Embracing the Journey - From Darkness to Radiant Resilience

#ThrivingThursday

Hello, wonderful souls! Today's Thriving Thursday blog post is an intimate invitation to journey with me through the twists and turns of my life. We'll explore overcoming an ACEs score of 9, navigating, triumphing over shadows of violent trauma, intimate partner violence, the challenges of institutionalization, and the unique struggle of aging out of foster care with little to no family support, and the beauty of neurodivergence. Additionally, we'll discover the extraordinary healing power of animal-assisted therapy.

1. Overcoming ACE's-Finding Your Tribe - ACEs, or Adverse Childhood Experiences, are events in childhood that are emotionally or physically harmful and have lasting effects into adulthood. I have an ACEs score of 9 out of 10. This means I have experienced nearly every traumatic experience that researchers found to contribute to chronic health and well-being through adulthood. It could have defined me, but instead, I chose to dance with those shadows. Each step became a move towards understanding, acceptance, and eventually, rewriting the narrative that was uniquely mine. Finding your tribe of support is crucial for various aspects of well-being and personal growth. Your unique tribe can offer validation and understanding specific to ACEs. Members may have faced similar challenges, creating a sense of shared understanding that reduces feelings of isolation and fosters a supportive environment. Your unique tribe becomes a safe haven where you can express vulnerability without judgment. This safe space is essential for addressing the impact of ACEs and working towards personal growth and healing. To learn more about ACEs, check out this resource: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html

2. Confronting Darkness - Triumph Over Violent Trauma: Amidst the shadows, there were darker corners – violent trauma, intimate partner violence, the challenges of institutionalization, and the unique struggle of aging out of foster care with little to no family support. Acknowledging and confronting them became the lanterns that lit my path to healing. It wasn't easy, but with each courageous step, I reclaimed my own story and emerged stronger. Some strategies I have learned over my healing journey are: Maintain a Positive Mindset, Cultivate Strong Connections, Prioritize Healthy Habits, Set Realistic Goals, Enhance Problem-Solving Skills, Practice adaptability, Practice Mindfulness, Cultivate Supportive Networks, Develop Emotional Intelligence, and Learn from Adversity.

3. Master of Social Work - Liberation Through Learning: Pursuing a Master of Social Work wasn't just about education; it was my ticket to liberation. The knowledge gained wasn't confined to textbooks but expanded into life lessons. It was a transformative journey that echoed the resilience I discovered within myself.

4. Climbing the Clinical Ladder - A Symphony of Triumph: Earning the highest license in social work, a clinical license, wasn't just a professional milestone; it was a symphony of personal triumph. It symbolized not only expertise but the resilient notes that echoed through the challenges I faced. Each note played was a testament to the strength within.

5. The Beauty of Neurodivergence - My Unique Symphony: Recently diagnosed as neurodivergent, I discovered the beauty in thinking differently. It's like conducting my own symphony, embracing the melody of my mind. Neurodivergence became not a challenge but a celebration of the unique colors I bring to the world. Success redefined itself, and I started dancing to my own rhythm.

6. A Decade in Child Welfare - Where Heart Meets Purpose: For ten years, I've been weaving my story into the fabric of child welfare. Every day is a chance to impact lives, drawing from my personal journey to connect with those in need. It's where my heart meets purpose, and the echoes of resilience become a guiding light for others.

7. Animal-Assisted Therapy - Love in Fur and Paws: Now, imagine therapy sessions with the gentle nuzzle of a therapy animal or the comforting presence of a loyal pet. Animal-assisted therapy became my sanctuary, a realm of unconditional love and support. Through the eyes of my furry friends, I found healing, connection, and a sense of peace that words often fail to capture.

So, here we are, at the end of the first Thriving Thursday post. Remember, your journey is a unique masterpiece. Dance with your shadows, conduct your symphony, and embrace the healing power of love, whether in your own tribe, human or fur. The challenges I've faced have undoubtedly left their mark, but they do not overshadow the strength I've cultivated. Each trial, each setback, is a stepping stone on the path to becoming the person I aspire to be. I refuse to be confined by the labels that society might impose based on my past. Happy Thriving Thursday, my beautiful souls! If you are ready to embark on your own healing journey towards thriving, contact us today!