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The Courageous Survivor: The Rewired Journey
I’m Paula Walters — a woman who spent most of her life in survival mode after enduring child abuse, domestic violence, and a near-fatal strangulation that left me with a traumatic brain injury. For years, I was trapped in a cycle of pain, confusion, and endless medical appointments that offered no real answers.
But when I hit rock bottom, faith led me to one final option — a functional neurologist who helped me uncover how trauma had rewired my brain and body. That discovery changed everything. I began rebuilding my life from the inside out — learning how to heal my brain, regulate my body, and reconnect with my faith, truth, and purpose.
Now, through The Courageous Survivor Podcast, I’m sharing that journey. Each week, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my Rewired Journey — the real, raw process of healing decades of trauma, breaking unhealthy patterns, and building a life rooted in wholeness and hope.
Together, we’ll explore how faith, neuroscience, and courage come together to transform not just the mind — but the entire person.
If you’ve ever wondered whether healing is possible after deep pain — this podcast is living proof that it is.
Welcome to The Courageous Survivor Podcast.
Where survival ends, and rewiring begins.
Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.
The Courageous Survivor: The Rewired Journey
Trauma's Impacts on the "Rational and Emotional" Brain
In this talk, I explore the intricate relationship between the rational brain (prefrontal cortex) and the emotional brain (limbic system), particularly how trauma affects their balance. Trauma rewires the brain, causing the emotional center to dominate, often leading to impulsive reactions and heightened emotional sensitivity. I draw from personal experiences and societal trends, highlighting how trauma can distort decision-making, memory, and emotional regulation. The discussion also focuses on healing and rewiring the brain through techniques like mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), grounding exercises, and physical activity. The goal is to emphasize the importance of self-regulation to regain control over emotional responses, ensuring a more balanced and rational approach to life.
Key Points:
Rational Brain (Prefrontal Cortex):
Controls decision-making, impulse control, and emotion regulation.
Trauma disrupts its function, leading to impulsivity and poor stress management.
Emotional Brain (Limbic System):
The amygdala (emotions) and hippocampus (memory) are key parts.
Trauma causes the amygdala to become hyperactive, increasing fear and emotional sensitivity.
The hippocampus struggles with memory, causing blurring between past and present trauma.
Impact of Trauma:
Trauma shifts the brain into survival mode, making it hard to think clearly or regulate emotions.
Society today is often stuck in this emotional overdrive, as seen in public discourse and media.
Personal Experience:
I made many impulsive decisions due to trauma, such as moving states and reacting with anger.
I share an incident at Bob Evans, where trauma led me to overreact emotionally to a situation.
Healing Techniques:
Mindfulness and meditation to calm the brain's fight or flight response.
CBT to identify and challenge distorted thoughts and emotions.
Grounding techniques (e.g., tactile methods, breathing exercises) to stay present.
Physical exercise like gardening to help regulate emotions.
Conclusion:
Healing is about rewiring the brain and prioritizing self-care to regain emotional balance.
Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.
https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/
Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.