Family Curse Reflection

Embracing Me

This morning, I reflected on my life and the journey of wellness I began to break what I once saw as a family curse. This journey revealed a family history of heart disease, diabetes, and mental illness. But even more importantly, it helped me understand why God entrusted me with the Embracing Me Project. This project is about discovering who I am in God and recognizing who He is in me.

Embracing Me is not just for me—anyone can declare it: "I am embracing my God-given identity."

When you embrace your God-given identity, you accept that you are beautifully and wonderfully made in His image. God sculpted you, poured gifts and talents into you, and called you worthy.

Mind-Body-Spirit Observations

As I’ve examined my family’s history, I’ve noticed a pattern of disconnection between the mind, body, and spirit. These observations are not just about my loved ones but about myself as well. When one part of us is off-kilter, it impacts the whole. For example, an overwhelmed mind burdened by unresolved trauma, grief, loss, divorce, or other challenges affects the body and spirit. Similarly, an unsettled spirit lacking trust in God, in oneself, or in one’s community ripples through the mind and body. And when the body experiences illness or disability, it can distort how we see ourselves and our worth, negatively impacting the mind and spirit.

When I think about wholeness, I think about how the mind, body, and spirit work in harmony to allow us to live a life full and free just as we are. These reflections challenge me—and now, you—to evaluate where disconnection might exist and how to pursue greater alignment in your own life.

Identity Beyond Labels

Do you love yourself? Do you know who you are and who created you? Do you understand why you were created? These questions matter because our identity is so much more than the labels we often wear: mother, daughter, executive, pastor, son, husband, or wife. Our true identity lies in who God made us to be.

The curse ends here. The separation from my true self and my God-given identity ends with me. I am choosing to embrace all that I am, all that I was created to be, and all that I am destined to do, using every gift and talent God has placed within me.

Embracing Challenges and Differences

Every ailment, curse, or challenge doesn’t have to define us. That doesn’t mean that everything we face isn’t real, but it does mean that it has purpose. As I’ve reflected on disability and identity, I was moved by a book I recently read: My Body Is Not a Prayer Request. This powerful work reminds us that we are all different, and that’s exactly as it should be. Whatever afflictions or challenges we face, our lives remain deserving of dignity, honor, love, and respect.

When I say, “The curse ends here,” I mean I am embracing who I am—precisely as I am—with faith that I can heal and grow in mind, body, and spirit. And as I grow, I honor the experiences of others, understanding that each of our paths is unique.

All bodies may not heal, and not all minds will heal because of the brokenness one has experienced. It is our job to respect where people are and meet them there, just as Jesus and the disciples did.

Words of Encouragement

1. You are wonderfully made and have a purpose that only you can fulfill.
2. Your challenges do not define you; they refine you.
3. Embracing your true identity is the first step toward healing and growth.

Questions for Reflection

1. What steps can you take today to embrace your God-given identity?
2. How do you see your mind, body, and spirit working together in harmony?
3. What limiting beliefs about yourself are you ready to let go of?

Coaching and Peer Support

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey of self-discovery and healing, I invite you to explore coaching and peer support. I would be honored to walk with you on this journey. As a certified Peer and Recovery Support Specialist, mindfulness and self-healing coach, experienced author, and speaker, I bring a wealth of personal and professional experience, as well as educational aptitude, to guide you. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to helping you embrace your full potential. 

Please visit my Coaching and Peer Support website for more information and to connect with me.

Disclaimer

I am not a doctor or licensed therapist. My work is rooted in faith, self-healing, and mindfulness, and I offer support as a peer and coach. I am unapologetically a woman of faith, a disciple of Christ, and committed to the divine mandate to uplift and inspire others.

Notice/Disclaimer

This essay contains the original thoughts of Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this work in any form without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited.

Thank you for respecting the creative integrity of this piece!

Remember, the journey to wellness begins with one step. Let’s walk this path together.

With love and gratitude,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Celebrating Strength: Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Growth

Hello, Wellness Warriors! 🌟

As we move deeper into the new year, I hope you’ve had time to reflect on your journey so far and celebrate your wins—big or small. Progress, after all, is worth celebrating at every step.

For me, one of my biggest wins is preparing for my very first 10K run: the She Power 10K on January 26th. 🎉 This marks the start of my 50 Years, 50 Miles, $50K Campaign—a mission to honor my 50th year by completing over 50 miles of races and raising $50,000 to grow my coaching and peer support business.

Training for this race has been nothing short of transformative. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and pushing beyond limits I didn’t know I had. There have been moments of struggle, where I felt I was on the edge of breaking. But I am not broken. Instead, I’ve discovered a strength within me that continues to grow with each step, each mile, and each moment of reflection.

This campaign isn’t just about running—it’s about inspiring others to rise to their challenges and embrace their mental, physical, and spiritual health. Through every stride, I’m reminded that we all have the power to rewrite our narratives, heal from the past, and build vibrant futures.

Let’s Celebrate Together 🎉

As part of this journey, I’d love to hear about your wins! What victories have you achieved so far this year? What challenges have you faced and overcome? Let’s celebrate you.

Feel free to share in the comments:

• What’s one thing you’re proud of this week?
• What goal are you working toward right now?
• How are you pushing yourself to grow this year?

A Quick Campaign Recap

For those who missed my last post, here’s what the 50 Years, 50 Miles, $50K Campaign is all about:

• 50 Miles: I’m running 3 5Ks, 2 10Ks, and a marathon this year.
• $50K Goal: Funds raised will go directly into expanding my coaching and peer support business, providing impactful programs, events, and resources.
• Purpose: To build a stronger wellness community while inspiring others to prioritize their mental, physical, and spiritual health.

How You Can Get Involved

💌 Make a pledge. DM me or comment below if you’d like to support the campaign (the crowdfunding link is coming soon!).
📣 Cheer me on. Follow my journey and celebrate milestones with me!
💡 Join the movement. Stay tuned for in-person and virtual events focused on self-healing, mindfulness, and creativity.

Strength Through Connection

This journey is about more than my personal goals—it’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity and growth. Together, we can inspire one another to embrace challenges, celebrate victories, and keep moving forward.

Drop a 💪 or 🎉 in the comments if you’re ready to celebrate your own strength and successes! Let’s make this year a transformational one for us all.