Rise Above the Story: Free Yourself from Past Trauma and Create the Life You Want

(Hardback)

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USA Today Bestseller

Publishers Weekly Bestseller

"A well-reasoned and highly accessible manual for overcoming past trauma and attaining truly unlimited lives."

Kirkus Reviews

"Prepare to be captivated, moved, and ultimately uplifted by a tale that reminds us that we are stronger than we think.

Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, author and OPI co-founder

[Karena] shows us how to liberate ourselves from the grip of those experiences that all too often limit our chances to live life to the fullest. This book is . . . truly a gift of love.

Mike Love, lead singer and lyricist of The Beach Boys

"When you open Rise Above the Story, be prepared for a demanding journey. And be open to a fresh and joyful destination.

Richard Celeste, former governor of Ohio and author of In the Heart of It All

What do we do when the pain of the past is too much to bear When trauma and shame overwhelm us When we feel empty and worthless despite our success and daily triumphs

We rise above our story.

Before Karena Kilcoyne was a successful criminal defense attorney, trauma defined her early life. Her mother tried to give her away at birth. Her father went to a federal penitentiary when she was 12, leaving the family poverty-stricken and Karena to care for her siblings and her mentally unstable mother. After her mother died, she adopted her 9-year-old brother and graduated from law school at the age of 24. She fought for the freedom of others while imprisoning herself in self-doubt, depression, and anxiety. Existing only in survival mode, she repeatedly recounted the stories shed written about herself: that she would never be enough, that she could never be happy.

In Rise Above the Story, Karena shares with raw vulnerability how she rose above her stories of abandonment, worthlessness, and shame. Shell help you let go of your own past by embracing every beautiful, imperfect piece of yourselfno matter what your story looks like. Shell teach you how to:

Reviews

"""A well-reasoned and highly accessible manual for overcoming past trauma and attaining truly unlimited lives.""
Kirkus Reviews

""[Karena] shows us how to liberate ourselves from the grip of those experiences that all too often limit our chances to live life to the fullest. This book is a gift for which I am grateful and one that I will acquire in bulk to give to my friends, family, and fans. It is truly a gift of love.""
Mike Love, lead singer and lyricist of The Beach Boys

""In this extraordinarily candid book, Karena does more than dig deeply into her own story. She helps us understand how digging just as deeply into our own story can set us free. When you open Rise Above the Story, be prepared for a demanding journey. And be open to a fresh and joyful destination.""
Richard Celeste, former governor of Ohio and author of In the Heart of It All

""This book is a testament to the strength and resilience within each of us, and through her words, Karena Kilcoyne will guide you in overcoming your own obstacles. Prepare to be captivated, moved,and ultimately uplifted by a tale that reminds us that we are stronger than we think.""
Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, author and OPI co-founder

""Rise Above the Story is packed with actionable insights along with compelling storytelling, all narrated by a wise, authentic, relatable voice . . . Karena shares hard-won truths about the nature of trauma, recovery, and catharsis. Sharing her own empowering and heartbreaking story, she shines a light on a path to healing that will light the way for many.""
Andrea Miller, CEO and founder of YourTango.com, host of the podcast Open Relationships: Transforming Together, and author of Radical Acceptance

""It takes more than courage to transform a painful past into a flourishing future. It is Karena's open heart, loving nature, optimistic outlook, and the desire to help others heal that has turned her story of hurt and anguish to a guidebook for others to overcome their trauma.""
Jacqueline Lundquist, author, journalist, and filmmaker

""How does your personal history define you today A deeply insightful and encouraging blueprint for self-betterment, Rise Above the Story is an invitation to challenge your past, redefine your present, and reset your mindset for a kinder future.""
Leon Logothetis, author of Go Be Kind and host of The Kindness Diaries"

Author Bio

Karena Kilcoyne is a former trial lawyer who specialized in criminal defense, including complex white-collar criminal and civil litigation in federal and state courts. Later in her practice, she worked as in-house counsel for a publicly traded worldwide manufacturing company.

Karena now passionately shares her own personal story of trauma and healing. Through vivid, evocative, and transparent storytelling, she teaches others how to rise above their own stories and find true peace and emotional freedom. She shares these powerful ideas through video and personal posts on Facebook and Instagram. Karena also corresponds regularly with the subscribers of her email newsletter.

When shes not helping others rise above their stories, shes curating a colorful life full of books and art from far-flung places. Karena lives in Florida with her husband David and their furry son Irwin.