If it feels like the hurdles life's thrown you are too big to jump, "Damaging Beliefs & How to Change Them - a trauma survivor's guide" is a must-read.

Author Athena Lumsden has lived a life that more closely resembles a movie script than a typical suburban storybook. And after experiencing so many traumatic events that it seemed like a dark joke, she realized she needed a solid reset to her life.

But getting back-on-track isn't easy, especially when life keeps throwing things at you.

In her second published book, Athena tells us how she once believed that she'd never break through her own emotional barriers, which would allow her to live the life that she and her family deserved.

Unable to accept this limitation Athena took responsibility for her own life. She grabbed it by the balls, and sorted her shit out.

And since then, her life has been better. Her family has been more receptive, her friendships have been easier, the conflicts in her bubble have been lessened, and her acceptance of her own abundance has been easier to swallow.

In discovering her own path, she realized that if it worked for her, it might work for others experiencing their own traumas and damaging beliefs. So, she conceptualized it all so she could share her methods with her friends and family when they needed help. Then, she worked on it some more, so she could share it with anyone who needed somebody to walk with them through this complicated process of bettering ourselves.

Through relatable quips and quick glimpses into her life, Athena helps her readers break-down life's obstacles by cutting them down into manageable chunks that help get to the real emotional and personal root.

Built on fifteen questions that help readers equally "get things done" and connect with their unmet emotional needs, "Damaging Beliefs & How to Change Them, a trauma survivors guide" allows people to dissect their needs and wants just as they would with a friend.

Athena provides seventeen examples from her personal life that resonate with an audience base from all walks of life. She connects with her readers in an open way that encourages conversation - be it on the handy worksheets provided, or in a one-on-one setting with a friend. By reading her own experiences and seeing how she's overcome so much in her own life, readers are encouraged to reach within themselves first to make sure their own emotional requirements are filled before tending other people's needs.
And the best part? She does this in a way that helps readers understand one of the hardest things to comprehend - that taking care of ourselves first isn't selfish. And that putting yourself first doesn't necessarily mean you're putting those you care about in a lower position either. Athena helps us understand that tending to your own garden first can help ensure a bountiful harvest for everyone.
Which isn't always easy, but is so important when it comes to living in harmony with those around us.

Through guided repetition, practice, and establishing simple, self-affirming routines, Athena walks with her readers toward a more emotionally peaceful existence.
She offers thorough explanations for all the steps in her carefully-crafted process, and explains her workflow in an easy-to-understand format. Step-by-step, she helps readers break-down their problematic beliefs to help them live the lives they deserve, and accept the abundance afforded to them.

Because if we don't make sure our own needs are met, who will?

Like sitting with your most honest friend over tea, Athena's book soothes and comforts in a way that only comes from good, solid advice.
Athena teaches readers to look for their own answers within, and helps them overcome things like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, self-imposed limitations, and any other damaging belief we can convince ourselves of.