Submitted by: Laura Fain, TitleMax General Manager
“Often it’s the deepest pain which empowers you to grow into your highest self.” This quote has resonated with me throughout the years. I always wondered that if I was never a domestic violence survivor, if I would be as determined and courageous enough to go through life with the highest expectations for myself.
It wasn’t until almost dying that I truly understood the power that I personally had to be whomever I wanted to be. I am not regretful of my experience; in fact, I owe my success to my experience. Without it, there is no question where I would be now. I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me. There is a solace in breaking my silence. A strength of spirit when sharing my truth.
It all starts with the choice to live on the other side of the victim role. I am not a victim; I am a survivor. I don’t dwell on my experience with domestic violence, I leave it behind me because I’m not heading that way. I’m always moving forward and it has been a huge motivator in my quest to be the best that I can be and to simply overcome my situation. Domestic abuse causes the loss of one’s self. It’s the reconnection to and redefining of one’s self that takes some time to figure out fully.
Working at TitleMax has helped me create my own identity. The interaction with customers and fellow team members showed me the true woman that I am. It reminded me that I am a genuine, loving, kind hearted and determined person, and I haven’t seen that person in the mirror for a very long time. After a while I looked in the mirror and realized, wow, after all those hurts, scars and bruises, after all of those trials, I really made it through. I did it, I survived what was supposed to kill me. It made my heart stronger, my brain wiser, and my soul brighter. I never had anyone to build me up, so I became that person for myself.
After falling in love with myself again, I am that person to build up other people. I motivate, inspire, and push people to accomplish their goals and aspirations. I am a leader, and I rise by lifting others. I don’t know about everyone else, but I love to see people happy and succeeding because life is a journey, not a competition.
Don’t ever be ashamed of your story, it will inspire others. Word of advice for any one going through a Domestic Violence situation- You may feel weak, but within you is the strength to leave, within you is the strength to overcome, and achieve that which you deserve.