I Choose to Rise Above The Trauma

Rise & Shine

The Rise & Shine podcast (now known as Mamahood After Trauma) is all about rising from the ashes of your past trauma so you can step into motherhood with the fierceness and confidence that you did not know was possible. It was a pleasure to be invited for another interview to share my story. In this episode, we talk about what it means to “Accept & Embrace It All” as well as what it takes to rise above the trauma.

Accept & Embrace It All

After introducing me, the host started by asking about what I do for a living. My passion is to inspire anyone that I can. But I work as a case manager and I love serving my cases to the best of my abilities. I’ve been doing it for over 15 years and I love what I do. I am also a great mother of 4 adult children and 1 minor so I have my hands full.

Then the host asked about the memoir. What does the subtitle “Accept and Embrace It All” mean?

It was very hard but In the process of investing in myself, loving yourself, and finding my self-worth, I was beginning to accept things that were beyond my control. I was beginning to accept that I am not responsible for anyone else’s behavior or actions towards me, but I am responsible for how I respond. So for a long time I was in this bondage of intimidation and this fear. I had to accept that I don’t need anyone elses validation. The phrase “Accept & Embrace It All” has really been profound in my life and I live it everyday.

For years I dealt with shame and I dealt with guilt. I dealt with intimidation and did not feel courageous enough to speak my truth. I came from a generational era where what went on in the home, stayed in the home. It was a bondage but accepting and embracing has really revived my spirit.

True Freedom is Internal

The host commented on how a lot of childhood trauma survivors live with that shame and fear and guilt, believing that they caused or deserved their trauma. Carrying those feelings around is like a ball and chain around your ankle but you can make the choice to cut off the ball and chain and focus on healing yourself and loving yourself. You don’t need the acceptance of anyone, it’s about your acceptance of yourself. Not looking for validation from other people but validating yourself. The friendship you have with yourself is much better. Much more fulfilling, much more important, and it will take you further.

I wrestled with being disappointed from unmet expectations and my childhood friend was not there for me, the same way I would have been for her. One of my Affirmations is to not try to find me in other people. I had to start working on me, and I continue to work on me.

Accepting My Journey

The host asked, what impact has your past had on who you are today?

My journey from the rejection and abandonment. All the broken foundations have really impacted me and the choice of choosing me today. I had to accept that they were broken foundations. What happended to me from the beginning was not normal. It was not my fault. Till this day, among my adopted parents family and my biological family, very few people have come to me to recognize what had happened and say “I’m proud of you.” To someone else that would have been so devastating but I am at peace to know that I can’t be responsible for others accepting my truth, my life and my journey.

She commented on how she had a very similar experience with writing her book on the lessons she learned in her life as well. Very few people in her family showed any support.

Rise Above The Ashes

The host asked what drives you forward in your life?

Generational curses being broken and being courageous. I am a leo to the core..! Publishing this book was one of the most courageous moves I have made in my life. I am really passionate about letting people know that there are things I would never let go of: Hope, enduring and having faith in God.