From Trauma to Triumph: Life Lessons and the Power of Resilience

Life and Lessons

My experience has been that life has riches to share, even when the path presents the unexpected, the challenging, and even the seemingly tragic. The key is not in what happens but instead in what we make of it. I am far from the first to say this, and yet I offer my own experience in the hope that it can prove valuable to others.

I was born in San Diego in July 1976 to two loving parents with high hopes for my future. But fate had other plans for me. My parents divorced when I was three years old, and I went to live with my mother. Living with my mother after the divorce wasn't always easy, as she faced many challenges independently. She battled addiction, struggled with mental health issues, navigated the difficulties of being a single mother raising three children independently, and dealt with relationship problems. Despite the obstacles she had to overcome, she did her best to provide for my siblings and me.

For six years, we built a life together, until one day, in May of 1986, everything changed. My world was turned upside down that day. That morning I was awakened by the phone ringing for what seemed like forever. I got up to answer it, it was for my mother, but I couldn't find her when I called throughout the house. Then, I heard the car running as if she was heading to the store, so I went to the garage to try and catch her before she left. However, to my dismay, the garage door was closed, and the lights were off. I was confused and didn't know what was happening, but as I approached the car, I noticed my mother lying inside. She had taken her own life, succumbing to the mental struggles she had tried so hard to deal with. She was suddenly gone, the course of my life was forever altered, and I was left to navigate a new reality without her guidance while also trying to comprehend what had happened.

In a New Reality

At the tender age of nine, with her passing, I was thrust into a new role for which I was unprepared. Overwhelmed, lost, and alone, I struggled to cope with the weight of what fell on my shoulders. The thought of navigating life without my mother was frightening, and I felt unsure of how to move forward. However, my sister and I were not without support, as we went to live with our father and his future wife, who would soon become our stepmother. While it was a difficult transition, they did their best to provide us with stability and help us cope. Despite their challenges in adapting to their new life while caring for my sister and me, they worked tirelessly to protect us and give us a new home.

Losing my mom at such a young age was a devastating blow, and it set me on a difficult path. This new normal left me with few tools to cope with the overwhelming emotions and experiences engulfing me. In the aftermath of her passing, I found myself living with nightmares that included reliving the moment I discovered that she had passed. At school, I also endured hurtful comments from other kids, adding to the pain and loneliness I already felt. Some days were good, but others were filled with a deep sense of emptiness that was hard to shake.

I remained determined to carve out a meaningful and fulfilling life throughout these difficult times. It wasn’t easy, but I had a fire burning inside me that refused to be extinguished. Looking back, I realize this was the beginning of a journey that would shape the person I am today. Despite the overwhelming emotions and challenges, I persevered and found a way through the darkness. This experience shaped me into a person who values resilience, determination, and the importance of being there for others, no matter what life throws our way.

Valuable Lessons

My early traumas profoundly impacted my life, especially in the realm of relationships. Communicating my struggles to those around me was hard, and I often shut out people when I needed them most. As a result, I experienced many relationship struggles in my teenage years and early college experience. It wasn't until I learned to open up to the people who cared about me and seek the help I needed to heal from those early wounds that I was able to form healthier and more fulfilling relationships. I realize today that my experiences taught me valuable lessons about the importance of vulnerability, compassion, and seeking help when we need it most.

Putting the Story to Use

Once I realized how my childhood experiences had impacted my growth, I knew I had to use my story to shed light on what it's like to live through traumatic experiences. More than that, I wanted to help others uncover their superpowers and turn them into their passions. For years, I worked to build a network of people who needed support, guidance, and a listening ear. And the more I worked with others, the more I discovered a true joy in helping them find their voices and unique life paths. It was as if my experiences had prepared me for this moment – the moment when I could finally lean into my gift and use it to give back to others.

Finding Ways to Help

Throughout my 20s and 30s, I never stopped seeking ways to help others. I did my best to listen to those who needed it and seek opportunities to make a difference. Even on the challenging days when the weight of my own experiences threatened to overwhelm me, I knew I had a gift to share with the world – the gift of empathy, understanding, empowerment, and hope. It was this gift that helped me connect with others and make a positive impact on their lives.

As I've grown both personally and in my professional career, I've been blessed to work with so many strong and passionate individuals who share my mindset of compassion and empowerment. These relationships have afforded me countless opportunities to learn from my experiences and help others reach their best versions of themselves. It's not always easy, but I believe it is essential to creating a more compassionate and empowering workplace for all.

With a Firm Foundation

Using my life experiences as a foundation, I've dedicated myself to empowering others in their careers. Whether through mentorship, coaching, or simply listening, I've made it my mission to help others uncover their unique strengths and talents and use them to build fulfilling and rewarding lives. It's a journey that isn't always easy but worth taking. It’s also a privilege to be able to share that journey with anyone who needs it.

Remember, healing is a process, and it takes time. Don't be afraid to seek help and support from trusted friends, family members, coaches, or mental health professionals. They can offer valuable insights and guidance on how to move forward. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. You are stronger than you think, and with the right mindset and tools, you can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

I believe that everyone has the potential to reach the best versions of themselves, and it's my honor and privilege to help others tap into that potential and achieve their dreams. I hope to bridge the gap between the experiences of my youth and the professional world's opportunities by sharing my own story and using it to empower others. It's my hope that through my own story, others will find the strength to lean into their own experiences, find their superpowers, and use them to impact the world positively.

The Light of Experience

In sharing my story with you, I hope I've shed some light on the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. I've learned that even in times of hardship, we have the power to guide ourselves forward with the right mindset. Life may not always be easy, and we may face insurmountable challenges, but by holding onto our determination and resilience, we can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

If you are struggling with difficult experiences, I encourage you to take time to identify your strengths and passions. Once you've identified these, focus on developing them and using them as tools to navigate challenges. For me, utilizing my strengths and skillset to make a positive impact has been a valuable source of empowerment and inspiration. Remember, healing is a process, and it takes time. Be open to seeking help and support from trusted friends, family members, coaches, or mental health professionals. They can offer valuable insights and guidance on how to move forward. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. You are stronger than you think, and with the right mindset and tools, you can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Thank you for allowing me to share some of myself with you. I hope that, in some small way, my experiences have inspired you to live your best life.