If you believe everything you see on social media, you might think that everyone’s life is perfect. It’s not. We show people the outside, not the pain, the hurts, struggles and worries of life. Remember this when interacting with others. We don’t know what’s going on inside…
Tag Archives: #abuse
Painful Memories
Trauma resurfaces in our lives. The coping mechanisms our brains used earlier in life were there to protect us in the moment. When we are ready to heal, we are given the opportunity to face our past and work through it. Do the work…
Remember Me?
In 2018, my first book was published. The book is called, “Killing My Father Then Finding Him.” The theme of the book is about how I came to forgive both of my parents for the abuse and neglect I felt all through my childhood. I hid my upbringing from my friends in school. I masked it well because recently I read a short piece one of my childhood friends wrote about me and why he was buying the book. He wrote, “what I remember about John was his passion for life and his genuine concern for others.”
If you are holding onto pain from your past, I encourage you to do the work on yourself to heal. I did, and I promise it isn’t easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.
Posers…
Some people are so guarded they work overtime to make it seem like their lives are perfect. Opening up to someone else is unthinkable. They are held hostage by fear. This is why we should show kindness to others. We don’t know what’s going on beneath the surface…
Interview With Cheryl Williams
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-determined-people-podcast/id1545647376
Cheryl Williams is a survivor and a fighter. She was abused emotionally, physically, sexually and spiritually until her teenage years when she was placed in foster care. She has healed from the trauma of her life, and now dedicates her life to foster kids. Click on the link to listen to our lively interview…
The Resilience Breakthrough Podcast
I had the privilege of being a guest on “The Resilience Breakthrough Podcast “ hosted by Christian Moore and Dave Biesinger. This was a fun, lively and impactful conversation. We address a lot of societal and cultural issues of today. Our open dialogue will move you and, hopefully, allow you to see the world through a new prism. Click on the link to listen:
Horrific Life Experiences…
I have a gift. People willingly share their personal stories with me without prompting from me. I’m honored to listen. Every person’s story involves hardship, loss, pain. Some are stories of rape, abuse and control. People do horrible, unthinkable things to other people. Please be kind to everyone you meet. You don’t know what lies beneath…
Struggling Kids…
Yesterday I was privileged to speak to a group of foster children. It felt great to be speaking again, especially with kids. I was an insecure, angry, struggling kid myself, and because of my upbringing I connect with kids.
If a child reached out to you, please take the time to engage with them. Kids today need hope, they need validation, and they need us…
Speaking of Kindness…
The tongue is a laser sharp instrument. It can heal or it can hurt. Your choice, but I encourage you to return kind words to others, not stinging rebukes. Both of you will benefit…
Looks Aren’t Everything…
Every day, Facebook and Instagram are filled with pictures of people showing us how attractive they are. Pictures are filtered to hide lines, wrinkles and other imperfections. But I want to see more…I want to see into the heart of the person. Every face has a beautiful story behind it…