Epi 7: Are Our Experiences Meant To Break Us Or Help Create Us? - Rhonda’s Story
Imagine finding yourself ripped from the only home you’ve ever known, only to be reunited with your birth mother, whom you have no bond or recollection. This is only the beginning of Rhonda Miller’s incredible life story. A story that has been defined by unbelievable lows, undefinable strength, and a fighting spirit that is truly second to none. This is a story of seeking connection, abuse, making the painstaking choice to help raise her younger sister when she, herself, was only just a child, stepping up to be the parent she never had, experiencing a tremendous mental health break and crisis, to finding her power, passion, and purpose. A purpose that literally saved her life. Rhonda walks us through her story and the life revolution of healing, finding herself, choosing to live through her paintbrush, and showing the world we are more than our story. *This episode contains content only suitable for adult audiences.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Intro
01:29 Rhonda’s story begins
02:40 An inside look at foster care from a child’s point-of-view
05:00 A defining moment of loss
06:29 Surviving instability
07:09 3 words that defined Rhonda’s childhood
08:10 A child’s self-sacrifice
10:00 A reunion that offered a glimmer of hope
10:50 Anger builds from life’s misfortune
12:00 A choice of freedom
12:51 Called to the table: “What are you going to do with your life?”
13:54 A promise to give her children what she did not have.
15:09 The lessons delivered from her children
17:56 A prayer for safety
19:05 Circumstances change when we place our focus on change
21:00 Steps to higher education with a learning disability
23:19 A question that changes everything
24:29 A trauma break
26:45 Bipolar 1 and PTSD
29:04 Pain into art
31:04 The impact of Rhonda’s purpose
33:41 The lessons unfolding
34:05 Healing tools
35:20 The #1 lesson Rhonda wants others to hear
37:29 A message to all foster children
If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. There is someone to take your call 24 hours a day, or please go to your nearest emergency room. There is never any shame in reaching out for help.
If you would like to learn more about Rhonda and her artwork, please visit @artateher_sunshine on Instagram to see her latest pieces and discover information regarding her latest gallery showing.
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