Thriving After Trauma Unashamed: A Journey of Survival, Healing, and Triumph
It was Friday, September 13, 2002, a date forever etched in my memory—22 years ago today. On that day, I survived something unimaginable: blindfolded, shot in the back, thrown into a trunk, and left for dead. Domestic violence almost took my life, but God saw fit to keep me alive. Only He knew why I would be spared through such devastating adversity, an experience that still echoes in the scars, nerve damage, and a bullet lodged in my chest cavity.
Living with the physical pain was a constant reminder of that dark moment. Chronic migraines, PTSD, and depression tried to overwhelm me. The emotional wounds of trying to understand "Why did this happen to me?" were almost more than I could bear. But through the storm, I fought—physically, mentally, and spiritually. I clung to God, pleading for the strength to endure the pain and the wisdom to reclaim the broken pieces of who I once was.
I died emotionally on that day, and for a long time, I believed I would never live or love again. But God, in His infinite grace, spoke to me, reminding me that what the enemy meant for harm, He would turn around for my good. Genesis 50:20 says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." And that scripture was my turning point.
God said, “Give Me your hate, your hurt, your pain, your sorrow, your unforgiveness, and love Me. Let Me carry what you cannot.” In that moment, I surrendered it all to Him. From that surrender, a new purpose emerged—one rooted in my testimony of survival and the hope that came with it.
I began sharing my story on public platforms: TV interviews, podcasts, and speaking engagements, raising awareness about domestic and dating violence. I penned my self-published survivor book, Damaged Goods: My Journey in 2014, as an offering of hope to others who might be suffering in silence. Now, 22 years later, I am working on turning that book into a film, speaking at women's shelters, advising on trauma recovery, and being a voice for survivors who still feel voiceless.
But my journey didn’t stop there. Out of my pain, I birthed something beautiful. I launched my holistic wellness business, TATU Your Wellbeing, LLC—Thriving After Trauma Unashamed. Through this business, I’ve brought life to other ventures like Atara Healing Visual Artwork and Photography, Atara Global Innovation, and Ruth's Healing Harvest Farmacy. These projects have allowed me to integrate creativity, faith, and holistic health into the healing process for others who are seeking wholeness after trauma.
Today, as I reflect on these past 22 years, I cannot help but marvel at what God has done in my life. From the pit of despair to the heights of purpose, I have learned to not only live but to love myself fully. The enemy tried to kill my dreams, steal my joy, and destroy my soul—but God had a greater plan. And in that plan, I have found the freedom to thrive.
For anyone out there still struggling with the aftermath of trauma, I want you to know that you can rise. There is life after pain, and there is hope beyond despair. I stand as living proof that no matter what you've been through, you can thrive.
I will continue to share my story because it’s not just about survival—it’s about thriving unashamed. Now, as I live to learn, I have learned to truly live.
To all survivors: Never let your trauma define you. Let your healing redefine you.
With love and faith,
Atara Estes
TATU: Thriving After Trauma Unashamed
FB: Author Atara Estes , TATU Your Wellbeing
Resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.):
- Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Text: Text "START" to 88788
- Website: thehotline.org
- Availability: 24/7, confidential, and free. Services in English and Spanish, and translation available for 200+ languages.
- Phone: 1-866-331-9474
- Text: Text "LOVEIS" to 22522
- Website: loveisrespect.org
- Availability: 24/7, confidential, and free. Focuses on healthy relationships and preventing dating abuse for teens and young adults.
- Phone: Call or text 988
- Website: 988lifeline.org
- Availability: 24/7, confidential, and free. Provides support for individuals in emotional distress, experiencing a mental health crisis, or contemplating suicide.
