The Survivors Speak Interview series is dedicated to amplifying the voices of survivors by providing a platform to share our stories and connect us through experiences and healing. Read stories of Childhood Trauma as survivors share their pain, their hope, and their healing.
Sophia’s Story
Please tell us what inspires you to share your story.
It took me until I was 55 to realize why I needed to heal from a lifetime of traumas and abuses and how. I want to share my uplifting story to help others heal.
Introduce yourself: tell us about your passions, interests, family life, favorite quotes, etc.
I’m a “retired” corporate lawyer and full-time author now. My philosophy as a writer is to write the books I want to read so I do. I have a masters degree in natural health and ISSA fitness certifications. I am at my happiest and healthiest at 56 after finally resolving my traumas and living life authentically for myself. I love traveling, cooking, hiking and hugs.
Please share your story in as much or as little detail as you are comfortable.
I endured domestic violence, spousal attempted murder, traumatic brain injuries, heart-wrenching divorces and suicide attempts, clueless that my life was being dictated by my childhood sexual abuse. Once I realized my unresolved traumas were condemning me to a life of abuse and reckless behaviors, I set out to conquer the demons I had repressed for so long. Gratefully, I emerged victoriously, freeing myself from the psychological and physiological shackles of abuse that had metaphorically imprisoned me for life. My triumph over trauma has paved the way to live the rest of my life as the best of my life and I fervently wish that for other trauma survivors as well. My story is an uplifting celebration of the incredible power of self-healing and the transformative power of gratitude.
What are some of the challenging ways your trauma has manifested in your life?
My childhood sexual abuse paved the way for a life of reckless behavior – physically, emotionally and financial abusive relationships, playing sexual Russian roulette with my body and suicide attempts.
When did healing begin? Was there a catalyst moment and how did you reach this point?
My healing half-heartedly began after my husband tried to kill me. I thought after a handful of therapy sessions and a few craniosacral sessions, I was magically healed. As I struggled to finish my book on optimizing health a la the Mediterranean lifestyle I have been living for almost two decades, I realized I needed to truly heal. I felt hypocritical and disingenuous espousing on natural health while I continued living recklessly because my trauma was still dictating my behavior.
What has your healing journey looked like day-to-day: techniques, modalities, practices, tools you use?
Affirmations to change my negative limiting beliefs that I was a means to an end have been a huge release and transformative. Writing has been extraordinarily cathartic. I had previously been dismissive of both affirmations and “journaling”.
What are two or three things you have learned as you heal that you believe are important for survivors to know as they heal?
Please know you are not alone. Healing does not happen in silence or solitude. Repressing/suppressing is not the answer. Unresolved trauma incessantly haunts you psychologically and physiologically until you address it. Life is so much fuller, authentic and better dealing with it head on.
Additional Thoughts from Sophia
I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m still here having survived domestic violence and suicide attempts. My story has a happy ending. I want to help others find their happily ever now too. Thank you for providing a platform for people to share their stories and support one another.
Ways to Connect with Sophia
Find her on social media and check out her book: “Roar: Primed for Peace. Self-Heal Trauma for Health, Happiness & Harmony”
Share Your Story
Sharing your story is a powerful part of your healing journey. It helps you find and reclaim your voice and it helps others who are trying to find there’s. It lets us all know that we are not alone when we can connect through shared lived experiences. Use the link below to submit your story in writing.
Looking for Ways to Connect With Other Survivors and/or Receive Support as You Heal?
Survivor’s Circle Peer Support Groups might be just what you need.
These small groups meet on alternating days of the week via Zoom. In these groups, survivors connect, share, and support each other through the ebbs and flows of healing. Attend a session and experience the magical healing that happens when survivors connect and support each other through shit only we can understand.
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