Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie David.
Melanie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In the fall of 2010, I found my life in complete discord. My brother had just been violently murdered, those closest to me left me feeling abandoned in my pain, my church family and my husband began to show cracks that would ultimately be irreconcilable. To say that my life was falling apart would be an understatement.
I had built my spiritual foundation on unstable ground that could not sustain me through the most difficult times. It was during the darkest time in my life that I really learned that some people were designed to teach me the importance of leaning on myself and building my own foundation. I made the brave decision to leave behind those people and things that were not serving my greatest good. As terrifying as the decision was to leave behind what I knew for the unknown I soon learned that it was the best decision I could have made. The church I was in was indeed a cult. My marriage wasn’t grounded in love and the pain and trauma I endured needed to find solace in order to begin the healing process.
Nine years later, I am proud to say that I have been able to do what everyone told me I could not. I left that church. I left my marriage. I received both my bachelor’s and master degree, I began a teaching career that I love, I have traveled the world advocating for gun violence survivors and I have most recently begun my studies as a counselor and spiritual teacher. I have learned that traumatic events do not define us and healing is not only available it is possible if you are willing to do the work.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! I have failed many times, made countless mistakes, lost friends and lovers, I have cried, and some days I just gave up completely. The new wave of focus on self-care in the mental health community has a tendency to depict healing as this beautiful journey filled with joy, bubble baths and whatever soothes the soul. Those things are definitely a part of taking care of yourself but its not an accurate depiction of healing. Healing from trauma isn’t linear. You will have some days that are really difficult when you begin to face yourself and acknowledge your own part in your trauma. You will cry and feel like things are getting worse when you realize your own negative thought patterns and behaviors. Your healing is a journey. We don’t get over it with time we only grow by going through it.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My specialty is helping people realize how amazing they are! No one on this earth is perfect! The moment we take the pressure off of ourselves we can focus on all the good we contribute to the world around us. My job is to create curriculum and content for women to remind them of their greatness. The truth is we all need reminders of how great we are even me! So digital products like my “21-day glow up challenge” are designed to help women make strides in their personal growth, health, and spiritual well being.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Obtaining my master’s degree was a very proud moment. I was once told by a high school teacher that I would never graduate college! She was wrong! I am also proud of that moment because my parents immigrated to this country from Cape Verde, Africa to give their children a better life. My parents are very proud of what I have achieved because it was for both of us. Ph.D. Next!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammelaniedavid
Image Credit:
Darren Talent
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