From Darkness to Light: One Veteran's Journey of Healing and Hope
In 2003, I sailed into the Arabian Gulf as a U.S. Navy Journalist, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. I thought I was prepared for anything.
I wasn't.
The fear, the uncertainty, the constant state of alertness - it all took its toll. When I returned home, I brought more than just memories - I brought PTSD.
I tried to start a new life, and leave the Navy in the rearview mirror, but my PTSD wouldn’t let me.
In December 2008 – one week before Christmas – I lost my job and my apartment, and was forced to move in with Mom and Dad. I was 32, and was so frustrated and embarrassed that I just… gave up on life.
For the next ten years, I was lost.
I couldn't work, couldn't socialize, couldn't even leave my bedroom most days.
I went to bed hoping I wouldn't wake up. I woke up hoping it would be my last day on Earth.
I was stuck, trapped in a cycle of guilt, fear, and shame, that I couldn’t get out of.
In 2018, I made a choice that set off a chain reaction I never could have predicted.
I decided I wanted more out of life than what I had settled for.
That decision led me to therapy, where I made a discovery that changed everything:
My PTSD wasn’t my fault.
It sounds simple, doesn't it? But for me, it was revolutionary. It allowed me to see my trauma as something outside of myself, not a personal failing.
It was the first step on a long journey of healing and growth.
In 2019, I reluctantly applied for VA disability benefits. It was a decision that, at the time, felt more like admitting defeat than taking a step forward. But, by asking for the help I needed, it opened up a whole world of possibility.
Two years later, I was finally approved for disability and had my own income again – and access to greater resources to help me overcome my PTSD and all the limiting beliefs and destructive behaviors it helped introduce into my day-to-day life.
In 2023, I was finally able to move out on my own, and start to reclaim my independence and reintegrate into society.
What I’ve discovered through all of this is: no matter how far you’ve fallen, no matter how stuck you feel, you always have a choice.
Healing is messy. And yes, growth is uncomfortable.
But the smallest steps – like asking for help or taking a chance on yourself – can completely change your trajectory.
That's why I write this newsletter. Because I know there are others out there feeling stuck, defined by their past, overwhelmed by their circumstances.
I want you to know that change is possible. That you are not defined by your trauma, your mistakes, or your current situation.
I know what it’s like to feel stuck, hopeless, and defined by your past. I also know that change is possible – even when it doesn’t feel like it.
My journey from survival mode to a life of purpose wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. And now, I want to help others make that same journey.
What Readers Should Expect
This newsletter is for anyone who feels trapped by their circumstances, whether it’s trauma, mental health struggles, or past upsets. It’s for people who long for something more but don’t know where to start.
In it, you’ll find:
Raw, honest stories from my life and my quest to reintegrate into society
Practical strategies for overcoming adversity
Insights on mental health and personal growth
Inspiration to take those small, crucial steps toward real and lasting change
Free Subscriber Benefits
As a free subscriber, you’ll receive:
Weekly Posts: Honest and inspiring stories about overcoming trauma, rebuilding life, and finding purpose.
Practical Insights: Simple strategies and tools to help you take small but meaningful steps forward.
Connection: A sense of belonging and understanding from someone who’s been where you are.
Paid Subscriber Benefits
As a paid subscriber ($8/month or $80/year), you’ll get access to a private community chat where you can connect with me and other readers and share your journey.
Why Subscribe?
I’ve walked this path from darkness to light, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. This newsletter isn’t about toxic positivity or quick fixes. It’s about honest stories, practical steps, and small choices that lead to big changes.
It’s about proving to yourself that the life you want is still possible.
Whether you're a veteran struggling with PTSD, someone dealing with trauma or mental health challenges, or just feeling stuck in life, this newsletter is for you.
Together, we'll explore how to move forward, how to heal, and how to reclaim our lives.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. And no matter what life has thrown at you, you always have a choice. Let's make that choice together - the choice to heal, to grow, and to thrive.
Welcome to our community of resilience and hope. I'm glad you're here.
