Meet Krystal Jae Sanders

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Krystal Jae Sanders. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Krystal Jae below.

Krystal Jae, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

One day, it felt like my Jenga tower of life came crashing down. Decades of past trauma, sexual assaults, emotional and psychological abuse, flooded back all at once, overwhelming my mind, body, and spirit. I hit rock bottom. The version of me that everyone knew, the strong, dependable wife and mom, was gone in an instant. My family was terrified, constantly checking on me, but I was too broken to respond. I couldn’t eat, drink, or even get out of bed. The mental breakdown I never saw coming had taken over my life. I was too exhausted to stay awake, yet haunted by racing thoughts and nightmares when I tried to sleep. I would wake up with tears streaming down my face, wondering how I had ended up here after years of therapy and trying to move past the pain. How could one wrong pull of my mental Jenga puzzle cause the entire tower to collapse?

After weeks of barely surviving, I realized I couldn’t stay in that dark place. I didn’t want my children and husband to keep seeing the fear and worry in my eyes. I wanted to smile again, to laugh again, to truly live again. I reached out for help, but when I was told the help I needed was months away, I knew waiting wasn’t an option. That was my wake-up call. I had to find another way to heal, not just survive.

I turned to prayer, studied my Bible, and sought guidance through sermons. I spoke with my caseworker, stayed consistent with my medications, and began to feel small sparks of strength and willpower returning. But I also knew I needed more than what traditional therapy had offered me in the past. I was done suffering in silence. I was done with the gut-wrenching crying sessions in the shower, the self-doubt, confusion, fear, and shame that had consumed me. The people-pleasing that I now realize was just a desperate attempt to bribe others into loving and accepting me had to come to an end. I needed something deeper, something transformative.

Does this sound familiar to you? Are you caught in the cycle of people-pleasing, afraid of being alone?

I knew there had to be more to life. I had spent years in heart-centered, mission-based careers, but I was burned out, anxious, and stuck. Then, my psychiatrist told my caseworker to tell me, “It’s time to rewire your mind.” But what did that even mean? When I asked for clarity, all I got was the same vague answer: “Just rewire your mind.” No one could explain how to do it. So, I decided to find out for myself.

I dove headfirst into research, courses, and certifications, determined to discover the tools and techniques that could truly transform my life. I explored therapeutic art, meditation, the Law of Attraction, neuropsychology, somatic trauma-informed coaching, and more. I learned to manage my triggers, practice breathwork, set healthy boundaries, and embrace self-love, dignity, confidence, and grace. My relationships improved, my career flourished, and, most importantly, I rediscovered and embraced my authentic self. For the first time in my life, I felt whole.

This journey led me to create the Empowered Transformational Healing Framework and my O.D.E. (Overcome, Discover, Elevate) Method. These tools didn’t just help me heal. They empowered me to overcome the barriers left behind by trauma, discover my authentic self, and elevate every aspect of my life. Today, I wake up with purpose, authenticity, and an abundance of self-love, ready to show up for myself and others.

That breakdown was the beginning of my breakthrough. It gave me the clarity, tools, and strength to transform my life, and now, I use those same tools to guide others on their healing journeys through my ‘Breakthrough to Authenticity Program’ and ‘God Is Not Your Trauma Program’ while also providing trauma-informed resources and strategies for corporations. 

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck, I want you to know that healing is possible. You are not alone, and you can have the clarity, vision, and purpose that you dream about and deserve.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My Why
I do this work because I know what it feels like to suffer in silence, to feel unworthy, to question your purpose, and to wonder if life can ever feel whole again. I’ve been in that dark place where fear and shame ruled my life, where I betrayed my own needs to please others, and where I doubted my ability to ever feel joy, peace, or love.

But I also know the freedom that comes with healing. I know what it feels like to finally stop running from the pain, to face it head-on, and to discover that the power to transform your life has been within you all along. My journey taught me that healing isn’t just possible, it’s life-changing. It’s the difference between surviving and truly living.

I’ve walked this path not only for myself but for those who come after me, my children, my family, and the countless others who feel stuck, unseen, and unworthy. My purpose is to guide others out of the darkness and into the light of their authentic selves. I want every person I work with to know that they are worthy of love, peace, and fulfillment, and that they have the power to create a life that reflects their deepest truths.

Through my journey of healing and transformation, I realized that true change requires more than just awareness; it requires actionable tools and a structured path to move forward. That’s why I developed a process that empowers individuals and organizations not only to overcome barriers but to discover their authentic selves and elevate their lives. This approach, rooted in my personal experiences, became the foundation of my Empowered Transformational Healing Framework and the O.D.E. Method. These tools are the culmination of my healing journey, and they exist to help others break free from the barriers of trauma, discover their authentic selves, and elevate their lives with purpose and confidence.

I believe healing is a gift we give ourselves and the world around us. When we heal, we show up as better parents, partners, leaders, and friends. We create ripples of transformation that extend far beyond ourselves.

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge in my Empowered Transformational Healing Journey have been the ability to overcome barriers, discovering the deep understanding of authenticity, and the power of elevation through purpose. These elements didn’t just shape my transformation. They became the foundation for how I show up in the world and help others do the same.

These pillars are why I created the O.D.E. Method (Overcome, Discover, Elevate). It embodies the very essence of what I’ve learned, lived, and now teach. Let me break these down and share advice for those just beginning their journey:

1) Overcoming Barriers

Trauma leaves deep scars that shape how we see ourselves, our worth, and our capabilities. For years, I carried invisible chains, fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs that kept me stuck. Overcoming those barriers wasn’t easy, but it was the first and most crucial step in my journey.

Barriers aren’t just emotional; they affect how we interact with the world, pursue opportunities, and even form relationships. To truly heal, I had to face these barriers head-on with empowered action, with trauma-informed care and tools that allowed me to rewrite the stories I told myself about my worth and potential.

My advice: Start by acknowledging the barriers in your life. What’s holding you back? Is it fear, shame, or the weight of past experiences? Seek support, whether through therapy, coaching, or community, and take that first step, no matter how small. Healing begins the moment you decide to say “yes” to yourself and your growth, then add empowered action. Empowered action is a positive, healthy, and rewarding experience.

2) Discovering Authenticity

For so long, I lived as the person I thought I should be, not the person I truly was. Discovering authenticity meant peeling back the layers of expectation, fear, and self-doubt to uncover the core of who I was meant to be all along. It was about embracing my quirks, my dreams, and even my vulnerabilities.

When I embraced my true self, everything changed. I stopped chasing external validation and began living in alignment with what truly mattered to me. This shift unlocked untapped potential, hidden talents, and a strength I didn’t know I had.

My advice: Start by getting curious about yourself. What excites you? What aligns with your values? What makes you feel alive? Spend time journaling, meditating, or reflecting on these questions. In my programs, we offer a range of activities, skills, and resources to empower you throughout your journey. The more you align your life with your authentic self, the more opportunities will naturally flow to you. Authenticity isn’t just about being yourself, it’s about living as yourself, unapologetically.

3) Elevating Purpose

The final stage of transformation is elevation, aligning your life with your higher purpose. This isn’t just about career success or external achievements; it’s about finding joy, peace, and fulfillment in every area of your life. It’s about knowing that your life has meaning and that you’re walking in alignment with a bigger vision.

For me, elevation happened when I stopped letting life happen to me and started letting it happen for me. I leaned into my purpose, stayed committed to my growth, and took intentional action every single day.

My advice: Stay connected to your vision, even when challenges arise. Purpose strengthens you, but it’s your daily actions that empower you to move forward. Begin each day with intention, celebrate small wins, and trust that every step you take is moving you closer to the life you’re meant to live.

Through the O.D.E. Method, I’ve created a framework that empowers people to rise above their past, discover their true selves, and live a life filled with purpose, growth, and success. This journey isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.

If you want to embrace or improve these areas, focus on three things:

  1. Self-awareness: Understand your barriers, triggers, and patterns. Awareness is the first step to change.
  2. Empowerment: Believe in your ability to grow, heal, and transform. Empowerment is the fuel that keeps you moving forward.
  3. Intentional action: Healing and growth don’t happen by accident. Take small, consistent steps that align with your values and vision.

Remember, this journey is about more than just surviving; it’s about living purposefully with clarity, fulfillment, self-love, and joy. It’s about living a life that reflects your authenticity, your purpose, and your potential. You are capable of so much more than you realize, and I’m here to remind you that every step you take matters.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

You and your self-care are often the first things to go when you feel overwhelmed, yet they’re the very things you need most during those moments. Over the years, I’ve learned that feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean I’m failing; It’s simply a signal to pause, recalibrate, and approach things with intention and grace.

When I feel overwhelmed, my first step is always to pause and take a deep breath. It’s so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of thoughts, tasks, and emotions, but taking a moment to stop allows me to regain clarity and perspective. Here are the strategies that help me navigate overwhelming moments:

1) Grounding Through Breath

When my mind feels scattered, I turn to my breath. Deep, intentional breathing reconnects me to the present moment and helps release tension. It’s incredible how something as simple as slowing down your breath can send a signal to your body that you’re safe, counteracting the fight-or-flight response. I often practice a simple technique: inhale for six counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for six counts. Even just a few minutes of this can shift my energy and calm my mind.

2) Breaking Things Down

Overwhelm often comes from the belief that everything needs to be done immediately. When this happens, I step back, look at the bigger picture, and break things down into smaller, manageable steps. I prioritize tasks by asking myself, “What truly needs my attention right now?” By focusing on one thing at a time, I find that the seemingly impossible becomes achievable. Progress, no matter how small, brings a sense of relief.

3) Practicing Self-Compassion

I remind myself that feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean I’m weak or incapable; it means I’m human. Instead of criticizing myself, I choose to give myself grace. Self-compassion allows me to release the pressure to “have it all together” and approach challenges with a lighter heart. I often say to myself, “You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.” This simple shift in mindset can make all the difference.

4) Setting Boundaries and Asking for Help

I’ve learned that I can’t do everything on my own, and that’s okay. When I feel like I’m carrying too much, I lean on my support system, whether it’s my family, colleagues, or therapist. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. I also set boundaries to protect my energy and mental well-being. Saying “no” to things that don’t align with my priorities has been one of the most empowering lessons in my life.

5) Mindful Movement

When my mind is racing, sometimes the best thing I can do is move my body. Whether it’s taking a short walk, stretching, or doing a quick workout, movement helps me release pent-up stress and clear my head. I especially love mindful movement, like yoga or a walk in nature. There’s something about being outside, feeling the sun on my face, and hearing the sounds of nature that restores my sense of balance.

6) Self-Reflection and Journaling

Journaling has been a powerful tool for me to process my thoughts and emotions. Whether it’s writing, audio recording, or creating art, journaling helps me sort through the mental clutter and gain clarity. Personally, I love video journaling, it allows me to see my body language and hear my tone of voice, giving me deeper insight into how I’m feeling. When privacy is limited, I turn to written journaling, and when I need to process something deeply, I use art. No matter the method, journaling is my way of releasing the noise in my mind so I can assess situations more objectively.

7) Returning to Purpose

When I feel overwhelmed, I reconnect with my why. I remind myself why I do what I do, whether it’s the impact I want to make, the people I want to serve, or the transformation I want to experience. Aligning with my purpose gives me strength and perspective. It helps me focus on what truly matters and reminds me that the overwhelm is temporary, but the work I’m doing is lasting.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, give yourself permission to pause. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Take it one step at a time and practice self-compassion. Life isn’t about avoiding overwhelm. It’s about learning how to navigate it with grace.

Lean into your support system, set boundaries that protect your energy, and remind yourself that it’s okay to rest and recharge. Most importantly, reconnect with your purpose. When you align with your why, it becomes easier to move forward, even in the face of challenges.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Overwhelm is part of being human, but it’s also an opportunity to grow, reflect, and come back stronger.

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