The world can feel so sharp sometimes, cutting into us in ways we never expect. Life has a way of breaking us when we least expect it, leaving us searching for answers, for hope, and for light.

In 2016, I faced one of the sharpest edges of my life: I lost both of my brothers, Gary and Justin, just five days apart. It was a heartbreak so deep that it felt impossible to breathe some days. For years, I carried the weight of self-blame, wondering if the cracks left by their absence would ever stop growing.

But even in my darkest moments, a quiet truth began to emerge: healing isn’t about erasing the pain—it’s about finding purpose within it. It’s about turning the broken pieces into something new, something that shines despite the cracks.

Maybe you’ve felt this too. Maybe you’ve been at your lowest, wondering how you can ever move forward. I want you to know: you are not alone. I’ve been there, standing in the shadows and searching for a light to guide me out. And even now, I’m still learning.

But here’s what I’ve discovered: we don’t just have to look for light—we can be it. Each of us has the power to hold the sun like a lamp, to carry warmth and hope for ourselves and for others. It starts with small steps:

Acknowledge your pain. You don’t have to hide it or rush through it. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to feel.

Find your outlet. For me, it was writing. For you, it might be art, music, movement, or something else entirely. Let it be your safe space.

Learn and grow. I educated myself, gaining certifications and studying trauma so I could better understand my journey and help others. Your path to growth might look different, but every step forward counts.

Reach out. Healing isn’t something we have to do alone. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a counselor, or a supportive community, connection can be life-changing.

Over the years, I’ve turned my pain into purpose. I’ve published two chapbooks, Wounds to Words and UnMasked, where I left my guilt on the pages and found freedom in expression. I now teach a workshop, Wounds to Words, where I help others write through their trauma. But none of this happened overnight—it’s been a process, and I’m still learning how to hold the light for myself and others.

This blog, Broken Little Things, is my way of sharing what I’ve learned along the way. It’s a space for anyone who feels unseen, unheard, or broken to find connection, comfort, and hope.

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that healing is possible. The sharp edges of life don’t have to define you. There is love, there is light, and even in your brokenness, there is beauty.

Thank you for being here. Together, we can keep moving forward, one small step at a time.

Tina