From Pain to Purpose: Shanti Refuge's Journey of Healing and Honesty

In a deeply candid conversation, Fatima Bey connects with Shanti Refuge, a mental health coach and author, whose life story is a powerful testament to the strength found in vulnerability. Shanti's journey, marked by childhood trauma, teenage motherhood, and a quest for self-discovery, offers a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of healing.

The Turning Point: A Nervous Breakdown

Shanti's path to becoming a mental health coach was forged in the fires of her own personal crisis. A nervous breakdown in 2018 became the catalyst for her transformation. Rejecting the conventional route of antidepressants, she chose to delve into the root causes of her pain, a decision that would redefine her life's purpose.

Quiet as Kept: Unveiling Hidden Truths

Shanti's book, "Quiet as Kept," is more than a memoir; it's a lifeline for those grappling with their own hidden traumas. She lays bare her experiences with childhood abuse, teenage pregnancy, and the harsh realities of life's hard knocks, offering readers a mirror to their own struggles and a beacon of hope for overcoming them.

The Myth of the Pacifier: Healing Without Medication

Shanti's story is a bold challenge to the over-reliance on medication in mental health treatment. She advocates for the power of therapy and personal work, emphasizing that true healing comes from confronting our issues, not masking them.

Reaping and Sowing: The Inevitable Harvest

Shanti's life is a vivid illustration of the principle of reaping and sowing. Her past choices, marked by infidelity and a sense of invincibility, led to a period of profound heartbreak. This experience became a pivotal lesson in understanding the consequences of our actions and the importance of integrity.

Creating a New Self: The Journey of Transformation

Shanti speaks passionately about the need to "create a whole new" self, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has felt the need to break free from their past. Her journey is a powerful reminder that change is possible, regardless of one's age or circumstances.

The Mirror Within: Finding Love and Respect

Shanti's message to young women is both a balm and a battle cry. She urges them to look within, to find love and respect for themselves, and to reject the notion that their worth is defined by external validation.

The Strength in Vulnerability: Choosing You

Shanti's narrative is a compelling reminder that our past does not define us. She advocates for the courage to choose oneself, to confront the shadows of our past, and to emerge stronger and more authentic.

MindShifting Moment

Shanti's journey is a powerful reminder that healing is not just possible; it's transformative. Her courage to confront her past and share her story is an invitation to us all to embark on our own journeys of self-discovery and healing.