Transforming PTSD into Post-Traumatic Growth
Strong is Beautiful was born from a realization: what I thought was ‘common knowledge’ wasn’t and as I built this brand, I uncovered something deeply personal—I had unknowingly transformed the generational trauma of PTSD into post-traumatic growth (PTSG). My father’s PTSD from his military service became a foundation for growth, enabling me to channel it into something meaningful for the greater good.
The need for knowledge sharing became clear as I stepped outside of law enforcement and military circles and entered the ‘civilian world’ where I had candid conversations with women. They shared their fears about personal safety, and I realized the awareness and confidence I had taken for granted wasn’t as widespread as I thought. In response, I began leading seminars for women, teens, and a mixed-gender LGBTQ+ seminar to address the increasing violence against these communities. As more conversations unfolded, it became more evident that I needed to share this knowledge beyond my local community and the attendees of a single seminar.
As I developed a digital self-defense curriculum, I reflected on the journey that brought me to this point. This is where I realized I had taken PTSD and transformed it into PTSG. The journey wasn’t just about knowing where to strike an opponent or practicing situational awareness—it was about something deeper. My father’s actions had given me a superpower-by knowing I can protect myself to the best of my ability, I was more willing to try new things with less fear.
A few years ago, someone asked if I always accomplished what I set out to do. After a moment of thought, I answered yes—most of the time. The question surprised me because the person implied that my approach to life was less common than I realized. I am very much the ‘do what I say I’ll do’ type. Until then, I hadn’t thought about why I operate like this or why the voice in my head says “go for it” way louder than “you can’t do it” whenever I set out to do something new.
Why didn’t the unknown intimidate me? Why wasn’t fear holding me back? I realized that my ability to embrace challenges was tied to my upbringing, specifically, my father’s PTSD.
My father, a Vietnam veteran, served in the U.S. Army and returned to a country that didn’t thank him for his service but met him with hostility. Compared to OIF/OEF veterans, where their transition from warzone to civilian life was met with challenges, society at least met them with gratitude. I can only imagine the deep internal conflict my father and his generation endured.
Growing up, I was taught to navigate the world with a hyper-awareness shaped by my father’s trauma. Situational awareness became second nature. From a young age, I was quizzed on exit locations, how to defend myself, and how to use my environment to stay safe. I learned that danger wasn’t always visible—you had to observe behaviors and respond accordingly.
Was this appropriate for a child? Maybe not. But here’s what I’ve come to understand: my dad’s need to teach me these things was a trauma response to his wartime experience. Yet, it instilled in me confidence and self-reliance.
Psychologically, this links to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. My father’s teachings allowed me to feel safe, knowing I had the tools to protect myself. That sense of security freed me to move up the hierarchy—to focus on growth, achievement, and ultimately, helping others.
Reflecting on this journey, I realized how pivotal it was in shaping my desire to create Strong is Beautiful. Imagine taking my father’s decades of silent suffering and turning it into a platform that empowers women to protect themselves, gain confidence, and transform fear into strength. This blend of personal experience and professional passion fuels me to keep growing—and to help others do the same.
