Episode 125 - Lafaya Mitchell - From Trauma to Triumph: Lafaya Mitchell on Breaking Cycles, Raising Neurodiverse Kids, and The Lafayette Way.

This episode:  From Trauma to Triumph: Lafaya Mitchell on Breaking Cycles, Raising Neurodiverse Kids, and The Lafayette Way.

 

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting (0:13)

• Host Drew Deraney expresses happiness about speaking to his Guest Lafaya Mitchell and mentions the purpose of the meeting, one of which is to discuss her new book.
• Drew thanks Anke Herrmann for introducing Lafaya and he discusses the concept of life being non-linear.
• He introduces the idea of three types of women: one with many blind spots, one who is a victim, and one who sees adversity as opportunities.
• Drew asks Lafaya to reflect on her defining moments and how they transitioned from one type of woman to another.

Defining Moments and Personal Growth (3:20)

• Lafaya shares her first defining moment, which was the birth of her first son at 17, and her determination to avoid the trauma she experienced as a child.
• She describes her struggle with self-awareness and being a victim in her early 20s, despite finishing high school and starting college.
• Lafaya recounts a pivotal moment at 25 when she had a life-changing decision to make while driving, which led her to seek help from her grandmother.
• She explains how these moments helped her transition from being a victim to seeing adversity as opportunities for growth.

Overcoming Personal Trauma (6:29)

• Drew asks Lafaya to elaborate on the trauma she experienced as a child, which included extreme domestic violence and suicidal thoughts.
• Lafaya details her upbringing in a home with heavy drug addiction and the impact of witnessing domestic violence.
• She shares her struggle with suicidal thoughts and how her fear of going to hell kept her alive.
• Drew acknowledges Lafaya's strength and resilience in overcoming such difficult circumstances.

Becoming a Mother and Caretaker (8:44)

• Drew inquires about how Lafaya became a wonderful mother despite her young age and lack of parenting skills.
• Lafaya explains that her early responsibility in caring for her siblings helped her become a protective and caring mother.
• She shares examples of her young self taking care of her siblings and stealing medicine for them.
• Lafaya discusses her fierce protection of her son and her role in keeping him safe from harm.

Balancing Motherhood and Professional Life (12:43)

• Drew asks about Lafaya's current family situation an