What happens when you finally name the trauma that’s shaped your life?

Nicole’s powerful story of surviving childhood physical abuse reveals the journey from silence to truth. For 40 years, she carried the weight of her father’s violence—hit at age five, chased in fear, and witnessing her mother being choked—all while believing it was “normal.”

Even 1,100 miles away, a simple phone call from him could trigger panic. Her desperate need for his approval shaped her life—until she realized the cycle was repeating with her own child. Through therapy, breathwork, and courage, Nicole began connecting the dots and setting boundaries.

When she finally spoke out, her father denied the abuse and cut contact. The grief was real—but so was the freedom.

Nicole’s story is a raw and inspiring reminder: healing begins when we speak the truth.

Follow Nichole:

Facebook: @NicholeMarieCollective

Instagram: @NicholeMarieCollective

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By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

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Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

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