What if the love you’re chasing is actually the same wound you’ve been running from? In this deeply honest and transformative episode, Carla shares her journey from childhood abandonment to reclaiming her self-worth and embracing her authentic self. Carla doesn’t hide from the messy middle of her story, she walks straight into it. She talks about her father’s abandonment and the emotional wound it left, how childhood neglect shaped her relationship patterns, and the red flags she missed (or ignored) when an older man romanticized her pain at 14. She shares the reality of that abusive relationship, the shame and hurt that followed, and the moment she realized she was choosing partners based on her abandonment wound, not her worth. But Carla goes deeper. She talks about the role of religion and societal expectations in suffocating her authentic self, the years she spent mimicking others before finding her own voice, and the profound impact of finding supportive people and positive environments. She shares a pivotal moment in Mexico, a simple comment that shifted her entire mindset about happiness and self-acceptance. This episode is packed with raw honesty, practical wisdom, and a message that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt abandoned, unworthy, or trapped by other people’s expectations. CONNECT WITH CARLA: Instagram: @carlamathes Twitter: @carlamathes