“What if trauma didn’t define you—but dared you to rise?”“And what if healing didn’t begin with silence—but with fire? ”Trauma should not be perceived as a defining characteristic of one's identity; rather, it can serve as a catalyst that compels individuals to rise and reclaim their power."

In this enlightening episode of One More Thing Before You Go, I engage in a profound discussion with Donna Simmons, a survivor, author, and tenacious advocate for justice and healing. Donna's remarkable journey from abuse and exploitation to embodied healing and radical compassion is encapsulated in her memoir, *Ashes to Flame*, and her podcast, *The Last Generation*.

Through her courageous narrative, she not only articulates her truth but also ignites a movement for fellow survivors, encouraging them to break the cycle of trauma and embrace their healing journey. This dialogue transcends mere conversation; it represents a reckoning and a call to action for all who seek liberation from their past, illuminating the path toward a future characterized by empowerment and resilience.

If you are looking to reclaim your power, to start on the journey of healing as a survivor and you don’t know where to start. We have answers for you. Stay tuned I’m your host. Michael Herst welcome to one more thing before you go….

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Donna Simmons emphasizes that trauma does not dictate one's identity but can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience.
• The conversation reveals that healing is a dynamic process that begins not in silence but in confronting one's pain with fervor and determination.
• Donna's advocacy against child marriage illustrates the importance of transforming personal adversity into societal change through legislative action.
• The narrative shared in this episode highlights the necessity of community support in the healing journey, allowing survivors to reclaim their narratives and find their voices.
• The discussion around intergenerational trauma underscores the profound impact of family history on individual experiences, and the importance of breaking these cycles for future generations.
• Finally, Donna's message is a powerful reminder that rewriting one's legacy involves actively choosing to transform pain into purpose, creating a brighter future for oneself and others.