We view our life, our relationships, our work, and those around us through a prism which has been shaped primarily by our own experiences. Our personal story becomes the filter and lens through which we view the world. – Abe Brown, Letting Go and Moving Forward Course

My story is my superpower. I am the hero in this story, and resilience is my secret weapon.  I draw on different parts of my story arsenal to create connection, to let you know that you are not alone and to help you lean into vulnerability to recognize the superpower that is YOUR story.

Parts of my story: 

Part 1: 27 years ago, my twin boys were born. They were 13 weeks premature and weighed just over a pound each.

Part 2: At the age of 18 months my son Taylor was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Part 3: At the age of 8 my son Spencer was diagnosed with a Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 

Part 4: When I had been married for 16 years, my husband turned to drugs and emotional abuse which ended our marriage.

Life is made up of highs and lows that we must learn to navigate to get through to the other side. As we navigate, we need to honor what we have learned from our story so far. Storytelling through the ages has been about sharing knowledge and wisdom to help others learn and grow and succeed. It is our emotional arsenal, that treasure of coping skills, that assist us with moving from surviving to thriving.

What are some of your coping skills when things get tough? Sometimes we don’t realize the emotional arsenal that we have built until we take the time to reflect. What does reflection look like to you?

Let me share a few of my coping skills that help me both personally and professionally:

• Using the 1% concept: If I can put one foot in front of the other to get 1% closer to my goal then I will celebrate the win.
• Meet yourself where you are at and not where others think you should be at. Shoulding on others never works.
• If you don’t like where you are at then change it. You are not a tree. We all have the amazing ability to make choices, don’t deny yourself that right.
• Set boundaries for yourself to give yourself space and grace. I.e., if you need time to grieve or just breath then tell others that is what you need. Respect works both ways so state it respectfully and expect respect in return. Don’t settle for less.
• Never stop asking questions. Speak to people with shared experiences. Some of the best healing comes from being in a place where you know you belong because others “get it.” They will always give you the space and grace that you need, ready to help you go from surviving to thriving to flourishing. They have walked the talk. They are your tribe.

Today my sons are thriving and have done the hard work to get where they are. I like to think I had a small part to play in that by always being real with them, always showing up and always, always honoring their story.

My wish for your takeaway today is that you ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOU MATTER and in sharing your story you are using your superpower to heal yourself and to maybe, just maybe empower someone else. Ask yourself, what is your “why” for sharing and who can you empower starting right now. I’m here to support you in this journey.

About the Author

Christina Henderson is a mom, a wife, a certified Family Peer Support Worker, and a certified Flourishing Life, Wellness, and Relationship Coach.

Christina worked as an educator for 17 years before moving into peer support and coaching—an extension of her passion for connecting people with the resources they need to thrive.

As a peer support worker and coach, Christina’s goal is to provide safe spaces where people feel heard, understood, connected, and supported. She gives people permission to meet themselves where they are as a starting place to move forward and to accept their limitations while honoring their innate gifts.