I had the incredible honor of speaking at a retreat hosted by the ARC of Oklahoma. For those of you who know me, you understand that my journey has not been an easy one. Raising a child with special needs has brought me face-to-face with challenges I never expected. It has pushed me to my limits and has shown me the strength I didn't know I had.
But standing in that room with those amazing women, hearing their stories, and feeling the weight of our shared experiences was a reminder of something truly powerful: I am in a unique position to speak from my past.
A Journey Through Hardship: The Power of Shared Experiences
When you've been through hardships, whether it's childhood trauma, abuse, or being a mom of a child with special needs, it's easy to feel isolated. It's easy to think that no one truly understands your situation. But the truth is, we all carry some form of struggle. Some of us wear our scars openly, while others keep them hidden.
But in that room, with these incredible women, I felt the power of connection. Every one of these women had their own unique story, yet we were able to bond over our shared experiences. There is power in speaking from a place of vulnerability, and it was clear that by sharing our journeys, we could connect on a level that went beyond words.
You Can Be Strong and You Can Be Tired
One thing that struck me the most during the retreat was how many of these women had both strength and exhaustion in equal measure. It's easy to think that you should never feel tired if you're strong. We often equate strength with being invincible, capable of handling anything that comes our way. But that's not the reality.
You can be both strong and tired. Strength doesn't mean you never get worn out; it means that despite the weariness, you keep going. Like so many others I've met on my journey, these women showed me that strength is not about being perfect or invulnerable. It's about getting up every day, facing the challenges, and pushing through, even when you feel like you don't have the energy to take one more step.
Why Speaking From My Past Matters
In that room, I could speak with authenticity and depth because of my own struggles. I could look into these women's eyes and see myself in them. I understood what it felt like to face the unknown every day, to fight for my child, and to battle the demons from my past. I could share my story, not from a place of superiority, but from a place of shared experience. I could show them that they are not alone… that their struggles do not define them.
Our experiences, no matter how painful, have the power to connect us. By speaking from a place of authenticity, I could reach these women on a deeper level than I ever could have by offering only advice or facts. My story wasn't just mine. It was ours, a collective journey of survival, strength, and resilience.
A Community of Resilience
The women I spoke to that weekend are some of the strongest, most resilient people I have ever met. They've faced unimaginable challenges and continue to push forward. They are not defined by their struggles but by how they rise after every fall.
As I stood there with them, I realized something important: strength isn't about never being tired—it's about carrying on despite the fatigue, the challenges, and the pain. It's about finding the courage to keep going, even when the road ahead feels impossible.
You Have the Power to Rise
For all of you reading this, I want you to hear this: You are not alone in your struggles and are more capable than you give yourself credit for. Whether you're a mother, a trauma survivor, or someone facing an insurmountable challenge, you have the ability to rise. You have the strength to keep moving forward, even when you feel tired or defeated.
There is power in acknowledging both your strength and your exhaustion. You don't have to do it all alone, and you don't have to be perfect. Embrace your journey—imperfections, fatigue, and all—because through it all, you are becoming more resilient, more powerful, and more ready to face whatever comes next.
Want to hear more stories of resilience, hope, and empowerment? Tune in to our podcast, That Sh*t Doesn't Define You. In it, we dive deep into overcoming challenges and stepping into your fullest potential. Each episode shares real stories showing that your past doesn't define your future.
Together, we can rise.
