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

by Karena Kilcoyne

Your past doesn’t define you—you do. It’s time to rise above your story and live the authentic life you deserve.

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 the federal penitentiary when she was 12, leaving the family poverty-stricken and Karena to care for her mentally unstable mother and three siblings. After her mother died, she adopted her 9-year-old brother and graduated from law school at the age of 24. She defended murderers and millionaires all while doubting her self-worth and suffering from depression and anxiety. Existing only in survival mode, she repeatedly recounted the stories she’d written about herself: that no one wanted her, 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. She’ll teach you how to finally let go of your past by embracing every beautiful, imperfect piece of yourself—no matter what your story looks like.

Countless people experience trauma. Countless people experience the resulting shame. What do we do when the pain of the past is too much to bear? When we feel empty and worthless despite our success and daily triumphs? In Rise Above the Story, Karena will teach you how to:

• Acknowledge your story. Identify your story and how it’s limiting you and consider who you could be if you left that story behind.

• Untangle your story. Discover how you got caught up in your story in the first place using Karena’s insights and tools that will help unearth repressed fear and trauma.
• Rise above your story. Learn how to let your story serve you via lessons and wisdom found in the hardships you endured and discover how the power of loving yourself unconditionally will change your life.

Your newly discovered self-love will empower you to live the life of your dreams. Karena’s beautifully simple, yet powerful Rise Above the Story formula offers emotional freedom and unfettered joy to all those ready to embrace the vibrant, worthy, and lovable person they truly are.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

A National Bestselling author, Karena Kilcoyne is a former trial lawyer who specialized in criminal defense, including complex white-collar 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 she’s not helping others rise above their stories, she’s 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. Learn more about Karena here.

Reviews

[Savannah Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise Above the Story is a beacon of inspiration that left an indelible mark on my perspective. The author's profound insights and practical advice weave seamlessly, creating a roadmap for personal growth. This self-help gem resonates with authenticity, offering tangible tools for overcoming challenges. I wholeheartedly recommend this transformative read to anyone seeking empowerment and a renewed sense of purpose to RISE ABOVE THEIR STORY!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, this is a beautifully written book that is easy to read and hard to set down. Second, this is an incredibly personal story which takes an enormous amount of courage to share with the world. Third, this is a valuable resource and guide for others who have, or are, suffering from their own trauma. Anyone who has ever been negatively impacted by another person’s actions should read this book. In it, you will find both a lantern and a friend.

[Rosa Drake · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book might be really great for someone, but it was not what I needed. "Rise Above the Story" utilizes a Freudian type of therapy paired with workbook-style journaling to rehash your deepest and most repressed traumas, feel and relive those emotions, and (hopefully) heal yourself through that process. This type of therapy is not for everyone. I got halfway through this book and started having the worst nightmares I've ever had in my life. These nightmares were so bad they affected me physically when I would wake up; I felt like I couldn't walk. My therapist advised me to not finish the book.
On the plus side, this book definitely served the purpose of making me dig into my subconscious. It is a powerful book. Tread carefully.
DNF = did not finish

[Pink Bibliophile · Rating 1 out of 5]

An author who writes a self-help book and doesn't think cheating is shameful... isn't my kind of book.

DNF'D 🙂‍↔️

[AMR CAMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

This thought provoking, attaching, and easy to read and understand book made me question how all the history shapes my present and future. Kilcoyne did an amazing job when writing this book, cause although this book talks about such complex and deep topics, she found out a way of writing it really easy to understand thanks to its clarity and passion, making the book really engaging for the readers. Also, one of the things that I want to highlight about this book is all this diverse range of perspectives, giving a great importance to voices that are frequently marginalized in traditional or conventional historical narratives. On the other hand, we have the great relevance that the author made when connecting the historical analysis to the modern day issues, adding up, to build a great relation between these, the impact that these ones have, and their interpretations. Overall, this book is going to be pretty enjoyable for anyone who is interested in understanding how history molds us in a certain way, and it is a great addition to your academic and personal library.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of us is a character in our own story. What is the genre of that story, though? For some, it might be a romance, for others a drama. For the author of this book, it was a tragedy. She dealt with abandonment and feelings of shame. For years, these feelings defined her. Eventually, though, she was able to look at and live her life in a new way. She was able to rise above the story in which she had been cast. Her courage is uplifting, and reading this book could be just what you need if you feel miscast in your own life.

It isn’t easy to overcome your personal narrative. If you are dissatisfied with it, though, nothing says you have to be a passive victim to the forces that have conspired to hold you down. This book can help you to overcome your trauma. It contains a message of hope that many individuals so sorely need.

[Gianfranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Karena

This book goes above and beyond, I think I needed it deeply. It is a book that grabs you from the moment 0, because the touching way it starts, touches the deepest fibers of anyone, even those who are not very sensitive.
Her story represents the pains that many of us have, those that stir our souls and that in many occasions are the reason behind who we are or how we behave, because as she says "We all have our story" which in turn is described as our big "T" (Trauma).

The three steps through which this book takes you to make your own process of recognition and healing, are simply one of the best feelings that a book has been able to transmit to me in my almost 30 years of life.

Since everyone has a story to heal, this book is for absolutely every reader.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of us have suffered some trauma in life and of course, it is very complex to overcome it. The healing process often takes a long time and it’s possible that the journey may involve delays or obstacles. There is no secret formula and there are no shortcuts, we must learn to go through the pain, to rise from the ashes, to get up with more courage and strength. This is the only way to emerge victorious and resilient.
This self-help and thought provoking book transports the reader on a journey of reflection and self-discovery.
I would like to end quoting Nelson Mandela with a phrase included in this book that is fundamental to understand that healing is a process that requires patience but it is essential to start. It says: “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. Incredible from the first to the last word, don't you think?

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable and inspiring

Personal trauma is the topic explored in this book. The author offers a heartfelt journey of overcoming adversity. The narrative has raw, autobiographical elements and practical guidance. I found this to be relatable and inspiring. Sorrow and hope were just a few of the emotions this book made me feel. The author's younger self is richly portrayed; it made me feel empathy and introspection. Structurally, the book is well-organized into acknowledging, releasing, and rising above one’s story. In my opinion, this provides a clear, actionable kind of way for personal growth. It powerfully underlines the importance of self-love and resilience. This book is not just a memoir but a useful tool for those seeking to heal and redefine their lives. Emotional liberation is just one of the things I got from reading this book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are events that affect us in a special way and that can cause us trauma. Facing it and overcoming it is essential to be able to continue with our lives, but sometimes this is not possible in the immediate future, it often takes time.
The author Karena shares her story and how she did to free herself from the traumas of the past. She uses a three-part, evidence-based formula to relieve the fear and overwhelming sensation we can feel when trying to heal our old wounds.
Knowing the life stories of others makes us much more empathetic, and I think that thanks to that empathy is when we can begin to see certain aspects of our lives that you had not considered before. We can all heal wounds from the past, we can all leave behind the pain that something bothered us, we just have to work on it.

[Carlos Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that helps any person that reads it to take control over their lives by leaving away the trauma and changing the narratives that held them back in the past. Kilcoyne makes this book an inspiring guide for anyone who had lived in a hard situation and left a trauma, explaining how these moments and experiences can shape negative narratives on themselves, taking them to an unhappy life and not exploiting their potential.
Through this book and sharing their own experiences, Kilcoyne shows a 3-step formula that helps anyone to break free from any limiting stories and mindsets. If you need to untie something from your past or you feel that something in your life is stopping you, this is a book that with personal storytelling and key and practical strategies will help you overcome trauma.

[Maps R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise Above the Story written by Karena Kilcoyne provides a step-by-step guide for self-compassion and resilience. When she shares her journey marked by trauma opens her up to vulnerability, her resilience in overcoming those challenges and starting a healing process connected with me. She promises to be a great partner in this journey reminding the reader "you're not alone". I had the chance to see myself in her story. Kilcoyne's three-step guide: acknowledge, untangle, and rise opened my eyes showing me a way to untangle difficult situations, realizing that trauma and complex challenges can shape our lives. After reading this book, I accepted her invitation to see my life as a process where I should be grateful for every experience, no matter if it is bad, and take it as a learning opportunity.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring your past to colors

Only gratitude words with this written work of art! This book transcends the boundaries of literary genres, personalities and times. It is incredible the way in which the author develops a subject that can be so delicate and sensitive. To reconcile with the past, to see it as a source of light, of colors and as a means to rise to oneself is not an easy task but each of the words captured in this work of art make it look easy. That each person thinks about their history and those difficult moments is not an exercise for everyone, but this book invites people to do it respecting their personality and giving a new meaning to this exercise that can be difficult. As the author mentions, the above exercise, although it can be difficult it is necessary. The words are empathetic, full of love and optimism! Thank you!

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew my mind.

It is a refreshingly honest account of overcoming life's challenges with resilience and grace. The author's personal journey teaches us interesting and real empowerment, full of raw emotions and deep reflections of daily living.
This book came at the best time and really encouraged me to face my own obstacles and find strength in my fears. Each chapter combines true stories that show a growth mindset and positivity.
I recommend this book to everyone who is going through a difficult time; it is really perfect to start living a life full of joy that makes you feel prepared to face the difficult challenges of life but this time with courage and a little humor.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise Above The Story by Karena Kilcoyne is a book that has impacted me, deeply combining the author's personal journey with practical tools for healing and growth. This narrative offers the reader a new perspective and very interesting tools to deepen personal growth. Something interesting is also leading the reader to transcend their limiting beliefs, to replace them with new beliefs that really drive us to make the best of our potential. The author tells through interesting anecdotes and practical advice ways to overcome obstacles and live fully. I recommend this book because it seems to me to be a transformative reading for our being, based on real stories, which completely contribute to our personal growth.

[L Becerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is a gift

Wow! It is one of the best books I’ve read so far. While reading this book, you’ll find yourself digging into your deepest thoughts, recognizing some pains and traumas from the past in order to heal them and use them to create your best version.

I really liked how the author divided the book in three main chapters, in order to acknowledge, release and rise from your own story and traumas. I also liked how she used her personal blueprint and story to connect with us as readers, hug us and make us feel in a safe place.

The letter at the end was my favorite part and made me feel very connected and inspired by the entire book. Reading it, was the best gift.

[Lina Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming Our Wounds From The Past

I really don't know how to start talking about this book, it leaves you speechless. I can't say which part of the book I liked the most. Rise Above The Story is a guide that shows the reader that we all have a story, that this story can be traumatic, but more importantly, that we can overcome it and heal.
Sharing her life story, which was not at all easy, Kilcoyne, the author of the book, shows us what we must do to overcome the dark past that we carry and damages the present we have.
It is a book that gives hope, teaches and motivates. It should be read by everyone regardless of whether or not we have wounds from the past, because in addition to helping us, it teaches us to help.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that in one way or another we have all lived through traumatic experiences that mold us into the human beings we are today, because if we do not heal what happened, life really changes. In this guide, you will recognize where the trauma is and how to move forward from it, based on the history of difficulties of the author, who decided to ask herself a very important question: Who would I be without those traumatic stories? and came to these findings to help other people. A book that we should all read to heal, to evolve and to learn to love ourselves as we are, with defects, imperfections and with that history that makes us who we are. I highly recommend it, it helped me to understand where my wound was and step by step, it is helping me to overcome my fears.

[Rocio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read by Karena Kilcoyne is a book where the author not only shares her own story with touching sincerity, but also offers practical tools and profound reflections that deeply impacted my personal healing journey. The author manages to simplify complex concepts, making daily work and introspection manageable and meaningful.
I found in this book a new perspective and additional tools to delve even deeper into my personal growth. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to heal and find clarity in their own story. It's a resource that provides hope and guidance to those looking to break free from self-imposed limitations and live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

Overcoming trauma can be one of the things that can be challenging for one person. Sometimes, it is not easy to face and can be shameful for some. For that reason, author Karena Kilcoyne wrote ''Rise Above the Story'' with the intention to show you the path that you can follow to heal and finally shine. With three steps, the author shows us how we can start this process to finally get that freedom that we want. This book is so valuable and helpful, the author just wrote the correct words that you need to start healing. I have to say that this book could change your life. I highly recommend it.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOUR BRAIN IS A MASTER STORYTELLER

This book will help you thrive and own your life, moving past your past traumas, whether big or small. I like the book cover. It is empowering and inviting, reminding me of the color run. The author's writing style is engaging; it feels like you are just talking to a friend. I laughed when the author said that the emotional brain puts out fake news, which is so true. This book is an excellent resource for healing and being a better person for your own sake. I enjoyed reading and going through the exercises in this book. It's very liberating. I know it's not a one-size-fits-all kind of book, but still, it helps at least to be less self-sabotaging.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt absolutely captivated and caught by the title of this book; it invited me to explore what was after it. My own life story was complicated enough and I deserved a book like this, one which enlightened me to start looking at life from a different angle, with hope and happiness.
The narrative is simple but uplifting; and the fact that the author exposes her very own story helps us to better grasp what she is trying to convey. Thriving and moving forward in life was possible for her, and she is generous enough to invite us to do the same. I recommend this great resource to every adult out there.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guide to reinvent yourself.

The author invites readers on a journey into the deepest interior of oneself, to end up being a completely different person than the one who started. We all have a past and it is impossible to ignore it, but this book offers a way to redefine that past and free ourselves from its weight that limits us.
It is a blend between a memoir and a self-help book, inspired by the author's own life story. I think the cover is as good as the plot, because both the colors and brightness of the first one and the sincerity of the narration are inspiring. Also, it is divided into three parts which makes it easier to read and travel through each stage of the path.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

After overcoming trauma and transforming her life, Karena Kilcoyne has decided to write her story to encourage and inspire others who may be going through the same or similar situations and need a little push to change their lives. In this book, readers will find clear and useful advice. The writer explains that our minds and our pasts are, in many cases, in the way of self-improvement and happiness. The book provides methods to take control of our own thoughts, overcome traumatic events in our pasts and heal ourselves, and at the same time, it teaches us how to achieve our objectives and dreams. This book has helped me a lot. I recommend it.

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karena's life hasn´t been the easiest, she had to overcome several traumas from an early age. She found out that over the years, those problems didn´t go away, and decided to do something about it. This book presents her story from a personal sensitive point of view, guiding the reader through the intricacies of life, from philosophical and psychological points of view.

Overall, it was a substantial read. The author shares her own method of healing, a 3 step process. Easy to understand, Kilcoyne writes simply, but the concepts she explains are deep and require real determination and courage to achieve real change.

A recommended choice for people who want to work on themselves.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise Above the Story by Karena Kilcoyne is an excellent and inspiring book that combines the author’s personal memoir of trauma and overcoming it to find success and freedom with practical advice and exercises for readers to achieve the same. Despite a very traumatic and abuse-filled childhood, Karena Kilcoyne overcame her challenges to not only adopt her younger brother but have a successful career. The scars of the past, however, were harder to overcome. In this book, she reveals how she did it and how anyone can learn techniques to live a happier life and reduce the impact of a traumatic past. I am giving this book a well-deserved five out of five stars.

[Caro Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring!


Honestly, I think this is one of the most relatable books. I have read in a while and I believe it’s worth the read. The author has poured herself in this real and personal telling of how she determined herself to change the narrative of her life and rewrite her story the way she wanted. I have personally grown after reading this book and I feel that any person looking for a profound change in their lives should read this book.
The author's writing style is calm and easy to follow. The chapters of this book are specific and touching, and the book is separated into three parts. I consider this book to be wonderfully written and I highly recommend it.

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend it

I think that one of the most difficult topics to discuss is the traumas that we carry in our lives, that is why I find this book very valuable, very good and very strong. More than just a book, it is a symbol of overcoming, since the topics that the book touches on are of vital importance to have a good life. In my opinion, this book is a clear and practical guide to personal growth. I consider it to be a very valuable book and worth reading by all kinds of people. I highly recommend it and I hope that the people who read it have the same help that I had to get out of a difficult moment that I was facing.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that she mixed like a memoir style book and a guide that helps readers deal and work trauma. The three steps she mentions to do so are really interesting and truly feels like acknowledging certain things the internal work starts.
The book feels very relatable and fresh, it feels like it can help a lot of readers that want to do so. I think those hesitant or not ready yet may find this read a bit heavy, but I recommend giving it a chance.
To sum up, I think author Kilcoyne has a powerful book that is going to motivate a lot of readers to heal.

[Savannah Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise Above the Story is a beacon of inspiration that left an indelible mark on my perspective. The author's profound insights and practical advice weave seamlessly, creating a roadmap for personal growth. This self-help gem resonates with authenticity, offering tangible tools for overcoming challenges. I wholeheartedly recommend this transformative read to anyone seeking empowerment and a renewed sense of purpose to RISE ABOVE THEIR STORY!