What happens when the things you were told about yourself as a child become the beliefs that shape your entire life? And what happens when you finally find the courage to challenge those beliefs and rediscover who you really are? In this powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, host Deanna Powell sits down with Lena Fein, author of Shattering the Mirror, to explore childhood trauma, emotional abuse, shame, self-discovery, and the lifelong journey of healing. After decades in the technology industry, Lena began reclaiming the parts of herself she had hidden away, discovering that it is never too late to find your authentic self and live life differently. Lena shares deeply personal memories of growing up in a household where criticism and shame shaped her self-image, including the painful experience of having her childhood diary read aloud to her family. That moment left her feeling betrayed and convinced that something was wrong with her. For years, she focused on achievement and intellect while burying the vulnerable parts of herself. At 51, following her mother's death, Lena began a journey of self-discovery that would change her life. Through therapy, movement, dance, singing, writing, and other healing practices, she started reclaiming the passions and pieces of her identity she had been taught to suppress. Lena also opens up about how childhood experiences influenced her adult relationships, why shame can keep us from sharing our stories, and how writing her memoir helped her reclaim her voice. She discusses a childhood injury that went unrecognized as a head injury until decades later, the importance of authentic human connection, and the profound difference it makes when someone truly sees us with kindness and compassion. One of the most beautiful messages from this conversation is that it is never too late to discover who you really are, reclaim your voice, and show up in the world as a blessing. Whether you're working through childhood wounds, navigating difficult family relationships, healing from emotional abuse, questioning long-held beliefs about yourself, or simply wondering whether a new chapter is possible, Lena's story offers hope that personal growth and transformation can happen at any age. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: - Childhood trauma, emotional abuse, and the lasting impact of criticism - How shame affects self-worth, confidence, and the ability to be authentic - The experience of having childhood privacy violated and feeling betrayed - Lena Fein's memoir, Shattering the Mirror, and the courage it took to publish her story - Rediscovering your inner child and reclaiming the passions you were told you couldn't pursue - How therapy, freeform dance, singing, and writing became part of Lena's healing journey - The connection between childhood experiences and adult romantic relationships - Recognizing inherited patterns and learning to respond differently - Forgiveness, grief, and finding new meaning after the death of a parent - Why being truly seen, heard, and treated with kindness matters - Embracing imperfection and developing resilience through self-discovery - The importance of telling your story and discovering that you're not alone - Why it's never too late to find your authentic self at 68 and beyond CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Lena Fein, Author of Shattering the Mirror 01:23 – Why Lena Finally Decided to Tell Her Story 02:35 – The Healing Power of Sharing Our Stories 03:16 – Childhood Memories and the Beginning of Lena's Journey 05:10 – Why She Wrote *Shattering the Mirror* 06:07 – A Childhood Accident and the Trauma That Stayed With Her 07:40 – The Experiences That Taught Lena to Hide Her Voice 08:44 – The Childhood Diary Incident That Created Deep Shame 10:59 – How Childhood Criticism Shapes Self-Worth 11:06 – Growing Up With Emotional Abuse and Learning to Cope 11:43 – Her Mother's Death and the Beginning of a Personal Awakening 12:23 – Reclaiming the Parts of Herself She Had Hidden Away 13:10 – Healing Childhood Trauma Later in Life 15:20 – Feeling Like the Odd One Out and Learning to Accept Herself 16:27 – Discovering a Childhood Head Injury Decades Later 18:09 – How Early Experiences Shaped Lena's Self-Image 20:36 – An Extraordinary Memory and a Remarkable Medical Connection 22:15 – The Power of Presence, Compassion, and Being Truly Seen 24:02 – How Better Breathing Changed Lena's Experience of Meditation 25:35 – Why Human Connection Matters More Than Credentials 26:20 – Disability Awareness, Kindness, and How We Treat Others 27:05 – Breaking Learned Patterns and Choosing Kindness 28:14 – Aging, Gratitude, and Finding Joy in the Present Moment 29:13 – Finding Meaning and Being a Blessing to Others 30:30 – Why So Many People Hide Their Pain Behind a Smile 31:27 – Leaving the Tech Industry and Exploring New Possibilities 32:03 – Rediscovering Dance, Singing, and Long-Buried Passions 33:11 – How a Supportive Writing Circle Helped Lena Find Her Voice 34:18 – Publishing Her Memoir and Facing the Fear of Shame 34:47 – Telling Your Truth Even When Others Don't Understand 36:15 – Reclaiming Your Identity and Challenging Old Beliefs 37:15 – Embracing Imperfection, Courage, and Resilience 38:21 – Why Being Fully Known Helps Us Feel Fully Loved 38:52 – Forgiveness and Seeing Our Parents Through a Different Lens 40:31 – How Generational Trauma Shaped Earlier Parenting 42:21 – Breaking the Silence Around Childhood Experiences 43:45 – How Shame Keeps Us From Sharing Our Stories 44:51 – Childhood Trauma, Adult Relationships, and the Need to Be Chosen 46:53 – Learning to Show Up as Your Authentic Self 48:13 – Lena's Life Message: It's Never Too Late to Find Yourself 49:11 – Where to Find *Shattering the Mirror* and Connect With Lena 49:51 – Closing Thoughts: Reclaim Your Voice and Your Heart If Lena's story resonates with you, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Intrepid Storytelling, and SHARE this episode with someone who may need to hear her message. Watch until the end, leave a comment, and tell us: What part of yourself are you ready to reclaim? ABOUT LENA FEIN: Lena Fein is the author of Shattering the Mirror, a memoir about childhood experiences, shame, self-discovery, and the journey toward healing and authenticity. After a career in the technology industry, Lena embraced new ways of expressing herself through dance, singing, writing, and deeper personal exploration. Her story is a reminder that we can challenge the beliefs we've carried for decades and create a more authentic, compassionate way of living. Connect with Lena: Website: www.shatteringthemirror.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenafein.author/ Support Intrepid Storytelling: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling Submit Your Story: Email us at intrepidstorytelling@gmail.com Listen to the show on your favorite podcast platform: PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-fszhv-14b03c1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579 iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/315837199 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0a99babd-2a33-4d25-8bc8-4ec909428e9e YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntrepidStorytelling#LenaFein #ShatteringTheMirror #IntrepidStorytelling #ChildhoodTrauma #EmotionalHealing #HealingFromTrauma #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #AuthenticSelf #OvercomingShame #EmotionalAbuse #InnerChildHealing #Resilience #Memoir #NeverTooLate
