“I am healing, but I’m not healed.” – Tasha Keys 

I was blessed to have won a raffle to attend the women’s empowerment and leadership conference for September 25, 2024. The event, “Becoming A Balanced Boss: Mastering Mental Health in Leadership”, hosted by Souraya Christine. It was an incredible event filled with purpose and power, and every speaker delivered a message that felt perfectly tailored to the women in the audience. I truly believe God makes no mistakes. Although the conference was emotionally triggering for me as a severe trauma survivor, I recognize that it was necessary. As a trauma specialist, I know that while life brings suffering, God blesses us with rewards that far exceed the pain we endure. This conference reinforced that belief, and I left feeling it deeply in my soul. Thank you, Souraya. Without you, Las Vegas wouldn’t have known such a powerful event was even possible.

The experience felt like more than just a day—it felt like a journey. I arrived sitting beside women who were strangers, but I left with many new soul sisters. As a trauma specialist, I am aware that trauma bonds are typically unhealthy connections built through shared pain. However, what was unique about this event was that each woman was clearly using her pain as a weapon for power. We weren’t just bonded through our struggles; we were united in our strength, turning our pain into purpose, as Sarah Jakes Roberts says, to “power forward.”

One thing I’ve noticed is that Clark County lacks real, authentic community. So many of the resources available here seem to be more for optics than actual support. As someone who grew up dependent on resources and opportunities, this event was desperately needed in Las Vegas to show what happens when we come together and openly discuss our mental health needs. This conference demonstrated to Clark County that when we unite, real healing and growth can occur.

The best quote of the day came from Tasha Keys, who calls herself the “Love Doctor.” She said, “I am healing, but I’m not healed.” This resonated with me deeply, as it reflects where I am in my journey—the mark on the map where my coordinates currently lie. I am healing, and it’s a journey filled with pain, self-discovery, isolation, fear, trust, faith, and a whirlwind of emotions. But it’s my journey, and I’m going to take my time with it.

As both a trauma and wellness specialist, this was an incredible opportunity for me—not only to network but to learn something transformative. The most important takeaway for me was realizing that I can rewrite my story. As a writer, I’ve always known I am the author of my life. But this event sealed the deal, affirming that I am not just the author—I am the producer, the director, and the one writing the script. I can write it however I want.

Souraya, this was by far the best event I’ve attended all year. As this is my breakout year—my reintroduction, my rebirth, if you will—I’ve been to numerous events, seminars, and conferences, but yours stands out as the best. I am meticulous about these experiences, and I was impressed by how your event was both well-organized and deeply personal. It was professional, yet we were free to be our authentic selves.

This conference didn’t just offer surface-level encouragement; it dug deeper into what’s missing in Clark County—true community. We often see resources that are more about appearances than real, meaningful impact. But your event showed Las Vegas what it looks like when we come together to address our mental health in a genuine way. Thank you, Souraya, for bringing this awareness to our community. We need more of this. Your conference highlighted that self-care is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As you brought to light, if I cannot care for myself, how can I possibly care for others? Self-care truly is the best care.

I cannot wait to be a part of this conference next year—but this time, as a speaker and not just an audience member. I decree and declare this for myself and for every woman attached to me. I have a story to share on your stage, and until we meet again, know that it was a blessing, Souraya Christine. Thank you.

Welcome to my world of resilience, empowerment, and authenticity. As a single mother, entrepreneur, and advocate, I share my journey to ignite strength within you. My writing, shaped by overcoming homelessness and embracing motherhood, blends raw truth with heartfelt wisdom. Together, we explore the path of healing and growth.

Here are some of my breakout pieces that have deeply resonated with readers:

1. “Inside the Head of a Severely Traumatized Soul Who Used Her Pain to Become a Trauma Specialist and Psychologist” 

This piece offers an introspective look at my cognitive process as a traumatized individual who turned to education for understanding. Earning three degrees and becoming a trauma specialist, wellness specialist, and psychologist, I am both the case study and the analyst. This compelling read sheds light on the complexities of trauma and recovery.

2. “Dollhouse”

This narrative reveals how my immediate and estranged families appeared perfect to the outside world. Despite my mother’s absence of visible issues, I ended up in foster care, challenging the misconception that outward appearances reflect true reality. Just as people underestimated my former partner’s manipulative nature, the blog demonstrates that what seems perfect may hide significant troubles.

3. “The Caregiver Paradox: Analyzing Emotional Dynamics and Familial Disconnections”

A sequel to “Dollhouse,” this piece explores the irony of how the person closest to me became my greatest disappointment. It explores how caregivers may struggle to provide the same level of care to loved ones as they do to those they are paid to care for. This engaging read offers a multifaceted perspective, blending personal experiences with sociological and psychological insights.

4. “The Boy Disguised as a Man”

This personal account challenges the belief that only women trap men by sharing my experience of being manipulated by an older man with a baby. It offers a raw look at power dynamics and manipulation.

5. “The Heart He Left Behind”

As a sequel to “The Boy Disguised as a Man,” this narrative explores themes of love, loss, and resilience in the aftermath of a difficult relationship. It continues the story of emotional growth and healing.

6. “The Legacy of Racial Classification: Johann Friedrich Blumenbach’s Influence on Racial Stereotyping and Its Modern Implications”

This blog examines the enduring impact of historical racial theories on contemporary society. It explores Johann Friedrich Blumenbach’s 18th-century racial classification and its implications for white supremacy. Through historical and modern cases, such as the Scottsboro Boys, the Attica Prison Riot, the Central Park Five, and Deandre Arnold, it highlights the persistence of racial stereotypes.

7. “The Most Beautiful Lie I Ever Heard”

This blog critiques Blumenbach’s assertion that “Caucasians are the most beautiful race,” exposing the Eurocentric perspective that placed Caucasians at the pinnacle of human development. It unpacks how this view contributed to a racial hierarchy and continues to impact our understanding of race today.

8. “Black: The Definition of Us”

Written during my Communication degree pursuit, this blog examines the Central Park Five case and the impact of Blumenbach’s views from 1775. It critiques ongoing racial biases in the justice system and explores the sociological and psychological disparities faced by minorities. This piece serves as both an educational tool and a call to action to address these injustices.

My writing is a testament to my journey and my commitment to illuminating complex issues. Join me as we navigate the intersections of trauma, race, and justice, and work towards a more empathetic and informed society. 

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