In this heartwarming and empowering episode, Candace and Neil welcome James Turner, a retired library assistant and poet. James brings us his journey of resilience and recovery from childhood trauma. James sheds light on his story's turning point, where he was able to recognize the source of his suffering and shares his experience of attending moMENtum, a Devon-based men's group aimed at enabling men to come together to discuss and understand the impact of childhood abuse.

The episode explores the dynamics of the intergenerational nature of abuse and trauma, its legacy and effects on individuals. James reflects on his own experiences and shares some insights from renowned trauma experts. He also shares his perspective on reclaiming power through forgiveness and creating healthy boundaries. Candace reflects on her experiences and the importance of allies and support on the path to healing. Neil echoes the sentiment and shares his own journey of forgiving himself.

Join Candace, Neil, and James on this inspiring and compassionate journey that imparts hope, healing, and resilience. Tune in to uplift and seize the message that healing and recovery are possible.

Episode Highlight:

22:33 - In your personal story, do you forgive the man, the person, man, woman, or whoever it was who abused you? And that would depend, it seems to me, on if forgiveness means that you are no longer boiling with rage, no longer affected deeply, emotionally by the abuse.

35:17 - I put something about this on Facebook. All I said was I was abused by my dad. Abuse, violent sexual assault in babyhood. And that swingeing email, not surprising understandably, from my sister-in-law saying, "How dare you say all this? Couldn't possibly be true. You're deranged. You've made it up." And she said, "I know that memories don't start until you're three years old." Not true, if you do your research. Okay? So, anyway, I'm proof of it.

45:37 - What I'm most grateful for is the fact that you take your experience, this journey of life, like I'd like to say, I turned my mess, it was a messy situation, into a message. I was tested so many times. Also wanted to commit suicide. Thank God I didn't and that I'm able to live life to the best of my ability, to be a better version of myself. I'm growing and learning everyday and I'm just grateful to have support.

Connect with James Turner

Facebook

Connect with Candace

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Buy the book “Unspoken”

Purchase Your Own Unspoken Swag

Connect with Neil

LinkedIn

Connect with Digimentors

Website