The Raw, Honest Truth About Resilience
My writing isn’t polished or perfect—it’s messy and real, just like my life.
I was having lunch a few weeks ago with a friend when he asked, ‘Why do you write a newsletter?' Have you ever had one of those questions that sticks with you? That one lingered, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Here’s my answer: I write because I have to. Some things can’t stay bottled up—they need to come out.
I’ve been journaling for years, and it’s been a lifeline during my healing journey from the madness life threw me. When I feel like I can’t take one more thing, I look back at old entries. They remind me how far I’ve come. There’s something about writing that feels like releasing the pressure inside, like getting the turmoil out of my body and onto the page. Lately, I’ve thought more about sharing my story and writing a newsletter is the right way for me to do that now.
My writing isn’t polished or perfect—it’s messy and real, just like my life. I’m not a professional writer or someone with a massive audience. What I am is someone who’s lived through some tough stuff. Life has knocked me down more times than I care to count, but so far, I’ve gotten back up every single time. I say ‘so far’ because I want to be authentic with you—resilience is ongoing.
What’s surprised me most is how much stronger I’ve grown after each situation. That’s why I write: to be there for others who might be walking through something similar. I want to offer the kind of connection and support that just wasn’t there when I was going through it. Writing helps me make sense of it all, and maybe—just maybe—it can help someone else, too.
And one more thing: I write for my grandchildren. Someday, I hope they’ll look at these words and know me a little better—not just the person I was but the journey I’ve taken to get here.
Pain as a Teacher
Pain hurts a lot. It tears us down and leaves us questioning everything—but it’s also been my teacher. Every time I felt I had hit my limit of what I could handle, the pain forced me to face what mattered. It’s also shown me, in the most unexpected way, that I’m capable of more than I ever knew.
I’ve come to understand post-traumatic growth—not just getting back to where you were, but growing into something stronger, someone different. I wouldn’t trade the strength I’ve gained for anything, even though the process nearly broke me. That’s why I share these stories. I remember thinking, If I’d known this earlier, it might have made all the difference. If it helps even one person, it’s worth it.
Resilience isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about sitting with all of it—the pain, the mess, the anger—and realizing that you're not alone, even when it feels pretty dark. And when you realize that? That’s when you find a strength you didn’t know you had. Those lessons didn’t just change how I see myself—they also changed how I connect with others.
Connection in Vulnerability
As this newsletter grows, I connect with more people, which can feel vulnerable. Once I share my story, it takes on a life of its own.
When I write about the hard stuff—the times I thought I couldn’t take one more hit—it stops being just my story. It’s me saying, ‘I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel lost in the dark.’ And every time someone reaches out to share their own experience, even just to get it out of their system, something powerful happens: a connection. None of us walk this road alone. Building resilience and finding strength after trauma—it’s a team sport.
If PTSD has taught me anything, it’s that vulnerability isn’t a weakness. It’s where real strength is born. Those raw, honest moments are where we find each other and are reminded that we never get through life without scars. But here’s the thing: we don’t have to carry them alone.
When I tell my story, it’s not just about me. I’m all about creating a space where everyone feels safe to share their truths. And you know what’s amazing? We discover something special in that space: the strength to keep pushing forward together.
Finding strength after trauma isn’t something we do alone—it’s always a team effort. Every connection strengthens us, and we rise stronger when we rise together.
So, what’s your story? What shaped you? I’d love to hear it. Your story matters, too. We all grow stronger when we share—so I hope you’ll reach out.
Be Safe, Stay Strong, and Remain Resilient.
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Stay Safe,
JC
🌟 John Christy draws on over 30 years of experience in emergency services as a firefighter/paramedic and SFFD Peer Support Team leader. Now, he shares his insights as a Keynote Speaker and Professional Coach. 🌟