Showing posts with label Community Health Workers (CHWs). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community Health Workers (CHWs). Show all posts
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Igniting Inspiration for a Powerful Start to Your Work Week
Friday, September 13, 2024
Thriving After Trauma Unashamed: A Journey of Survival, Healing, and Triumph
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.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Overview of the Harris County Public Health Healthy Communities Conference
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Harris County Public Health Healthy Communities Conference in Houston, Texas, which focused on "Deepening Community Health Workers’ Roots of Leadership, Equity, and Resilience." This trip was a refreshing recharge and one of the best business experiences I’ve had in a long time.
At the conference, I had the incredible honor of being one of three panelists, alongside Rosalia Guerrero and Alma Aranda (CHWI, Harris Health), with Dr. Heidi McPherson (Health Equity Collective) serving as our wonderful moderator. As the only out-of-town representative from St. Louis, Missouri, I was both humbled and grateful for the warm hospitality and assistance provided by the conference staff. The experience felt like a true "light, camera, action" moment, with everything coming together seamlessly.
Being on that panel in front of hundreds of passionate Community Health Workers (CHWs) and their allies was a total game changer. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, knowing that I was meant to be there. The questions presented to us were not only life-changing but also offered tangible insights that others could integrate into their own work.
As I shared my experiences and best practices from St. Louis, particularly my work with the Integrated Health Network, I emphasized that while these practices are effective, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each city and state must navigate its own guidelines and regulations, but the key is to keep moving forward. One day, that "no" you keep receiving will turn into a "yes."
Mentorship is a critical principle in supporting the CHW workforce, and it’s essential for CHWs to have a voice at decision-making tables. I challenged executive leaders and decision-makers to give credit where it’s due—acknowledging the innovative ideas that CHW employees, supervisors, managers, and specialists contribute to help organizations thrive. Without their vision and lived experiences, communities would suffer. There is true power in togetherness.
I am a CHW for life, and the best is yet to come! As we celebrate National CHW Awareness Week from August 26th to 30th, let's continue to uplift and support one another in our shared mission.
Quote for CHW Warriors: "To all the CHW warriors out there: Your dedication is the heartbeat of our communities. As we unite during National CHW Awareness Week, remember that our resilience, leadership, and compassion are the roots that strengthen us all. Keep pushing forward—the world needs our light more than ever."
If you would like to book me as a keynote speaker, presenter, or panelist at conferences or seminars, you can do so by visiting my website at www.ataraestes.com or emailing theyenetworkgroup@gmail.com. I am excited to bring my passion and expertise to your event!
This experience was more than just a professional opportunity; it was a chance to spread my wings and soar like an eagle. I am deeply thankful for this amazing opportunity to share my journey and advocate for the CHW workforce.
Atara Estes, ICHW-C
Founder of TATU Your Wellbeing, LLC (Holistic Wellness on Trauma Recovery)
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