,
Kristin Onderdonk
Founder, Enjoy Chi
P.S. If you or someone you love is looking for support locally, Vera House is an incredible resource. Read survivor stories HERE.
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