Awakening My Phoenix: My Journey Choosing Self Growth.
Trigger Warning: Depression, Anxiety, Postpartum , Sexual Assault, Gun Violence.
Hello and welcome to the inaugural post of Awakening My Phoenix! I’m thrilled to share this space with you, where we’ll explore the transformative journey of healing and personal growth. As a Trauma-Informed Life Coach, my mission is to provide a supportive and safe environment for individuals to delve into how past traumas affect their present lives. My goal is to equip you with effective tools, strategies, and guidance to help you achieve your aspirations.
My Background: A Journey of Healing
To kick off this blog, I want to share some insights into my background and the path that has shaped my journey. My fascination with mental health began at a young age, rooted in my experiences growing up in a family affected by mental illness. I faced numerous traumatic events, including living in a single-parent household, frequent moves, the tragic loss of my father in a workplace shooting, and surviving two separate incidents of sexual assault. With each trauma, I learned that knowledge is power.
I pursued a degree in psychology, but just before graduation, I shifted my focus to animal behavior. This decision stemmed from a feeling of hopelessness about making a lasting difference in people’s lives. Redirecting my energy towards conservation and animal behavior deepened my understanding of human behavior, and I graduated in December 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology.
Life After Graduation: A New Chapter
Post-graduation, life seemed perfect. I achieved my goal of completing my degree, married my best friend, purchased a home, and welcomed our daughter in November 2018. However, the first six months of motherhood were a challenge. I struggled with postpartum depression, and it wasn’t until I broke down at my daughter’s six-month appointment that I sought help. Looking back, I realize that my journey with antidepressants may not have been the right path; I had grown accustomed to pushing through my bad days, believing my struggles were normal.
Then, COVID-19 hit, bringing isolation that deeply affected my mental health. It was during this challenging time that I discovered a Life Coaching course, igniting my passion for personal development. As I progressed through the program, buried memories resurfaced, plunging me into a dark manic episode. My family supported me as I sought help through a psychiatric evaluation. I then connected with a psychiatrist and therapist, leading to a diagnosis of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD) and Bipolar II Disorder. Receiving these diagnoses felt like finding the missing piece of a complex puzzle.
Embracing My Diagnosis: A Turning Point
While being diagnosed with a mental illness can be daunting, for me, it marked the beginning of a healing journey. Accepting my cPTSD and Bipolar II was liberating, providing me with a foundation for growth. I learned to release behaviors rooted in survival mode, identify triggers, manage negative self-talk, and practice self-compassion.
Completing my coaching certification revealed the profound impact the program had on my life, reigniting my desire to help others. Becoming a Trauma-Informed Coach allowed me to recognize the resilience I’ve demonstrated throughout my life. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I’ve transformed adversity into strength.
A Commitment to Support
Following my father’s death, I made a personal commitment to be the support I desperately needed during my darkest moments. Today, I create safe spaces for individuals to confront and navigate their traumas. I possess valuable tools to foster personal growth, believing that everyone has the potential to become the person they aspire to be. It simply requires time, accountability, and the courage to choose self-growth over stagnation.
What’s Next?
In my next blog post, I’ll delve into the concept of choosing self-growth over remaining the same, along with practical steps to hold yourself accountable for creating positive change in your life. I’m grateful to have you on this journey with me, and I’m eager to share more about Trauma-Informed Life Coaching, self-growth, and healing. Remember, mental illness doesn’t have to hold you back; it can guide you toward awakening your inner phoenix.
Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to our journey together!