Showing posts with label Resilience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Resilience. 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.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
🎉 Celebrating the 2nd Annual National CHW Awareness Week 🎉
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and beloved Community Health Workers,
As we gather here today to celebrate the 2nd Annual National CHW Awareness Week, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and admiration for each one of you. This is more than just a week of recognition—this is a moment in history. We are here to honor the dedication, resilience, leadership, and compassion that you, the CHWs, embody every single day.
You are the unsung heroes of our communities. When the world feels heavy, and the challenges seem insurmountable, it is your strength that carries us through. You stand on the front lines, not just as healthcare providers, but as advocates, educators, and trusted confidants. You are the heartbeat of our communities, the lifeline that connects us to health, hope, and healing.
Your work is not easy. The path you walk is often fraught with obstacles and uncertainty, but still, you persevere. Why? Because you understand that the work you do is more than a job—it is a calling. A calling to serve, to uplift, and to transform lives. Your resilience is remarkable, and your compassion is boundless.
As we celebrate this week, I want each of you to take a moment to reflect on the impact you have made. Think of the lives you have touched, the communities you have strengthened, and the barriers you have broken down. You are the roots that anchor us, the leaders who inspire us, and the warriors who protect us.
But our journey does not end here. The world needs your light now more than ever. There are still so many hearts to heal, so many voices to amplify, and so much change to be made. Let this week be a reminder of your power, your purpose, and your potential.
But before you push forward, remember to take care of yourself. As we approach the Labor Day holiday, take a moment for your own self-care. You pour so much into others, but your wellness matters just as much. If you are not well, you will not be well enough to serve others. So take this time to rest, recharge, and renew your spirit. You deserve it, and your community needs you at your best.
Keep pushing forward, for the work you do is vital. Keep shining your light, for it guides us all. And keep believing in the power of your impact, for you are the changemakers, the healers, the leaders of tomorrow.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can achieve anything. Together, we are unstoppable.
And as we celebrate, I encourage you to share this message with other CHW warriors, ally champions, and everyone who needs to know about the CHW workforce. Let’s spread the word far and wide, so that more people can understand and appreciate the critical role that CHWs play in our communities.
Thank you for your tireless dedication, your unwavering commitment, and your extraordinary contributions.
Happy National CHW Awareness Week!
– Atara Estes, CHW Leadership Development Specialist at IHN and NACHW Board of Directors
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