Bent But Not Broken: A Story of Resilience, Empowerment, and Purpose
Life has a way of challenging us in ways we never expect. The moments that threaten to break us often become the ones that shape us the most. My name is PJ, and my story is one of extraordinary triumph. I’ve walked through darkness that could have easily consumed me. I’ve faced domestic violence, the scars of childhood abuse, and the unimaginable heartbreak of losing my son. Each of these experiences was devastating, leaving me at a crossroads: let the pain define me or let it fuel me. I chose the latter. It wasn’t easy, and there were times I doubted whether I could keep going. But through the brokenness, I discovered a strength I didn’t know I had — a strength that transformed my life and has become the foundation of my mission to help others do the same.
My journey hasn’t been about perfection or pretending to have it all figured out. It’s been about learning, growing, and making the choice to rise, even when everything around me seemed to be falling apart. Every scar I carry tells a story — not just of pain but of survival, transformation, and empowerment. Turning my pain into purpose was not an overnight process. It took time, healing, and the willingness to face my story head-on. But in doing so, I’ve found a deeper sense of meaning. Today, I take the lessons from my struggles and use them to create spaces where others can heal, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s through my summits, my podcast, or my coaching, my goal is to show others that they, too, have the power to re-frame their pain into purpose. We all have moments when we feel broken, but those moments don’t have to define us — they can become the catalyst for something greater.
Now, as I stand in this place of empowerment, my mission is clear. I am dedicated to helping others find their strength, their voice, and their purpose. Through my work, I aim to create a movement of resilience — a collective rising of voices that have been silenced for far too long. My summits, including the upcoming Rise and Thrive: Empowered Voices Summit and Fearless and Flourishing Women’s Summit, are platforms where powerful stories of triumph are shared, inspiring others to believe in their own strength. My podcast, Insights of a Survivor, and my book, A Place to Belong, provide resources for those on their own healing journeys. Through it all, I want people to know they are not alone. We all have the ability to rise from the ashes and thrive, no matter what we’ve been through. My story is proof of that, and I’m here to walk alongside others as they discover the power within their own.
Resilience Born from Adversity
“Each crack, each scar, and each moment of bending has shaped me into the person I am today.” This truth isn’t just my story — it’s a reminder to everyone that our struggles don’t diminish us; they transform us. I’ve learned that healing isn’t about erasing the pain or pretending the scars don’t exist. It’s about embracing the journey, honoring the lessons, and realizing that even in our hardest moments, we are capable of incredible growth. As a holistic trauma-informed life coach and advocate, I’ve dedicated my life to helping others find their own path to resilience. It’s a journey that’s deeply personal, often messy, but always worth it because every step forward, no matter how small, is an act of courage.
Healing isn’t linear, and strength doesn’t come from avoiding challenges — it comes from moving through them. One of my favorite affirmations is, “You are stronger than the storms you’ve weathered and brighter than the darkness you’ve endured.” This is a truth I hold close, not just for myself but for everyone I work with. Through my coaching and the spaces I’ve created, I encourage survivors to re-frame their pain into purpose. It’s not about “fixing” what’s broken but about discovering the beauty in what remains and using it to rebuild in a way that feels authentic and empowering. Every crack and scar holds a story, and within those stories lie incredible strength. When we stop seeing them as weaknesses, we unlock a potential that can lead us to a place of healing and fulfillment.
That’s why I pour my heart into everything I do — my events, platforms, and every interaction I have with those seeking support. For me, this work isn’t just a profession; it’s my purpose. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and reminded of their worth. I believe that no matter how heavy life feels, there is always room to rise, to thrive, and to rediscover the light within ourselves. If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you are not alone. Every step you take toward healing matters. Every small act of self-compassion is a victory. And even when the path feels unclear, you have within you the strength to keep moving forward. Your story is powerful, your voice is valid, and your resilience is a gift not just to yourself but to the world.
Empowering Through Connection
At the core of my mission is the belief that we are stronger together, and that strength is amplified when we come together to share our stories. The Rise and Thrive: Empowered Voices Summit on January 18–19, 2025, is not just an event — it’s also a way to honor my son, who was taken from me too soon. He was 19 when he was murdered, and in his loss, I found a renewed commitment to live in a way that would make him proud. This summit is a space where 14 incredible speakers will share their powerful stories of transforming pain into purpose, and where survivors can connect, heal, and find hope in each other’s experiences. It’s a powerful reminder that no pain is ever wasted, and even through the deepest grief, we can find strength. I want my son to know that his loss was not in vain — that I am still fighting, still living with purpose, and still sharing the message of resilience that I carry in his memory. The stories shared during this summit will not only inspire healing but also provide the space for others to re-frame their own pain into a source of empowerment.
Following closely, on March 8–9, 2025, is the Fearless and Flourishing Women’s Summit, a celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. This event holds a special place in my heart because it focuses on the incredible resilience of women and the tools we need to stand in our power. It’s a chance for women to come together, to share their wisdom, and to support each other in our growth. Throughout history, women have faced unimaginable challenges, and yet we continue to rise. At this summit, I want every woman who attends to leave feeling empowered, equipped with the tools they need to thrive, and the reminder that we are all capable of greatness. Together, we can break down barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and create a future that celebrates the strength of every woman.
Both of these events are a reflection of my unwavering commitment to creating spaces where survivors can reclaim their power. The stories shared during these summits will inspire, heal, and ignite the strength within each participant. I truly believe in the transformative power of storytelling, and when we come together to share our journeys, we create a ripple effect that empowers not just ourselves, but everyone around us. The Rise and Thrive summit and the Fearless and Flourishing event are more than just gatherings; they are a movement of women and survivors reclaiming their voices, their stories, and their futures. These events are a reminder that no matter what we’ve faced, we have the power to rise, to heal, and to thrive in a world that needs our strength and resilience.
Giving Back to Make a Difference
My journey has always been about more than just healing myself; it’s about making sure that others don’t have to walk through their pain alone. From the very beginning, I knew that my purpose was to empower those who feel unseen, unheard, or abandoned. That’s why I’m deeply committed to giving back to organizations that offer support and resources to victims of violence. Fifteen percent of all proceeds from my summits are donated to the Victim Connect Resource Center, a place that provides confidential support, resources, and guidance for those navigating the difficult journey after experiencing violence. It’s not just about the financial support — it’s about making sure survivors know that there is help out there, that there is hope, and that their healing is possible. This is a cause that’s close to my heart because I know firsthand what it feels like to need help and not always know where to turn.
I truly believe that the work we do in this world, especially when it comes to supporting survivors, has the power to create ripple effects of change. By donating to the Victim Connect Resource Center, I’m not just offering financial assistance — I’m making a statement that we are in this together. Every person who attends my events, every person who shares their story, is contributing to this collective effort of uplifting others. When we come together in support of one another, we become a force that can’t be ignored. I want to remind survivors that they are not alone and that, even when the road ahead seems uncertain, there are resources and communities ready to support them. My work is about more than just inspiration — it’s about creating tangible change and helping others find the resources they need to heal.
Ultimately, my mission goes beyond any event or platform; it’s about creating a lasting impact. Whether it’s through my work as a coach, the events I organize, or the financial contributions I make to organizations like Victim Connect, I’m committed to a world where survivors are seen, heard, and supported at every step of their journey. There’s power in coming together, in showing up for one another, and in giving back to those who need it most. The struggles of survivors are not just individual — they’re collective. And as we rise, as we thrive, we bring others with us. My hope is that every person I touch, whether through a summit, a coaching session, or a donation, feels empowered to take their own healing journey and pay that support forward. This is the power of community, and it’s why I’m so passionate about everything I do. We are stronger when we stand together, and together, we can create a world where no survivor ever feels alone.
Why am I Doing This?
“For too long, I fought through the pain alone,” I’ve often reflected on those dark moments when I didn’t know where to turn. The weight of my experiences, the sense of isolation — it was overwhelming. In those moments, I had to dig deep and learn to love myself for who I truly am, even without the support I longed for. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. What I realized along the way is that true healing doesn’t come from pretending the pain doesn’t exist. It comes from learning to live with it, acknowledging it, and using it as a source of power. I made a promise to myself that no one should have to walk that path alone, and that’s why I’m so determined to be a voice for those who feel silenced, overlooked, or unheard. No one should ever feel that deep sense of loneliness in their journey toward healing. Through every part of my work, I’m here to remind others that they are not alone in their struggles.
Healing isn’t about erasing the past or forgetting the pain we’ve experienced; it’s about accepting it as part of our journey and using it as the foundation for our growth. Our scars, the parts of us that we may have once wanted to hide, are a testament to our strength, to the battles we’ve fought and survived. I’ve come to see my own scars as badges of honor, reminders of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve overcome. They are not marks of weakness — they are proof of my resilience. The path to healing isn’t easy, but it is beautiful because it shows us just how capable we are of transforming our pain into purpose. We are not defined by the things that hurt us, but by how we rise in the face of them. Our journey is not just about survival; it’s about finding meaning in our struggles and using our experiences to empower ourselves and others.
This understanding of pain as a catalyst for transformation is at the heart of everything I do. I’ve made it my mission to help others turn their own pain into purpose, to guide them through the process of accepting their past and using it to fuel their future. Every part of our journey, no matter how difficult, has the potential to shape us into who we are meant to be. I want others to know that their stories matter, that their pain is valid, and that their healing is possible. We don’t have to walk this path alone, and we don’t have to stay stuck in our past. There is power in our vulnerability, in sharing our stories, and in finding strength in the community we create together. Every day, we have the opportunity to re-frame our pain into a source of empowerment. I am living proof that healing is not only possible but that we can rise from the ashes stronger than ever before.
Bent But Not Broken: A Call to Rise
“Bent but not broken — we are survivors. We are warriors. We are unshakable.” These words have become more than just a mantra for me; they are a declaration of what we all can be, no matter the battles we face. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that life doesn’t always go as planned. There are times when we feel knocked down, when the weight of the world seems too much to bear. But those are the moments that define us. It’s in the struggle that we find our strength. I am living proof that, no matter how bent we become from life’s challenges, we are never truly broken. This mindset has been my anchor and my mission — helping others realize the same thing. We are capable of rising, of finding power in the midst of adversity, and of turning our pain into purpose.
Through my Soulful Resilience Journey, I’ve dedicated myself to guiding others who are walking a similar path of pain and healing. The transformational events I host are not just about sharing stories; they’re about giving survivors a space to reconnect with their inner strength and to see the potential for transformation within themselves. Life may bend us in ways that feel unbearable, but it cannot break us. We are unshakable. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when people come together, share their journeys, and remind each other of the strength that already resides within. There’s a magic that happens when we unite in this way, and it’s that energy, that connection, that drives me every day to continue advocating for survivors and creating opportunities for growth and healing.
It’s through this unwavering advocacy that I truly believe we can create a ripple effect of resilience. Every person I encounter, every story I hear, reinforces the idea that we are all connected in our struggles, but we are also connected in our strength. Together, we rise. We lift each other up, we support one another, and we remind ourselves that our stories are powerful and worth sharing. We may face obstacles, but we are never defeated. I’m here to inspire others to embrace their journey, no matter how painful, and to show them that there is always the possibility for transformation.
Let’s Rise Together: Your Support Can Make a Difference
I can’t do this alone. I wish I could, but the truth is, the silence surrounding trauma has persisted for far too long, and we can’t let it continue. Survivors have been silenced, overlooked, and neglected for far too many years, and that is something I refuse to stand by any longer. We need to create a world where survivors are not just seen but heard — where they are not just supported but truly empowered to heal in their own time, at their own pace, without shame or judgment. It’s heartbreaking to think of all the victims out there who are still struggling in silence, feeling lost and alone. These are lives that matter, stories that need to be told, and pain that needs to be healed. The isolation and fear that many survivors face is a weight I refuse to ignore. But to make the change we need, I can’t do it by myself. That’s where you come in.
Your help is vital. Every action you take, no matter how small it may seem, makes a real, tangible difference in the lives of those who have suffered in silence for far too long. Whether you choose to partner with me, sponsor one of my events, or follow my platforms and share my work with your community, you’re becoming part of a movement that’s far bigger than any of us. You’re becoming part of a collective force that says, “We see you. We hear you. We’re here to help.” The support survivors need is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. It’s something they deserve. And with your involvement, we can reach more people, amplify their voices, and offer them the resources they so desperately need. It’s not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating spaces where healing can begin, where survivors can find hope again, and where they know they’re not walking this journey alone.
Will you stand with me? Will you be a part of this movement that gives survivors the tools, the resources, and most importantly, the love they deserve? Will you help me build a community that’s rooted in compassion and action? Together, we can give people a future where they don’t have to remain in the darkness of their trauma. Together, we can rise above the silence and show survivors that healing is not only possible but within reach. Bent but not broken, we are unshakable. And together, we can be the hope that someone has been waiting for. Let’s rise together and make sure that every survivor knows they are seen, heard, and loved. Our resilience is what will carry us forward, and together, we will rise higher than ever before. 💪✨
Explore my Linktree to find meaningful ways you can contribute to this mission and help drive the change survivors need. 💜✨🙌
