Keywords thriving, surviving, community, beekeeping, personal growth, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, healing, spirituality, success, trauma, art, healing, portraits, health challenges, business success, personal turmoil, women in business, grief, motherhood, resilience, beekeeping, spirituality, community, self-worth, personal growth, bees, mindfulness, connection, organic food, mental health
Summary In this deeply moving episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Paula Carnell – spiritual beekeeper, author, healer and truth-teller – whose life has been shaped by profound loss, chronic illness, courage and soul-led calling.
Paula shares her extraordinary journey through Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, years of being bed- and wheelchair-bound, near-death moments, divorce, grief and reinvention. From building a six-figure creative business to giving everything up after being called by the bees to a remote island in the Indian Ocean, Paula reflects on what thriving really means when life strips everything away.
Together, Helen and Paula explore receiving vs striving, community vs isolation, feminine wisdom, worthiness, healing through nature, and the bees as teachers of presence, connection and frequency. This conversation is an invitation to redefine success, soften into trust, and remember that simply being alive is enough.
Raw, expansive and full of soul medicine, this episode is for anyone navigating illness, change, loss, burnout or a deeper calling – and wondering how to thrive on the other side.
The conversation also touches on themes of self-worth, authenticity, and the interconnectedness of all beings, particularly through the lens of beekeeping and sustainability.
Takeaways
• Paula’s journey has been a profound rollercoaster of challenge, loss, and transformation.
• The call of the bees sparked a life-changing path rooted in purpose and deep listening.
• Thriving is deeply personal and often redefined through community, simplicity, and support.
• Returning “home” after profound experiences can feel disorientating and alien.
• Living simply can bring a powerful sense of enough.
• Community plays a vital role in healing, resilience, and true thriving.
• Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome shapes every aspect of life and identity.
• Art, creativity, and portrait-making have been central to healing and self-expression.
• Health challenges can lead to unexpected discoveries and new beginnings.
• Navigating grief, motherhood, love, and business requires immense resilience — especially for women.
• When living feels harder than dying, a radical shift can awaken a deeper will to live.
• There is always a gift in adversity, even when it takes time to see it.
• Food, environment, and community are foundational to health and wellbeing.
Connect with Paula
TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI4LCGMM-gA
Website: https://paulacarnell.com
Podcast: 'Creating a Buzz about Health' available on all major podcast platforms. https://paulacarnell.com/podcasts
Community: https://www.skool.com/spiritual-beekeeping/about?ref=4982f003fc5c47d9b4889348b95092b1
Buy my books: https://books.by/paula-carnell
Minerals I recommend: https://simplynaturals.co.uk/?ref=4HhtBRrg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/paula.carnell?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-carnell-3016421?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
For full transcription, contact:
[email protected]NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne
For full transcription, contact:
[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
UK