Optimal Attitude: Trauma and the Brain with Angela Ardrey-Reynolds

Today’s session is part of the new series: Revitalizing the Mind. We thought it would be great to explore trauma, and how the brain is affected. What better way to do that, than to speak to someone who has experienced trauma first-hand and share what she has learned about the brain.

Today’s guest is a trauma survivor. Please meet Angela Ardrey-Reynolds. She is here to talk about her journey that brought her to a point of asking, “Why am I still struggling?” In her quest, she discovered how trauma adversely affects the brain, causing it to not only rewire itself but to also shut down parts of itself.

Angela shares: “I was looking for the courage again to have a voice in the world. Once I knew there was trauma, I gave myself a little more grace. There are answers to freedom. There are answers to unlocking these doors that held you so close.”

Angela Ardrey-Reynolds is a professional writer and photographer, achieving years of publication of her stories and event coverage. She is known for her ability to create the beauty of another’s soul through the power of her words. This gift led to many of her stories being displayed for all to see, as well as published on business websites.

She sees her gift as an act of love for the people. She believes we all hold stories inside us, but simply need someone to be our voice. In an effort to serve others, she founded her community’s first writer’s guild, The Writers’ Loft. It proudly celebrated its fourth anniversary in December 2022. 

In addition to being a storyteller with words and pictures, she is also a storyteller with her voice. Angela is a professional speaker with the National Speakers Association (NSA) and a member of the Keynotes and More Advanced Toastmasters club. She also serves as the Associate Dean of Professional Writing and Liaison for Toastmasters for the NSA Speakers Academy in Central Florida.

Angela studied at the University of South Florida and is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach. She has advanced designations in Behavior Change and Weight Loss.

Today our discussion will include:

·      As a trauma survivor, how did you find your way to this point?

·      What were your struggles growing up? Do you still experience struggles?

·      How is the brain affected by trauma and does this change how you deal with situations?

·      What is the difference between micro and macro trauma?

·      How does the brain react to trauma and what brain science discovery impacted you the most?

·      Does your recent book talk about the effects of trauma on the brain? If not, why?

·      What can be done to help the brain that has experienced trauma? Does this work for those that have not experienced trauma?

You can reach Angela at www.AngelaArdrey.com