Blog

The rigid pursuit of perfection poses a high risk to health and performance. A kinder, more flexible approach to pursuing high standards leads to better health and performance. Perfectionism, which is motivated by fear and self-doubt, is often rooted in adverse childhood experiences.

The body often tells the real story of trauma better than the thinking mind. Before one can verbalize and complete the trauma story, one typically must return to physical equilibrium. Trauma expert Levine explains ways to calm physical and emotional responses to trauma and regain a sense of wholeness.

The Mr. Nice Guy syndrome's dysfunctional thought patterns are common in survivors of adverse childhood experiences. Uprooting these patterns can improve self-esteem and relationships.

Former PACEs Connection employees Dana Brown (L) with Vincent Felitti, MD, co-author of the 1998 Adverse Childhood Experiences study, and Carey Sipp (R) in San Diego in January, 2024. The last few months have been quite challenging, but we pushed, persevered, and didn’t give up hope. The “we” is Carey Sipp and Dana Brown. We were long-time staff members of PACEs Connection determined to reinstate the website and the resources and information we provide to communities after the platform went...

The Mr. Nice Guy Syndrome is a curious mixture of appealing strengths, insecurities, and problematic behaviors rooted in adverse childhood experiences. Mr. Nice Guy compensates for hidden childhood wounds by struggling to do everything right, but the syndrome's limited gains come at a cost. The syndrome suggests strategies for a more satisfying adulthood and better relationships.

To all of you, who, like me, love this website and want to see it and its communities flourish as we work to prevent and heal trauma; build resiliency: please know there is a move afoot by a small group of strategic partners to find a suitable host for PACEs Connection. More will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, friends, we are figuring out email addresses and other communications logistics and opportunities. PEACE! Carey Sipp, former director of strategic partnerships ...

Often overlooked, intelligent self-care is vital during and after the recovery process. Tending to important needs optimizes mood, mental health, and the ability to handle everyday stress. These keys say, "I matter," and sustain you in your recovery journey.

A difficult past need not define you, nor determine your future. We explore three paths to building a satisfying life after hardship in childhood.

At the tender age of 12, Hemesh experienced a moment that would shape his future, a moment of sheer panic and realization that would drive him towards a remarkable mission. (CREDIT: Hemesh Chadalavada ) To read more of JD Shavit's article, please click here. In the summer of 2018, young Hemesh Chadalavada embarked on a heartwarming journey filled with cherished memories spent with his beloved grandmother, Jayasree, in their family home in Guntur, southern India. The days were adorned with...

Pretending is the imposter’s exhausting attempt to conceal hidden wounds that often trace back to childhood. Most people relate to at lease some aspects of the syndrome. We discuss ways to drop the mask, counter insecurities, and live authentically.

I just wanted to let everyone know about an upcoming event which is going to be AMAZING! The Santa Clara County chapter of the California Academy of Family Physicians is hosting an ACE Healing Conference on April 20, 2024 in San Jose. We are going to be looking outside of the box for ways doctors can partner with the city government, houses of worship, recovery communities, coaches, and more to create resilient communities which both prevent and treat ACE-related trauma. We are using the PCE...