ABOUT THE BOOK

This collection of poetry and reflective prose explores:

  • Trauma and its unseen impact

  • Identity beyond diagnosis, labels, and survival roles

  • The tension between faith and lived experience

  • Emotional regulation, dissociation, and healing

  • The quiet, deliberate act of choosing yourself

This is not a guide to “fixing” what is broken.

It is an invitation to:

  • Stay with yourself

  • Reclaim your voice

  • Rebuild a life that is safe, reciprocal, and sustaining

WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK DIFFERENT

This book does not:

  • Rush your healing

  • Offer surface-level solutions

  • Minimize the complexity of your experience

Instead, it offers:

  • Language for what you’ve carried

  • Space to feel without being overwhelmed

  • Reflection points that deepen awareness

  • A grounded, trauma-informed perspective

  • A bridge between emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing

ENDORSEMENTS

“A phenomenal and deeply impactful read. Dr. Tolbert skillfully guides readers through the mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions of the silent wars so many carry. Her vivid imagery traces a powerful path from trauma to purpose, reminding us that our stories need not define our destiny. As a licensed mental health counselor, I find the reflection prompts especially valuable for individuals navigating their healing journey. They invite meaningful vulnerability while modeling emotional safety and self-compassion. This book is an excellent resource for anyone on a healing journey, whether individually, within a relationship, or alongside a mental health professional.” -Nafi Gogbeh, LMHC

“This book gave words to my experience and feelings. Surviving abuse is hard, but the judgment and misunderstanding in its aftermath can cut just as deeply. As a survivor of domestic violence, I have learned this truth: what happened to me was not my fault, and my healing does not determine my worth. God has shown me, again and again, that I am deserving of love, grace, and restoration at every stage. This work is a remarkable testament to the strength found in reclaiming your life.” -Zindzi Jiménez Roberts