From Left for Dead to Alive and Thriving: My Journey of Resilience

Have you ever felt like life knocked you down, leaving you for dead, only to discover a fire inside you that refused to be extinguished? That was me, not too long ago, in a moment I’ll never forget. It all started with a decision to try something I wasn’t sure about—online dating. I never expected it would lead me to one of the most defining moments of my life.

The Belief That Held Me Back

At the time, I was surrounded by voices telling me that I couldn’t succeed on my own—that I needed a "strong man" to take care of me. It was a belief that got lodged deep in my mind. "If you don’t have someone to support you, you’ll never make it," they said. Despite knowing in my heart that I was strong enough on my own, that thought kept haunting me. So, I decided to go against my instincts and try online dating.

My Disastrous Start with Online Dating

My first date was a disaster. I was about to give up entirely when people around me said, "There are more fish in the sea. You’ll find your soulmate." So, I kept going, hoping for a better experience. But each date seemed to be worse than the last, until I found myself drowning in a dating pool that felt like a dumpster fire. But I told myself, “Just one more time. This could be the one.”

A Promising Date That Took a Dark Turn

And that date seemed to be promising. He was funny, energetic, ambitious—everything I thought I wanted in a man. We went club hopping in L.A., and I thought things were going well. But then, something shifted. Whether it was the L.A. nightlife or the drinking, he started to change. His demeanor turned mean. He became physically rough. And in an instant, he was no longer the man I had dinner with just a couple of hours earlier.

Getting Out and Rising Above

I knew I had to get out. I told him I wanted to go home, and he said nothing as we walked to the car. The tension in the air was suffocating. When I asked if something was wrong, that was my biggest mistake.

Without going into the horrific details, things escalated quickly. I ended up abandoned in L.A.—no shoes, no purse, and no way to get home. In that moment, I thought about giving up. I wanted to lie there and just let go. But then something deep inside of me ignited—a fire I didn’t even know was there.

That fire was anger. Anger that someone could do this to me. Anger that I was letting myself feel hopeless. And most of all, anger at the idea of giving up. I got up, despite the pain, and I walked.

A Powerful Realization

It was in that moment of desperation, I realized something powerful: I am enough. I am strong. I am determined. And no one—nothing—could take that from me. I wasn’t a victim of my circumstances. I was a survivor.

Moving Forward and Learning the Truth

Did I ever go back to online dating after that? No, I didn’t. I took a break for almost 10 years. But that's not the important part of this story. The key takeaway is this: We all have that fire within us. You may not know it yet, but it’s there. It’s the power that helps us rise from the hardest moments, no matter how dark it may seem.

It wasn’t just about surviving. It was about proving to myself that I could thrive on my own. And as I healed from that traumatic night, I learned a crucial lesson: The belief that we need someone else to succeed is a lie. We are all capable of greatness—on our own.

Rising After Abuse: My Full Story

If you want to hear the full story of how I went from left for dead to alive and thriving, I share more in my book Rising After Abuse. This empowering anthology features 24 true stories of survivors who have risen above trauma and reclaimed their power. It offers hope and guidance for those navigating the aftermath of domestic violence, sexual trauma, emotional manipulation, and other forms of abuse.

You can find the book here: Rising After Abuse.

The Power to Rise

I hope this story reminds you that no matter what life throws your way, you have the strength to rise above it. Whether it's overcoming personal trauma or proving to yourself that you can succeed, that inner fire is always there—waiting for you to ignite it.

Keep rising, no matter what. 🌟

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or abuse, please reach out to the National Crisis Line at 988. Your safety and well-being are important, and it’s always better to save a life than to lose one. Don't wait—help is available.