Childhood Trauma, Profound Grief and Loss, and a Remarkable career with Lululemon, Gap, and Levi Strauss & Co. in-between.

In this deeply moving episode of "How I Made It Through," host Bernadette Thompson sits down with Kathryn Henry, a spiritual seeker and business leader whose life journey is a testament to the power of resilience and transformation. Through raw personal storytelling, Kathryn shares her incredible story of overcoming childhood trauma, navigating the profound grief of losing her wife, Lisa, to cancer, and ultimately finding a path to self-realization and spiritual awakening.

Kathryn's story is one of tragedy and triumph, illustrating how life's most challenging moments can lead to profound personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. She recounts her early struggles with childhood abuse, her journey through a Christian home, and the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of spirituality. Kathryn also shares how she found solace and guidance in spiritual practices, leading her to a successful career in the corporate world and beyond.

Throughout the episode, Kathryn and Bernadette explore themes of love, loss, and the enduring connections we share with those who have passed on. Kathryn's experiences with signs from Lisa after her passing offer a powerful testament to the spiritual connections that transcend the physical world.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves into the depths of human resilience, the beauty of spiritual awakening, and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life's challenges.

Connect with Kathryn Henry: www.kathrynhenry.com

Kathryn's Book: “A Dime to Say I Love You ” Available at amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Dime-Say-Love-You-Spiritual/dp/B0F787W89L

Connect with Bernadette: www.tellmeourstory.com

Bernadette@tellmeourstory.com

**Chapter Markers:**

- **[00:00] Introduction**
- Bernadette introduces the podcast and welcomes Kathryn Henry, highlighting her background and achievements.

- **[03:00] Kathryn's Early Life and Challenges**
- Kathryn shares her experiences with childhood abuse and her time in a Christian home, setting the stage for her spiritual journey.

- **[06:00] Spiritual Awakening and Personal Growth**
- Discussion on how Kathryn's spiritual journey began, exploring different belief systems and finding tools for healing.

- **[09:00] Love and Loss: Kathryn's Relationship with Lisa**
- Kathryn talks about meeting Lisa, their life together, and the impact of Lisa's cancer diagnosis.

- **[12:00] Coping with Grief and Finding Spiritual Connections**
- Kathryn describes the spiritual connections she maintains with Lisa after her passing and the significance of signs and messages.

- **[15:00] Overcoming Career Challenges and Finding Success**
- Kathryn shares her unconventional path to a successful career and the lessons learned along the way.

- **[18:00] Embracing Service and Helping Others**
- Discussion on Kathryn's current endeavors, including mentoring and sound healing, and her commitment to service.

**Resources:**

- Kathryn Henry's Book: "A Dime to Say I Love You"
- Information on sound healing and energy healing practices
- Meditation and spiritual study resources

**Call-to-Action:**

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "How I Made It Through." If Kathryn's story inspired you, please share this episode with friends and family who might benefit from her insights. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories of resilience and transformation. Connect with us on social media to join the conversation and stay updated on future episodes. If you have a story you'd like to share or feedback on this episode, reach out to us through our website. Your journey matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

**Episode Title:** What if the Darkest Moment of Your Life Became the Doorway to the Divine? Heather Vandermeyden

Three months in ICU, Twenty Near-Death Experiences; The Remarkable story of survival and awakening

Connect with Heather Vandermeyden: https://heathervandermeyden.com/

She is the author of “ Miracles from the Other Side”

Connect with Bernadette Thompson: https://www.tellmeourstory.com/

- International Association for Near-Death Studies: [Website](https://www.iands.org/)
- Books on Near-Death Experiences: "Proof of Heaven" by Dr. Eben Alexander, "After" by Dr. Bruce Greyson. “Life After Life” by Dr. Raymond Moody
- EMDR Therapy: [EMDR International Association](https://www.emdria.org/)


In this profound and moving episode of "How I Made It Through," host Bernadette Thompson welcomes Heather Vandermeyden, whose life journey took a remarkable turn through a series of near-death experiences (NDEs). Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Heather's deep connection to nature and spirituality guided her through a life-altering health crisis. At the age of 19, Heather was diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis, leading to a series of critical medical emergencies and multiple surgeries.

During these harrowing experiences, Heather encountered profound spiritual realms and divine love that transformed her understanding of life and death. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the enduring connection between this world and the next. Heather's NDEs provided her with insights into the afterlife, consciousness, and the healing power of love and prayer.

This episode offers comfort and hope to anyone facing illness or supporting a loved one through a health crisis. Heather's gentle and calming recounting of her experiences provides a unique perspective on the intersection of life, death, and spirituality.

**Chapter Markers:**

- **[00:00] Introduction**
- Bernadette introduces Heather Vandermeyden and sets the stage for the conversation about her near-death experiences.

- **[03:00] Heather's Early Life and Diagnosis**
- Heather shares her background and the onset of her illness, leading to her first NDE.

- **[06:00] The First Near-Death Experience**
- Heather describes her initial encounter with the divine voice and the beginning of her spiritual journey.

- **[09:00] Medical Crisis and Spiritual Awakening**
- Details of Heather's critical health condition and the profound spiritual experiences during her surgeries.

- **[12:00] The Realm of Love and Healing**
- Heather recounts her experiences in a realm of immense love and healing, meeting ancestors and spiritual guides.

- **[15:00] The Library of Knowledge**
- A visit to a mystical library where Heather encountered ancient wisdom.

- **[18:00] Angels and Divine Guidance**
- Heather's interactions with guardian angels and their role in her healing journey.

- **[21:00] The Power of Prayer and Faith**
- Insights into how prayer and faith contributed to Heather's survival and healing.

- **[24:00] Validations and Lessons Learned**
- Heather discusses the validations of her experiences and the lessons she has learned about life and the afterlife.

**Resources:**

- International Association for Near-Death Studies: [Website](https://www.iands.org/)
- Books on Near-Death Experiences: "Proof of Heaven" by Dr. Eben Alexander, "After" by Dr. Bruce Greyson
- EMDR Therapy: [EMDR International Association](https://www.emdria.org/)

**Call-to-Action:**

If Heather's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing about the healing power of love and the existence of life beyond our earthly experience. Subscribe to "How I Made It Through" for more inspiring stories of transformation and resilience. Don't forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover these powerful narratives. Join our community on social media to continue the conversation and connect with like-minded individuals.

**This Episode: “A Canary in the Coal Mine” Unraveling Ancestral Trauma With Ruschelle Khanna LCSW

In this incredible episode of "How I Made It Through," host Bernadette Thompson sits down with Ruschelle Khanna, who shares her personal journey of healing from a severe health crisis that led her to uncover the roots of chronic illness in inherited trauma. As family business consultant and psychotherapist, she has helped others to explore the profound impact of generational and ancestral trauma on our lives.Together, Bernadette and Ruschelle delve into the stories and patterns passed down through generations, discussing how these narratives shape our behavior and relationships. They also touch on the spiritual aspects of ancestral connections and how engaging with these energies can lead to profound healing and understanding. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of mental health, spirituality, and family lineage.

**Resources:**

- **Ruschelle Khanna's Book:** "Inherited Trauma and Family Love: A Guide to Better Relationships and Building a Lasting Legacy"
- **Ancestral Healing Center:** Upcoming resource center for community and education on ancestral healing.
- **Family Constellations Therapy:** Explore this therapeutic approach to understanding family systems.

Connect with Ruschelle:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruschelle-khanna-lifestyle-for-legacy/

https://www.lifestyleforlegacy.com/

Find Bernadette at: https://www.tellmeourstory.com/

- **Subscribe and Share:** If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "How I Made It Through" and share it with your friends and family who might benefit from understanding the impact of ancestral trauma.
- **Join the Community:** Stay tuned for more information on the Ancestral Healing Center and how you can get involved in upcoming courses and events.
- **Connect with Us:** Follow Bernadette Thompson and Ruschelle Khanna on social media for updates and insights on ancestral healing and personal growth.

This episode offers a deep dive into the transformative power of understanding our ancestral stories and the healing potential that lies within them. Join us on this journey of discovery and empowerment!

**Chapter Markers:**

- **[0:00] Introduction to Ruschelle Khanna**
- Bernadette introduces her guest, Ruschelle Khanna, and discusses her work as a family business consultant and psychotherapist focusing on inherited trauma.

- **[3:00] Ruschelle's Personal Journey**
- Ruschelle shares her personal health crisis that led to her spiritual awakening and understanding of ancestral trauma.

- **[6:00] The Impact of Ancestral Stories**
- Discussion on how family stories and inherited trauma manifest in our lives and the importance of recognizing these patterns.

- **[9:00] Exploring Ancestral Healing**
- Ruschelle explains how she integrates ancestral healing into her practice and the transformative effects it can have on individuals and families.

- **[12:00] Spiritual Awakening and Ancestral Connections**
- Bernadette and Ruschelle discuss their personal experiences with spiritual awakenings and the role of ancestors in guiding and healing.

- **[15:00] Patterns of Behavior and Family Dynamics**
- The conversation turns to how inherited trauma influences family dynamics and individual behaviors, and ways to address these patterns.

- **[18:00] The Role of Ancestral Stories in Healing**
- Ruschelle highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in reshaping family narratives and breaking cycles of trauma.

- **[21:00] Introducing the Ancestral Healing Center**
- Ruschelle shares exciting details about the upcoming Ancestral Healing Center, a collaborative project aimed at educating and supporting individuals on their healing journeys.