My name is Grace and I am Graced to Overcome.
People often ask how I was able to survive the trauma I experienced while maintaining my sanity and sense of self. Although it was not easy, I insisted that my experiences did not define me.
Throughout my life, I have been abused, trafficked, beat, raped, molested, and subjected to horrific treatment. But in order to survive and overcome, I had to teach myself that this trauma was not who I was, but what I was going through. Despite the traumas you may experience, it is important to remember that trauma doesn’t define you. Instead, it is a situation that requires you to change your mindset and overcome.
Graced to Overcome started with my story and my ability to rise above the traumatic experiences of my past. I had to overcome mental anguish, fear, uncertainty, lack of confidence, and burden of my supposed failures and to replace them with positive affirmations. “I am smart.” “I am worthy.” “I am strong.” “I am special.” “I am going to change the world.” These affirmations allowed me to find my way out of mental anguish. I used hope to help me overcome. Slowly but surely, I fell in love with myself. I had to – because at the time, no one else was doing it.
Throughout my journey of speaking my truth and learning to love myself, I realized how vital community support can be in sharing our stories. Although I managed to rise above and overcome my trauma on my own, I can only imagine how fulfilling the healing process would have been if I had been surrounded by others who understood my story and who felt empowered to share theirs. I wish I’d had the chance to be immersed in such a dedicated and compassionate group of leaders and mentors. Since that group didn’t yet exist, I decided to take the opportunity to create it.
Graced to Overcome is the culmination of the supportive community I myself needed. But now, that inspiration can help countless others on their journeys to rise above their trauma and to truly thrive. In sharing our stories and providing valuable resources, we learn not to define ourselves by our pasts. Rather, we can acquire the tools we need to overcome those experiences and flourish.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey.