Episode 40 - Freedom and Possibility: The Liberated Voyager's Journey to Healing After Trauma

In this latest empowering episode of Growing Tall Poppies, Dr. Nat Green dives deep into the seventh and final Post-Traumatic Growth Archetype of Transformation©: The Liberated Voyager. This archetype embodies freedom, exploration, and the courage to step boldly into a life of endless possibilities after trauma.

If you've ever felt stuck, unsure, or hesitant to take the next step toward your best life, this episode will inspire and guide you. Dr. Nat unpacks the strengths, challenges, and practical strategies of the Liberated Voyager, sharing actionable tips to help you embrace curiosity, courage, and resilience on your healing journey.

✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Who the Liberated Voyager is and how this archetype represents transformation after trauma.
• The key strengths of the Liberated Voyager, including courage, adaptability, and curiosity.
• Common challenges faced by this archetype, such as fear of isolation and decision overwhelm.
• How to balance exploration with self-reflection to avoid using movement as a distraction.
• Practical steps to embrace freedom, redefine your life, and step into a future full of possibilities.

💡 Highlights & Insights:

• "True freedom isn’t about forgetting the past; it’s about choosing to not let it define your future."
• "Courage doesn’t mean you’re fearless—it means you move forward despite the fear."
• Inspiring story of Molly, a Liberated Voyager who transformed grief into growth by embracing both adventure and stillness.

🎧 Listen Now:
Join us for this inspiring last episode of the Archetypes of Transformation mini-Series and discover how to unlock the Liberated Voyager within you. Whether you’re ready to take bold steps forward or simply want to explore the possibilities, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to thrive.

📌 Resources & Next Steps:

• Explore the Trauma Archetypes: Click Here to complete the FREE Archetypes Quiz 
• Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on social media using #LiberatedVoyager and tag us @GrowingTallPoppies.
• Join our Thrive After Trauma community (here) on Facebook for support and connection .

Remember, transformation is not just possible—it’s powerful. Tune in and let your Liberated Voyager shine!

• Learn More About the Seven Archetypes of Post-Traumatic Growth in Episode 33 (here)

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with someone who needs a little encouragement to step into their own Liberated Voyager energy. 🌱

If this episode resonates with you then I'd love for you to hit SUBSCRIBE so you can keep updated with each new episode as soon as it's released and we'd be most grateful if you would give us a RATING as well. You can also find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drnatgreen/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrNatalieGreen

Intro and Outro music: Inspired Ambient by Playsound.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be deemed or treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.

Transcript

Dr Nat Green: 0:01

Welcome to the Growing Tall Poppies podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Nat Green, and I'm so excited to have you join me as we discuss what it means to navigate your way through post traumatic growth and not just survive, thrive after trauma. Through our podcast, we will explore ways for you to create a life filled with greater purpose, self awareness, and a deep inner peace. Through integrating the many years of knowledge and professional experience, as well as the wisdom of those who have experienced trauma firsthand, we will combine psychology, accelerated approaches, coaching, and personal experience to assist you to learn, to grow, and to thrive. I hope to empower you to create deeper awareness and understanding and stronger connections with yourself and with others, whilst also paving the way for those who have experienced trauma and adversity to reduce their suffering and become the very best versions of themselves in order to thrive. Thank you so much for joining me on today's episode. Hello everyone, and welcome back to Growing Tall Poppies, the podcast where we explore resilience, transformation, and the beauty of thriving after trauma. I'm your host, Dr. Nat Green, and I'm so excited to share today's mini episode with you. Over the past episodes, we've been diving into the seven post traumatic growth. archetypes of transformation, exploring their unique strengths, their challenges, and how they can help you navigate your personal healing journey. Today, we're wrapping up this series with the final archetype, that of the Liberated Voyager. This archetype represents freedom, exploration, and the courage to move forward after trauma. If you've been feeling stuck or unsure about taking that next step, then this episode is for you. So grab a cup of tea or coffee, settle in, and let's journey together into the heart of the Liberated Voyager. So who is the Liberated Voyager? The Liberated Voyager is all about embracing freedom and the endless possibilities of life after trauma. Think of this archetype as the adventurer, someone who's broken free from old patterns, limiting beliefs, and the emotional weight of their past. When you step into the liberated voyager's energy, you begin to see the world as a place of opportunity. Instead of being defined by what happened to you, you're driven by curiosity and hope, a desire to explore new horizons, try new things. and live life to the absolute fullest. This archetype often emerges when you've done a lot of inner work. You've faced your pain, made peace with your story and are now ready to spread your wings. It's not about forgetting what's happened. It's more so about deciding that your past does not define your future. Instead, it's a part of your journey. The part that shaped you into the strong, resilient person that you are today. It's just one chapter of the book that is your story. Does this sound like you or maybe someone you know? Let's take a closer look at some of the strengths of this particular archetype. So the Liberated Voyager is defined by their ability to embrace transformation and to step boldly into the unknown. They have a number of strengths and here are some of the key ones. Firstly, courageous exploration. Liberated Voyagers have an incredible ability to step into the unknown. They are not afraid to take risks, to try new things and redefine their lives on their terms. This courage is a powerful strength that can inspire not only themselves, but also those around them. Number two, resilience in uncertainty. Because they've faced significant challenges, Liberated Voyagers often develop a comfort with uncertainty. They understand that life is unpredictable and they've learned to navigate the twists and the turns with grace and adaptability. And number three, authenticity and self expression. Voyagers are deeply committed to living authentically. They've learned the value of being true to themselves. And often inspire others to do the same. This authenticity becomes a beacon for personal growth and connection. Then we have adaptability. Life doesn't always go as planned, but the liberated voyager knows how to pivot and to adapt, and they trust their ability to handle whatever comes their way. And that's their superpower. And we have curiosity. This archetype has a hunger for new experiences and knowledge. Whether it's learning a new skill, traveling to a new place or deepening their understanding of themselves, their curiosity keeps moving and propelling them forward. Then we have courage. It takes immense bravery. to leave the comfort zone of what's familiar and step into uncharted territory. The liberated voyager embodies this courage, choosing growth over stagnation. We've already touched on resilience. This is another key strength. Even when things get tough, this archetype knows how to keep going. They've learned to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as roadblocks. The last of their strengths. is open mindedness. Liberated Voyagers are open to different perspectives, ideas and possibilities. They're not afraid to challenge their own beliefs or to let go of what no longer serves them. So if these strengths resonate with you, it's a good sign that the liberated voyager archetype is alive and well within you. But as with all archetypes, they're not without their challenges. And while the liberated Voyager embodies freedom and exploration, they also face unique challenges on their journey. Firstly, they generally have a fear of abandonment or isolation. Voyagers often move beyond the familiar, and this can sometimes leave them feeling disconnected from their previous support networks. They may fear that by growing and changing, they'll lose the relationships. Or the sense of belonging that they once had. So a tip to overcome these challenges is to find or build a community that aligns with your new values and interests. Surround yourself with people who support your growth rather than hold you back. Secondly, they often experience overwhelm from limitless possibilities. When everything feels like an option, it can sometimes feel like too much. It's overwhelming. And Liberated Voyagers then can struggle with decision paralysis or fear of making the wrong choice for them. So a tip for that is to focus on one step at a time. Remember, you don't have to explore every avenue at once. Prioritise what feels most aligned with your goals and your values right now. And thirdly, one of the biggest challenges is the temptation to escape. Voyagers may occasionally use exploration as a way to avoid sitting with difficult emotions or of facing unresolved trauma. Constant movement therefore can become a form of distraction. So a tip to manage this is to balance exploration with reflection. Use journaling, mindfulness or therapy to ensure that you're not running from something but moving toward something meaningful. And as with all archetypes, whilst we have the strengths and the challenges, it's not always easy to access the strengths. So let's talk about some practical tips for stepping into the energy of the Liberated Voyager. If you resonate with the Liberated Voyager archetype, here are some tips to help you harness your strengths and overcome challenges, and to embody the liberated voyager so as to access their incredible strengths. Practice self reflection. Take time to journal or meditate on what freedom means to you. What would your life look like if you let go of old fears or of limitations? Visualize the version of yourself who is free, bold, and open to life's possibilities. Then define your version of freedom, because we all know that freedom looks different to everyone. Take time to reflect on what true freedom means to you. Is it about exploring the world, breaking free from old beliefs, or creating a life that aligns with your passions? And remember to stay grounded while exploring. As you step into the unknown, find practices that keep you grounded, Whether it's mindfulness, journaling, or connecting with loved ones, or with nature, these practices can help you navigate challenges with clarity and with resilience. And then, look to try something new. Liberated Voyagers thrive on exploration, so step outside your comfort zone. This could mean taking a class, joining a group, or even trying a new hobby. The goal is to remind yourself that the world is full of opportunities just waiting to be discovered. Then you can look at challenging any limiting beliefs. Notice when fear or self doubt creeps in and ask yourself, is this belief really true? Or is it holding me back? Replace those thoughts with empowering affirmations like, I am capable, I am brave, and I am free. Then look to embrace the journey. not just the destination. It's really important to remember that growth is a process. Celebrate each and every step forward, no matter how small, and trust that every experience is shaping you in meaningful ways. Then what's really, then what's really important is to surround yourself with supportive people. The liberated voyager doesn't have to journey alone. Build a circle of people who inspire and uplift you. Their encouragement can help you to take those bold steps forward. And lastly, to fully embody it, celebrate your wins. Growth can be hard. So don't forget to celebrate your progress, whether it's a big milestone or a small step. Take a moment to acknowledge your courage and your resilience. Now, let me introduce you to and share a story of someone who embodies the liberated Voyager archetype. I'll call her Molly. Molly is a 36 year old graphic designer. She had always loved traveling. After enduring years of bullying and emotional trauma as a child and young woman, she felt suffocated by her circumstances, yearning for freedom and independence. So when she finally broke free from the toxic environment that had been holding her back, she embarked on a journey of self discovery. She traveled to new places. tried new experiences and began exploring parts of herself that she had long ignored. At first, Molly found solace in constant movement, using travel as a way to escape her painful memories. But over time, she realized that true freedom wasn't just about physical exploration. It was about emotional liberation and connection. So she decided to settle down and enjoy a long term relationship when she turned 30. However, after the sudden loss of her partner in a tragic accident at 35 years of age, her world shrank. Molly found herself emotionally confined again, trapped in a cycle of grief and anxiety that made it difficult for her to engage with the life she had rebuilt and had once loved. She became afraid of uncertainty, and the idea of traveling or even trying new things again seemed impossible. After several months of therapy, Molly began to embrace the liberated voyager within her. She realised that while her partner's death was a deep wound that had aggravated some of her pain from her younger days, it didn't have to define the rest of her life. She craved the freedom to explore again, Not to run from her pain, but to reconnect with the part of herself that thrived on adventure. Molly started small. She took short trips to nearby towns, and over time she expanded her travels further. Each new experience was a challenge, but it also brought healing. She began to journal during her trips. using her writing to process her grief and her pain. By facing both her internal emotions and her external fears, Molly found that her travels became less about escape and more about rediscovery. And through this process, Molly learned to balance her need for exploration with moments of stillness. She created a sanctuary at home, quiet space where she could rest, reflect, and recharge between adventures. Molly also reconnected with friends who were safe and supportive, allowing herself to be vulnerable and to share her journey with others. This balance of independence and of connection helped her heal in a deeper way than she had ever imagined. She began incorporating grounding practices into her routine. And she set intentions for how she wanted to create freedom in her life. Molly's healing journey became a delicate dance between adventure and stillness, and with each step she grew stronger and more empowered. Molly's story illustrates the power of the liberated voyager archetype, one that seeks freedom, not just externally, but internally, by embracing both exploration and reflection. Molly found a sense of peace and purpose that had eluded her for so long. While her partner's loss will always be a part of her story, it no longer defines her. Instead, she defines her life through her own choices, guided by curiosity, courage and a deep sense of inner freedom. So there you have it, a Liberated Voyager. This archetype reminds us that transformation begins with courage and with curiosity. And that healing isn't just about letting go of the past, it's about stepping into a future of possibility and freedom. It's about daring to explore who you are and what you want out of life. It's about embracing freedom, exploring new horizons, and trusting that you have what it takes to create a life you love. If you see yourself in the liberated Voyager archetype, I hope today's episode has given you some insights and some inspiration for your journey. Remember, you have the courage, resilience and authenticity to create a life that truly feels like your own. If the liberated voyager resonates with you, I encourage you to take one small step today. What's one thing that you can do to move closer to the life you dream of? Share it with me on social media or send me a message. I'd love to cheer you on and hear all about it. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey through the seven post traumatic growth archetypes of transformation. I hope these episodes have inspired and empowered you to step into your strengths and to embrace your growth. If you haven't already done so, then head on over and join the Thrive After trauma Community on Facebook or connect with me on social media to share your story. Links are in the show notes. And please, whatever you do, don't forget to take the Trauma Archetypes quiz so that you can discover your unique archetypes. and receive personalized strategies to accelerate your healing journey. The link for that will also be in the show notes. So until next time, take care, be kind to yourself, and remember, you are so much more than your pain. Transformation begins within. Keep growing, keep exploring, and keep on thriving. That's it from me. Have a great week. Bye for now. Thank you for joining me in this episode of Growing Tall Poppies. It is my deepest hope that today's episode may have inspired and empowered you to step fully into your post traumatic growth so that you can have absolute clarity around who you are, what matters the most to you, and to assist you to release your negative emotions and regulate your nervous system. So you can fully thrive. New episodes are published every Tuesday And I hope you'll continue to join us as we explore both the strategies and the personal qualities required to fully live a life of post traumatic growth and to thrive. So if it feels aligned to you and really resonates, then I invite you to hit subscribe and it would mean the world to us if you could share this episode with others who you feel may benefit, too. You may also find me on Instagram at growing tall poppies and Facebook, Dr. Natalie Green. Remember, every moment is an opportunity to look for the lessons and to learn and increase your ability to live the life you desire and deserve. So for now, stay connected, stay inspired, stand tall like the tall poppy you are. and keep shining your light brightly in the world. Bye for now.