Have you ever heard the saying, "If you're going through hell, keep going"? A close friend of mine had it as their messenger status for the longest time. I think about them often, yet I’ve been ignoring their messages. Is that fair? Probably not—especially since I wouldn’t want to be treated that way. I know I’ll reach out soon, but for now, I’ve been deeply focused on rebuilding myself.

Inspiring Words to Uplift You During Life's Toughest Moments

Every story has the power to inspire, heal, and connect. Not just mine—yours too. I’ve learned that sharing my struggles often transforms pain into strength I didn’t know I had. Whether you’re navigating a personal battle, writing a novel, or crafting your professional journey, growth begins with clarity and purpose. Reflect on the moments that shaped you, tell your story authentically, and embrace the messy process of growth and change. I’ve been holding back on creating this space for over a year, but someone recently told me, “Just start, even if you’re not ready.” It clicked for me: storytelling is about connection—rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and a sense of purpose. Every story has the potential to resonate, but it needs time and care to unfold. Refine it, trust the process, and you might create something unforgettable.

Practicing non-judgment has been a game-changer for me—a cornerstone of mindfulness that I’ve been working hard to apply. I’ve made poor decisions over the past few years but also accomplished things I never dreamed possible. The truth is, my anxiety about the future is what holds me back most. That’s why I’ve been learning to live in the present moment, focusing on what I can control: the here and now.

My story is one of struggle, heartbreak, and redemption. I’ve fought battles with toxic relationships, addictions to money, sex, drugs, and men, and have faced serious legal challenges. These hardships brought me to my knees but also shaped me into who I am today. After serving a six-year prison sentence and celebrating eight years of sobriety and celibacy, I fell back into destructive patterns. Running from God and buried under shame, guilt, and self-loathing, I was angry—angry at myself, at my failures, and at the person I’d become.

Rebuilding my life within a faith-based sober living program was a rollercoaster of progress and setbacks. While I made strides, I also carried the weight of unprocessed trauma. Years of abuse, addiction, sex trafficking, and heartbreak had left deep emotional scars. I stayed stuck in survival mode, unable to regulate my emotions or confront the pain I was suppressing. This unresolved hurt eventually led me back to the familiar—another toxic relationship, drug use, and denial.

Then came the breaking point. A series of poor decisions culminated in one that flipped my world upside down. In the blink of an eye, I lost everything—or so it felt. Shame and self-criticism consumed me, and I hit rock bottom. My heart felt irreparably shattered, and I doubted my worth. In my darkest moments, I contemplated ending it all. I was angry at myself, at life, and even at God for allowing me to fall so far.

But God wasn’t finished with me. Someone I call an "angel" stepped into my life during that critical time. This person, who saw the good I had done through ministry, reached out with compassion. She reminded me of my worth and introduced me to life-changing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. These tools, which I often refer to as "the next best thing to Jesus," genuinely saved my life.

Fast forward to today: I’m still standing. I’m walking through one of the hardest chapters of my life, but I’ve found purpose in helping others. I co-lead a DBT Skills Training Group and am dedicated to mastering and sharing these transformative tools. My work involves building a DBT community to provide free resources and raise awareness, helping others to release the pain that once consumed me. My mission is clear: to ensure no one suffers as I did and to be a beacon of hope for those who feel lost.

Through this journey, I’ve learned to extend grace to myself, letting go of the judgment that once held me hostage. Practicing mindfulness has helped me stay grounded, giving me the strength to face life one moment at a time instead of constantly living in survival mode. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made—completing two years of college, cultivating a supportive work community, and embracing self-love and compassion. These blessings remind me to stay thankful as I continue to grow.

There’s much more to my story, and when the time is right, I’ll share it. For now, I want to thank you for listening and joining me on this journey. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come.