Tone It Up Girl Karena Dawn's Journey: Addiction, Love, and Mental Health

Tone It Up Girl Karena Dawn takes us on a journey through her life, from addiction to love and mental health. Discover how she overcame her past and found healing through fitness, creating a community that inspires women of all shapes and sizes to prioritize self-care.

“I was ashamed of my past in the beginning and didn't talk about it. I was silenced for too long.” - Karena Dawn

Karena joins Ruben in a conversation about both challenge and triumph. Whether you're navigating the nuances of marriage, the pangs of caregiving, or the pursuit of a genuine connection to others, this conversation promises a heartfelt exploration of what it means to live authentically.

Mental well-being is a journey, not a destination, and this episode serves as your compass, pointing you towards the resources and techniques that can steady you in tumultuous times. Tune in and find solace in the shared experiences that unite us in our quest for peace and happiness.

How does Karena live through love? "Being a good person, loving yourself first and then being able to love someone else. The more that we can have that loving energy, we can heal this world.”

In this episode, you will learn…

Confronting addiction and mental health struggles opens the door to self-discovery and empowerment through community support and personal wellness practices
Embracing vulnerability and sharing personal challenges can foster genuine connections and encourage others to seek help and advocate for mental health
Personal decisions, such as choosing not to have children, require authenticity and strength, especially when navigating societal expectations and public scrutiny
Accessible mental health resources and practical coping techniques like breathing exercises and body scans are essential for managing anxiety and staying grounded
Recognizing early signs of mental distress in young people and normalizing discussions about mental health can help prevent isolation and provide timely support.

“Choosing to live in fear can sometimes feel easier. But choosing love for yourself so that you can give love to other people is one of the hardest things.” - Karena Dawn

About the guest: Karena Dawn is a mental health advocate, podcast host, wellness entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, wife, daughter, and co-founder of the Tone It Up online fitness community and brand as well as the founder of The Big Silence mental health foundation.

(00:00) Transitioning Into Mental Health Advocacy
(17:11) Overcoming Fear, Rock Bottom, and Self-Empowerment
(32:01) Navigating Love, Loss, and Marriage
(45:38) Happy Parenthood, Overcoming Fear, Embracing Authenticity
(54:11) Importance of Mental Health Resources