We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathy Wisniewski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kathy , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Throughout my life I have unfortunately experienced a series of abusive and tumultuous relationships, each marked by it’s own form of abuse be it mental, emotional, spiritual and even one instance of physical abuse. These experiences left an indelible mark on me and absolutely molded me into the person I am today.
In my most recent abusive relationship I came to the realization that the trajectory of my life moving forward was entirely in my own hands. I clearly remember one night while I was in a puddle on the floor sobbing that I recognized that I was at a crossroads. I recognized that I could allow my experiences to make me bitter or make me better.
This understanding lead me to the choice to not to be a victim, and through that and through the advice of an amazing friend and mentor, I was able to find the resilience I needed to get back up and move forward with my life. I knew it was going to be hard work but I had the resolve to confront my past and embark on the long and challenging journey of healing. Now I can proudly say that I have never been happier and I have never felt more mentally and emotionally healthy. My journey from victim to victor was not quick, nor was it easy, but it was worth every ounce of effort.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My professional journey is pretty exciting: by day, I’m a dedicated nonprofit professional and work for a rare disease organization, but beyond that, I’m also a passionate health coach and the proud owner of True and Lasting Wellness. What truly excites me is my role as the host of the “Tragically Beautiful” podcast. This podcast is more than just conversations; it’s a platform where I engage in both solo and interview episodes with survivors of abuse. What sets “Tragically Beautiful” apart is its focus on showcasing how these survivors transformed their tragedy into something beautiful, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.
I have a vision for the future of the podcast to invite professionals and experts in fields vital to abuse survivors to speak on topics that will amplify the wealth of knowledge and resources available to my listeners. This podcast is my small contribution to an underrepresented narrative surrounding abuse – it’s not just about the stories or the horrors, but about life on the other side, serving as a beacon of hope and encouragement.
This mission isn’t about me; it’s about utilizing my own journey of resilience and the beauty I’ve found in my life to inspire and uplift others. I firmly believe that if I can empower even a single person to leave an abusive relationship, heal from one, or recognize the red flags of a potentially abusive situation, then I’ve fulfilled my purpose.
On another exciting note, I’ve recently launched a free eBook titled “Reclaim Your Wellbeing – Self-Care Tips After Abuse,” available at www.kathywisniewski.com. Additionally, I’m diligently working on a course that will help abuse survivors rewrite their stories after their abusive relationships. This transformative course is slated for launch in the coming months, promising invaluable guidance and support for those on their path to healing and empowerment.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that left the most profound impact would be:
A Sense of Personal Responsibility: Recognizing that my well-being and happiness were my own responsibilities was a pivotal realization. Early in your journey, it’s crucial to understand that regardless of the type of abusive relationship—be it with a friend, colleague, family member, or partner—you must prioritize your own worth and safety. You matter, and you deserve a happy, healthy life. To develop this quality, take time to understand what led you into such a situation and resolve to make changes to prevent it from happening again.
Grit and Determination: Leaving an abusive situation can be an incredibly challenging endeavor. It requires unwavering determination and a gritty, resolute mindset. In the early stages of your journey, remember that it may involve a “mind over matter” approach. Despite the seriousness of the situation, commit to taking action, even if it feels messy or scrappy. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, with the firm belief that your life can and will improve.
Self-Discipline Mixed with Grace: Healing and recovering from an abusive relationship demand self-discipline, but it’s equally important to extend grace to yourself. Understand that the journey to healing is not linear; it’s okay to have setbacks and to feel a range of emotions. Pay close attention to your mental health and physical well-being. If you need a break, or simply some time to ‘be,’ grant yourself that grace without feeling guilty. Self-care is an essential part of the healing process.
For those who find themselves in the early stages of a similar journey, my advice is to remember your worth and prioritize your safety. Develop a strong sense of personal responsibility for your well-being, muster the determination to take action, and combine self-discipline with self-compassion. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals, as their guidance and understanding can be invaluable on your path to healing and building a brighter future.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I’m constantly on the lookout for survivors of abuse who are ready to share their stories as podcast guests. While I do provide guests with the opportunity to touch on their experiences with abuse, our main focus during the interview is on “the beautiful” aspects of their lives. We delve into where they are now and the positive transformations they’ve undergone since leaving their abusive relationships.
Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, I’m eager to begin featuring professional and expert guests who can provide valuable information and resources to benefit my audience. I’m particularly interested in speaking with therapists, family counselors, financial and budgeting experts, and more. If you believe your area of expertise could be a valuable addition to my podcast, I’m open to discussing potential collaborations.
If you’re interested in collaborating or being a guest, please feel free to complete the guest form on my website at www.tragicallybeautiful.me. Your stories and expertise can contribute to our mission of offering hope, inspiration, and healing to survivors of abuse.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kathywisniewski.com
- Instagram: @kathywisniewski13 or @tragicallybeautifulpodcast
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-wisniewski/
Image Credits
Caitlin Antje Photography
