Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Returning to Love
There are moments in life that leave lasting imprints on our hearts—shaping how we see ourselves, others, and the world. For me, one of those moments was walking through the pain of sisterhood wounding.
You may not have heard that term before, but if you’ve ever felt betrayed, excluded, or hurt by another woman, you’ve likely experienced it.
What Is Sisterhood Wounding?
Sisterhood wounding is the heartbreak that happens when the sacred bond between women is broken. It often stems from competition, jealousy, or betrayal, and it can leave us feeling isolated, mistrusting, and unsure of our place in connection with others.
These wounds run deep. They touch our sense of safety, our confidence, and our ability to trust both others and ourselves.
My Story
My own experience happened in my early recovery from alcoholism. I had found a community of women whose motto was, “Let us love you until you can love yourself.” I believed I had finally found safety and sisterhood.
I organized a women’s gathering to celebrate our freedom from alcohol. It was a beautiful, soul-led creation that took off in ways I hadn’t imagined. But soon after, things shifted—silent treatments, whispers, exclusion, and eventually, harsh rumors spread by the very women I trusted.
It was devastating. The space that once felt like home became a source of anxiety. I began to question my worth, my voice, and whether I could ever truly belong.
The Turning Point
Everything began to change when I found Ishtara Body Alchemy, a meditative movement practice that reconnected me with my inner wisdom and the truth of my body.
There, I first heard the term sisterhood wounding, and something clicked. I wasn’t alone.
In these classes, I heard other women share their stories of betrayal, pain and more. Together, we witnessed one another without judgment. And slowly, I began to trust again—first in my body, then in the gentle presence of other women.
Vulnerability as a Bridge
Healing didn’t happen overnight. But vulnerability became the bridge back to connection. By speaking my truth and allowing myself to be seen in my pain, I discovered a different kind of sisterhood—one rooted in compassion, not competition. I learned that healing happens in new relationships.
Rebuilding Trust
Learning to trust again required grace, forgiveness, and deep self-compassion. I had to forgive myself for ever believing I wasn’t enough, and forgive others—not to excuse the harm, but to release myself from its hold.
The wounds didn’t disappear—but they became softer, less defining. Now, they feel like sacred reminders of my strength and my capacity to love again.
A New Way of Sisterhood
In the time since, I’ve made it my mission to help create safe, nourishing spaces for women to heal these old wounds and rediscover the beauty of authentic connection.
If this resonates with your journey…
You’re warmly invited to Body Belonging: Ishtara’s Full Practicum
A transformational body-based healing journey that guides you gently back to your power, your intuition, and your wholeness.
Or explore 1:1 coaching for more personalized, heart-led support. Together, we walk hand-in-hand through the healing of sisterhood wounding and into the reclamation of your deepest self.
Learn more & join me here:
👉 Explore Body Belonging & 1:1 Coaching
You don’t have to carry this alone.
You are worthy of being met in your truth, exactly as you are.
With love,
Nicole