Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we carry—and the ways we learn to move through it—can define who we become. We asked community members from a broad array of industries to reflect on their defining wounds and have shared the responses below.
Fahan Sky McDonagh
As I age, I keep peeling back the layers. I am looking for the minimalist version of myself. An event that made a big impact on me was the dissolution of my parents marriage. I then had a fear of abandonment and generally never thought I was good enough to be loved. Read more>>
MEECAH
One of the defining wounds of my life has been realizing that people don’t owe you anything. Not even the people closest to you. I had to learn that lesson again and again, and each time it cut differently. Read more>>
Jacoby Waters
The defining wounds of my life have been the losses of my grandmother and my grandfather. They were two of the most influential people in my life—sources of wisdom, unconditional love, and steady guidance. Losing them left an emptiness that was hard to put into words. Healing has been a journey. Read more>>
Leah Logue
In March I was diagnosed with Terminal Metastatic Colon Cancer that spread to my pelvis, lymph nodes, abdominal wall, and over 50% of my liver. I had 2 to 6 months to live without treatment. I was told my condition was “very bad”, chemo was my only option but it would only prolong my life, and I’d eventually die from liver failure. Read more>>
Tresa Chambers
After I graduated with my master’s degree in publishing, I was ready to take on a senior role, but completing my degree collided with the 2008 market crash the market and the industry was bleeding jobs, so I found myself working in the tech industry doing brand marketing. I loved it! Read more>>
Daniel Serfer
Not to get too sappy, But I have been an orphan for over 20 years. My dad died when I was 15 and my mom when I was 21. I never sat there feeling sorry for myself and I kind of plowed through it. When my dad passed, I stayed focused on school and debate and graduated well, went to college, etc. Read more>>
