As we move into a new year, this episode feels especially meaningful.

In today’s conversation, I’m sharing a powerful episode recorded with my longtime friend and fellow coach, Becky, from about a year ago - during a season when both of us were deeply immersed in our own journeys of identity, healing, and self-discovery.

At the time, neither of us could have fully known how much would continue to unfold in the months ahead. And yet, listening back now, I’m struck by how relevant and grounding this conversation still is - especially as we reflect on what it means to truly come home to ourselves.

Together, we explore:

• what identity really means beyond labels and roles
• how trauma responses can quietly shape who we believe we are
• the difference between ego, intuition, and survival energy
• why somatic work is essential for creating safety in the body
• how shame loses its power through compassion and connection
• and what it looks like to reclaim belonging from within

We also talk openly about the early stages of my own healing journey—when I couldn’t answer the question “Who am I?” without collapsing into shame—and the gradual, gentle process of learning to trust my body, my intuition, and myself again.

This episode isn’t about having it all figured out.
It’s about honoring the small, consistent shifts that create lasting transformation over time.

If you’re entering this new year feeling uncertain, tender, or quietly hopeful…
If you’re learning to listen to yourself instead of pushing through…
If you’re beginning—or continuing—the journey of coming home to who you really are… this conversation is for you.

✨ Key Themes

• Identity as an evolving, embodied experience
• The role of somatic healing in self-discovery
• Shame, self-compassion, and parts work
• Ego vs. intuition and learning to trust inner wisdom
• Healing as a process of integration, not perfection

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Breakthroughs
02:40 The Power of Connection and Friendship
05:25 Understanding Identity
10:51 The Journey of Self-Discovery
16:28 Practical Steps to Embrace Intuition
22:07 Transforming Triggers into Triumphs
27:37 The Role of Somatic Work in Healing
33:24 Creating a Community for Adoptees
38:53 Conclusion and Call to Action

Keywords
breakthrough, identity, self-discovery, somatic work, intuition, trauma, healing, friendship, community, empowerment

Get the Ego vs Intuition Slide Deck here -https://www.cominghometoself.co/offers/oLhNBhLZ/checkout

Connect with Becky here - https://www.instagram.com/becky_aste/

Website

Instagram: @juliebrumley_

Facebook: julierasbrum

TikTok: @juliebrumley_

Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group

You Tube: @julie_brumley

Keywords
adoption, identity, family, heritage, emotions, personal growth, belonging, reunion, cultural connections, resilience

Takeaways
The importance of understanding one's identity and heritage.
Experiencing a sense of home can be transformative.
Cultural connections can deepen one's understanding of self.
Reunion with biological family can evoke strong emotions.
Navigating relationships requires understanding and effort.
Emotional intelligence is crucial for personal growth.
Adoption experiences shape family dynamics and communication.
Self-awareness is key to emotional well-being.
Creating traditions can foster a sense of belonging.
Seeking understanding is essential for personal and relational growth.

Summary
In this episode of the Resilience Project, Julie and her sons, Cole and Sutton, explore their experiences with adoption, identity, and family dynamics. They discuss the significance of cultural heritage, the emotional impact of reunions with biological family, and the journey of self-discovery. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding one's roots, navigating relationships, and the role of emotional intelligence in personal growth. Through laughter and heartfelt moments, they share insights on how their unique experiences shape their perspectives on family and belonging.

Sound bites
"We start the podcast laughing."
"We're half adopted."
"Seek understanding about it."
"Self-Awareness is key"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Resilience Project
04:15 Exploring Identity and Home
07:55 Cultural Connections and Heritage
12:29 The Impact of Reunion and Family
17:03 Navigating New Relationships and Traditions
27:17 Embracing Uncomfortable Growth
32:09 Understanding Through Life Experiences
39:53 Navigating Emotional Connections
46:09 The Importance of Self-Discovery
50:41 Seeking Wisdom and Understanding

Website

Instagram: @juliebrumley_

Facebook: julierasbrum

TikTok: @juliebrumley_

Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group

You Tube: @julie_brumley

Connect with Mike here - https://www.facebook.com/mike.potratz.2025

Keywords
adoptee, resilience, somatic healing, trauma-informed coaching, mental health, self-discovery, emotional healing, personal growth, community support, empathy

Summary
In this episode of the Resilience Project Podcast, host Julie Brumley interviews Mike, a client who shares his journey as an adoptee navigating trauma and healing. They discuss the challenges of feeling like a misfit, the turning points that led Mike to seek help, and the transformative power of somatic work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, trust, and self-discovery in the healing process, as well as the unique experiences of adoptees. Mike's insights provide encouragement for others facing similar struggles, highlighting that change is possible and worth pursuing.

Takeaways
Mike describes feeling like a misfit in his own skin.
The turning point for Mike was discovering the book 'Primal Wound'.
Adoptees often adapt to fit in, leading to a chameleon effect.
Isolation can be exacerbated by past relationships and societal perceptions.
Building trust in a coaching relationship is crucial for healing.
Somatic work has provided Mike with tools to connect with his emotions.
Writing has become a powerful tool for self-reflection for Mike.
Mike emphasizes the importance of empathy in relationships.
The journey of healing is not easy but is worth it.
Mike encourages others to seek help and not to fear the process.

Sound bites
"I belong everywhere and nowhere."
"You don't have to live like this."
"Empathy was locked away inside me."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mike's Journey
03:48 Exploring Identity and Adoption
05:42 The Impact of Divorce and Loneliness
07:42 Understanding the Need for Change
09:05 Navigating Relationships and Acceptance
10:53 The Role of Coaching and Support
12:39 The Power of Somatic Work
15:12 Experiencing Empathy and Healing
20:45 Exploring Emotional Awareness
22:24 Uncovering Life Patterns
24:12 Accessing Inner Worlds
25:02 Empathy and Relational Changes
26:42 Pride in Personal Growth
27:55 Navigating Difficult Emotions
29:39 Encouragement for the Stuck
29:59 Facing Fears in Healing
30:27 The Value of Shared Experience
31:40 The Coaching Experience
33:14 Hope for the Future
34:27 NEWCHAPTER

Website

Instagram: @juliebrumley_

Facebook: julierasbrum

TikTok: @juliebrumley_

Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group

You Tube: @julie_brumley