#2 Reflections of Reality: How Our Histories Color Our World

#emotionalintelligence #emotionalresilience #mentalhealth
In this episode of *Selfies of the Mind*, I reflect on how past experiences shape our self-image and influence our potential. Join me as I share personal stories about overcoming childhood vulnerabilities and adult challenges. Transform your perception of reality and start building a better future for yourself.

📍 00:00 - Introduction
Welcome to *Selfies of the Mind*, a new lens, a new filter, and a new view. Host introduction and journey description.

📍 00:55 - Episode Overview
Introduction to the second episode and a brief insight into the upcoming personal story and the connection between thought processes and growing-up phases.

📍 01:50 - Cognitive Development and Neuroscience
Explanation of the phases of cognitive development, Piaget’s Stages of Development, and neuroplasticity. Mention of neuroscience research and book recommendations.

📍 04:10 - We See the World as We Are
Introduction of the idea that perception is shaped by personal experience and how two people can experience the same situation differently.

📍 05:20 - Personal Story: Cultural Dichotomy
Sharing personal experiences growing up in a Dutch-Moroccan household and the influence of religion on shaping right and wrong perceptions.

📍 06:50 - Childhood Trauma and Forgiveness
Addressing childhood trauma and the long-lasting effect of abuse. The power of forgiveness as a key to inner peace.

📍 08:10 - School Bullying and Isolation
Recounting experiences of bullying, stuttering, exclusion, and the impact on self-perception and development.

📍 09:50 - University Life and Personal Freedom
Reflections on university life, the pursuit of freedom, and the struggles to fit in, leading to self-perceived failure.

📍 11:00 - Career Journey and Intimacy Challenges
Exploration of career development, personal relationships, and difficulties forming genuine connections due to childhood experiences.

📍 12:20 - Office Politics and NATO Job
Personal challenges in the workplace and office politics, with a story of being given a chance by a senior leader, which changed the career path.

📍 14:00 - Abusive Relationship and Healing
The experience of being in an abusive relationship, why leaving was difficult, and how hypervigilance and past trauma made toxic environments feel familiar.

📍 15:30 - Working in The Hague and Afghanistan
Life in The Hague and working in Afghanistan, reflecting on community, trauma, and material detachment.

📍 17:20 - Marriage, Motherhood, and Career Struggles
Reflections on how motherhood started a new phase in life, challenges with career progression, and overachieving for external validation.

📍 19:00 - Loss, Burnout, and Entrepreneurship
The impact of losing a parent, experiencing burnout, and transitioning into entrepreneurship, with reflections on the mindset needed to thrive.

📍 21:00 - Therapy, Self-Healing, and Rebuilding
A personal journey of therapy, healing from childhood trauma, and learning how to rebuild a self-image from scratch.

📍 23:00 - Embracing Emotional Triggers
Exploring the concept of emotional triggers as a gift and how they offer opportunities for growth and healing.

📍 25:00 - The Birth of Selfies of the Mind
The idea behind *Selfies of the Mind*, moving from “selfies of the soul” to a concept of changing internal narratives.

📍 26:40 - Power of Changing Thought Patterns
Explaining how to change ingrained thought patterns by shifting perception and releasing negative emotions.

📍 28:00 - Upcoming Episodes: Top Fears
Preview of the next episodes, focusing on overcoming common fears like change, rejection, love, and imposter syndrome.

📍 29:20 - Closing Remarks
Final words of inspiration, gratitude for the audience, and call to action to reach out and support the podcast.

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