In the serene landscapes of Utah, amidst the hustle and bustle of family life, Christel stands as a beacon of hope and healing for parents around the world. As the owner of Surviving To Thriving Parenthood, Christel’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative journey from surviving to thriving.
Choosing Change
Christel’s belief that “change doesn’t choose people, people choose to change” is deeply rooted in her personal journey. Growing up in an environment where she wasn’t encouraged to voice her thoughts or strive for change, she made a conscious decision to rewrite her story and help others do the same.
Her early years were marked by profound loss and hardship. At just three months old, Christel’s mother was killed in a car accident, leaving her family shattered. Her brother, severely injured, was miraculously deemed the “miracle boy” for defying medical expectations. Christel’s father remarried, and her household grew, but so did the challenges. She and her biological siblings were subjected to neglect and abuse, living in a rigid hierarchy where they were at the bottom.
A Journey of Healing
For the first 19 years of her life, Christel lived in survival mode. Basic freedoms like choosing what to wear or accessing food were denied. Constant fear and anxiety overshadowed her childhood, making it difficult to form healthy relationships or envision a future beyond the daily struggle. Yet, amidst the darkness, Christel found a glimmer of hope. She left her home to live with her then-boyfriend, now husband, whose family embraced her with open arms despite language barriers and unfamiliarity.
The “Me Too” movement became a catalyst for Christel’s healing journey. She bravely shared her story, breaking the silence that had shrouded her past. The reactions were mixed—some supportive, others critical—but it was a necessary step toward healing. Her family sought counseling, and for the first time, they began to move forward together.
Embracing Parenthood
Christel’s journey of self-healing wasn’t easy. It took years of learning, failing, and trying again to break the cycles of anger and trauma. As she embarked on motherhood, she realized the importance of addressing her past to create a healthier future for her own family. This realization sparked her passion for helping other parents navigate their emotional landscapes.
In 2022, Christel launched her Instagram account @survivingtothriving1, sharing her insights on parenting, emotional regulation, and connection. Her authentic and relatable content quickly resonated with a global audience, amassing over 180K followers within the first year. Through Surviving To Thriving Parenthood, Christel offers a supportive community where parents can learn, grow, and connect without judgment.
Creating a Safe Space
Christel’s mission is to help parents cultivate positive and healthy relationships with their emotions, create emotionally safe environments for their children, and raise resilient kids who can thrive. She understands the challenges parents face when emotions take control and provides the tools and support needed to navigate these challenges.
Surviving To Thriving Parenthood is more than just a coaching resource; it’s a sanctuary for parents seeking guidance and understanding. Christel’s approach emphasizes that while parenting is many things, perfect isn’t one of them. She offers a safe space for parents to feel understood, less judged, and more informed.
Join the Journey
Christel’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even in the face of profound adversity. With dedication and the right support, anyone can overcome their past and create a thriving future. Join Christel and the Surviving To Thriving Parenthood community to learn more about emotional regulation, connection, and creating healthier family dynamics.
For more insights and support, follow Christel on Instagram @survivingtothriving1 and listen to her podcast episodes where she shares deeper details of her journey and offers practical advice for parents worldwide.
For more information, visit Surviving To Thriving Parenthood and follow on Instagram @survivingtothriving1.
Source Credits: survivingtothrivingparenthood
