Unlocking the Power of Your Past: Gloria Vanderhorst on Healing, Growth & Emotional Freedom

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t in your present… but in your past?

We’ve all been told, “Leave the past behind.” But the truth is, the past never really leaves us. It lingers in our choices, our relationships, and even in the way we see ourselves—often without us realizing it.

That’s the powerful insight Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst shares in her book Read, Reflect, Respond and in her thought-provoking conversation on Author’s Voice with KAJ. With over 50 years of experience guiding people through trauma and growth, Gloria explains why real transformation requires looking at how early experiences continue to shape our present.

Her message is both a challenge and an invitation: if you’re willing to explore your own history, you can create lasting change—no matter your age or stage in life.

Here are some of the most striking moments from the conversation:

• The past is never fully gone. Gloria reminds us, “Our brains record experiences from the moment we are born.” Those experiences often resurface in subtle ways that affect how we connect with others today.

• A journal that goes beyond words. Her book offers 52 essays—one per week—with a blank facing page for words, drawings, or free expression, unlocking memories stored beyond language.

• Unhooking from old patterns. By connecting past trauma to present behaviors, people gain the ability to “unhook” and reclaim their authentic selves.

• Change at any age. Whether you’re 20 or 70, growth is always possible. As Gloria puts it: “You are always just on the edge of creating something new for yourself.”

• A vision for the future. Gloria is also writing a new book on raising boys to embrace their full emotional range—a shift she says is essential for healthier families and societies.

This isn’t just about healing from the past—it’s about unlocking your potential for a stronger, freer future.

👉 Watch the full episode of Author’s Voice with KAJ featuring Gloria Vanderhorst here:

P.S. If you think your past doesn’t affect your present—you need to watch this. Gloria’s insights could be the spark that helps you finally break free and grow into the life you’ve been waiting for.