Sometimes, we don’t realize what we’re missing until we finally have it. For so much of my life, I felt like I was navigating the world alone. I grew up surrounded by people, but no one who truly understood me—not the way I longed for. I dreamed of having a sister, someone I could confide in, lean on, and call my own. It wasn’t until years later that life gave me something even better than I had imagined: the sister I had always needed.
What Was My Breaking Point?
As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on all that I’ve accomplished in 2024. While the milestones I’ve reached might not seem monumental to everyone, they represent years of struggle, perseverance, and healing for me. This has been a year of reclaiming my independence, finding peace, and learning to thrive after enduring so much.
Since Thanksgiving, I’ve spent a lot of time with my grandparents. At first, I didn’t think much of it—I went there for myself. On Fridays, I’d pack up my daughter Brielle and head to their house, where she would spend the weekend relaxing with them while I came and went as I pleased. They made things easy: no worries about cooking, no stress about schedules. I could leave my daily responsibilities behind, even if just for a little while.
I owe you all an apology for the silence on my blog and social media lately. The truth is, I’ve been navigating a tough season, and when life gets hard, my default response is to withdraw—from everything and everyone. I started making excuses for why I wasn't posting. I told myself it didn’t matter because I don’t have a huge following yet, so I wasn’t letting anyone down. But in reality, I was. I was letting myself down, and to me, that’s far worse.
Starting the healing journey, especially when dealing with trauma, can feel daunting. It’s natural to feel unsure or unmotivated, as facing deep pain requires courage and commitment. Here are some practical steps to help you find the motivation to take those first steps:
“There was a time when I thought I’d lost myself completely. Caught in the grip of addiction and weighed down by the scars of abuse, I struggled to see any way out. My days were filled with darkness, and the pain felt endless. I wanted to give up, but deep down, there was something—a faint flicker of hope, a feeling that maybe, just maybe, life could be different. Starting this journey to healing wasn’t easy. It took countless moments of self-reflection, painful truths, and the courage to let go of the things that no longer served me. I had to confront my past, understand my traumas, and accept that I could rebuild from scratch. And slowly, I began to see that my pain wasn’t a dead end but a part of my story—one that I could use to find strength, resilience, and purpose.
“Welcome to Unbreakable Phoenix, a space born from resilience, strength, and a desire to create healing for anyone who has faced life’s toughest battles. My name is Jenn, and like many, I’ve walked through the shadows of trauma and addiction, experiencing pain that at times felt impossible to overcome. But within those dark moments, I found a spark—a small light of hope and strength that pushed me to rise. This blog is more than just words; it’s a haven for those who need comfort, understanding, and real stories from someone who’s been there. Here, we’ll share hard-won lessons, resources that have been helpful, and most importantly, create a community that lifts each other up. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or looking for new ways to heal, Unbreakable Phoenix is here to remind you that you are never alone and that even from the ashes, we can rise stronger than ever. Thank you for being here. Together, we’ll continue to rise, reclaim our strength, and inspire others along the way.”
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