“Read this to learn how working within the subconscious mind can transform a hard inner life into light-hearted emotional freedom, empowerment and purpose. A game changer for every person who is ready to feel better. I believe it will change the world, one person at a time.”

— Dr. Sam Rhame, DC Chiropractor, Mind-Body Coach and Inner Journey Guide

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“In this book, Gina Vance has amassed an amazing amount of information as well as examples of methods and cases taken from her own life and those from her ample professional career. Whether you are a complimentary care provider, a conventional medicine provider, or an individual seeking improvement, change and healing in your life: you will find easy to understand tools in this book. Bravo, Gina!”

— Karen Reynolds, LAc, MS, RN Intensive Care Nurse, Shamanic Practitioner, and Pain, Fertility and Trauma Specialist

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“Beautifully written, this book is a magical mystery tour. You will be riveted as you join Gina as she retraces the steps of her journey of healing from trauma, sharing the gifts she found along the way. Gifts of healing, gifts of love, gifts of self-compassion. For anybody who has struggled with pain, as you journey through the pages of this lushly written, transformative book you will find the tools to heal yourself—and fly.”

— Alexandra Matthews, PhD Clinical Psychologist, Assistant Clinical Professor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry

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“’Life Is Hard and Then You Fly’ is not a book you sit down and read through, but a book that you study, savor, feel and can learn from for a long time. It is so rich with insight, humor, empathy and wisdom, you can take it a bit at a time and digest it to incorporate all its lessons. It’s a book with great depth, and great practicality.”

— Martin L. Rossman, MD Physician, Author, Co-Founder of Academy for Guided Imagery

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“Gina Vance’s ‘Life Is Hard and Then You Fly’ resonates deeply, sparking joy and affirming life’s value from its title alone. Her book reveals that no matter the challenge, there’s a path through it. As a men’s group facilitator, I find its simple, powerful tools and exercises invaluable for helping men, fathers, and sons connect to their inner worlds. A must-read for anyone ready to explore their depths and tap into their resilience and courage.”

— Jean-Pierre Weingarten Men’s Group Facilitator and Guide

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“A memoir/self-help gem that pulls you into the lived reality of transformation. If you’re ready to explore possibilities beyond what you’ve deferred or given up on, let Gina Vance guide you. Her grounded and radiant presence echoes in every gripping paragraph making every page a rare and valuable encounter. This book is a treasure map for growth and change, and a companion for any- one yearning to cut through their armor and live their fullest life. A detailed roadmap to living more fully, more wildly, beyond the chains of belief, and the stories we tell ourselves.”

— Selma Lewis, PhD Counseling Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist, Hypnotherapist

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“This book is not only about how to become a better healer but was a training on how to have a better life. Be a better human/friend/parent.”

— Michelle McKayla Psychic Medium, Animal Communicator, Akashic Records Reading

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“As an Addictions Therapist, it is clear that addiction is the symptom of much deeper wounds. Unresolved, pain, trauma or unmet needs drive our compulsive behaviors. In her book, ‘Life Is Hard and Then You Fly’ Gina Vance brings an extraordinary depth of compassion and personal insight to the reader. Instead of fighting symptoms on the surface, her SMGI® method goes directly to the inner wounds that fuel the struggle. I have seen these techniques work for my clients as they are able to unlock the door to a life of freedom and wholeness. This book is more than a resource; it is a lifeline for anyone ready to heal from the inside out.”

— Kellie Murphy, CADCI Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor

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“A compassionate guide to transforming pain into power through the revolutionary practice of SMGI®. What makes this book stand apart in the field of trauma recovery is the combination of personal vulnerability, spiritual wisdom, and practical guidance. Gina Vance emphasizes that healing happens not by analyzing trauma but by creating new, embodied experiences that rewire perception and open pathways for love and vitality to flow. The result is a guide that feels both revolutionary and accessible, able to meet readers wherever they are on their journey. For anyone living with the weight of trauma, chronic stress, or unresolved pain, ‘Life is Hard and Then You Fly’ offers more than comfort, it offers a map. It acknowledges suffering without minimizing it, then provides concrete tools and an empowering framework to help readers turn survival into transformation.”

— Karen Saura, MEd Trauma-Informed Educator, Advisor, Administrative Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction

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“This book is a wonderful opportunity for those who truly want to better their lives and the lives of others.”

— Sue Westgate Inner Allies & Alliances Coach

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“Gina Vance’s ‘Life is Hard and Then You Fly’ is a brilliant distillation of wisdom shaped by years of study, her own lived experience and her work with thou- sands of clients. Through her Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery® (SMGI®) process, she masterfully demonstrates how we can release trauma making space for true healing. With clarity and compassion, Vance explains the Nine Survival Responses and offers simple practices and stories that help you feel safe, sup- ported and empowered. What makes this book so special is not only its powerful authentic message, but also its honesty and warmth. It feels like you have a caring companion reminding you that no matter how hard life gets, it’s possible to rise, to heal and discover your capacity to fly free.”

— Kay Wind, RN, BS Healthcare Information Technology Leadership, Strategic Analysis and Planning, Meditation Connoisseur, PhD Candidate

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“This is the most effective way I’ve found for those ready to work—to meet, rescue, integrate, and heal your parts. This is “parts-work” on steroids. With this work, I end up finding a place of calm, feeling like I’m really myself again.”

— Monique N. Petrov, MSN, RN, CNL Performance Neuroscience & High Flow Coach, former All-American triathlete, qualified for five Ironman. World Championships; among the top female triathletes in the world.

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“SMGI® ties together all of the components of what is currently the state of knowledge in trauma treatment in a simple and elegant manner. Plus, there are things that mainstream trauma treatment does not know about or is not yet talking about (at least publicly), which are included in the SMGI® protocol elucidated in this engaging book.”

— Sanjeev Balarajan, MA, AMFT Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

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“SMGI® is the best modality for its effectiveness in getting to the heart of the matter in a quicker and more efficient manner. I would recommend SMGI® sessions to anyone wanting to improve themselves. It is especially transformational for someone who has experienced any form of trauma. Also for anyone who is a healer, the SMGI® course is a must.”

— Mark McAdams Soul Coach specializing in the application of various hypnosis and shamanic modalities

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“There’s a lot of somatic work available now, but this work is cutting-edge. Somatic Mindful Guided Imagery® is a deep therapeutic tool that addresses trauma in a very different way than many therapies. The beauty of this work is the adaptability to whatever comes up in each person. Ultimately, what comes up in that moment is exactly what needs to be experienced. Every individual holds the secrets to healing themselves. I’ve seen miracles unfold with this work.”

— Mark Christian Bacigalupi, LCMT Massage Therapist, Access Bars Facilitator, Certified Triple Vagal Method Practitioner

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“For your own life’s journey, this is one of the best methods available. It teaches you to tap into your own inner resources, instead of relying on therapists, shamans, healers, or scientists. The empowerment and clarity you gain are invaluable.”

— Raji Navis Engineer, Biomedical Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Strategic Psychotherapist

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“This book and the SMGI® process it reveals combine scientific research with Indigenous wisdom, personal experience, years of using this method with clients with consistently life changing results. Throughout the book, Gina’s commitment to Love and healing are palpable, as is her warm and delicious humor. These tools are so profound, they just go straight to the point, they get right to the heart of what is really happening without all the thinking or trying to understand.”

— Leila Samrad, LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Gina has always been a powerful voice for truth and transformation. One of the most valuable insights she taught me is to love, honor, and embrace the experiencer—that part of us that’s guided by the soul to evolve and grow through the very challenges we face. ‘Life Is Hard and Then You Fly’ isn’t just another “feel good” book—it’s real, relatable, and full of grace. Gina reminds us that our growth doesn’t happen in spite of our struggles, but because of them. She helps you understand your experiences in a way that lifts you up and reconnects you to your soul. Her words are both gentle and deeply wise, helping us see our lives from a higher perspective. If you’re ready to understand your experiences, to heal, and to finally soar beyond old patterns, this book will show you how.

—Jean Slatter, PhD Inspirational Speaker and Author of ‘Hiring the Heavens’