From Stuck to Limitless

FROM STUCK TO LIMITLESS

A COLLECTION OF INSPIRING ESSAYS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND MINDSET

MARIE MCKENZIE ERIC JONES, JR. JULAINE ROBINSON MINDI FETTERMAN MARVA RILEY BRIDGETT RENAY SOLSIRÉ E. FELIDA PATTY HARRIS J.L. CAMPBELL DR. VANESSA HOWARD PAT G’ORGE-WALKER ANN WOOTEN-TAYLOR VERONICA NEALY-MORRIS

MARIE L. MCKENZIE, LLC

From Stuck to limitless Copyright ©2023

ISBN: [eBook] 978-1-7371023-8-0

ISBN: [Trade Paperback] 978-1-7371023-9-7

Marie L. McKenzie LLC

Content Warning: This book, although not graphic, includes essays from individuals who discuss their experiences with PTSD, child abuse, and sexual assault.

This anthology is the work of non-fiction. Each essay is from the author’s perspective and memories and is as accurate as possible.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the express written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

For permission, contact Marie McKenzie at marielmckenzie@gmail.com or at www.marielmckenzie.com

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the owner is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Marie McKenzie, et al: From Stuck to Limitless. Marie L McKenzie LLC.

All Scripture quotations are taken from the following:

The King James Version / New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson

Life Application Study Bible, 1996, New Living Translation by Tyndale House Publishers

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Cover design & Editing J.L. Campbell - www.joycampbell.com

Beta Readers:

Veronica Nealy-Morris - veronicanealy@yahoo.com

Julaine K. Robinson - juleskbr@gmail.com

Solsire E. Felida - se-felida@hotmail.com

CONTENTS

Introduction

Acknowledgment

Foreword

Content Warning

Eric

1. Operation Enduring Freedom

About Eric Jones, Jr

Julaine

2. Path to Purpose

About Julaine Robinson

Mindi

3. Saucy

About Mindi Fetterman

Marva

4. No Health … No Wealth

About Marva Riley

Bridgett

5. I’ve Been Called Worse

About Bridgett Renay

Solsiré

6. Growing Up Broken

About Solsiré E. Felida

Patty

7. Post Traumatic Growth

About Pastor Patty Harris

Books by Pastor Patty:

J.L.

8. Healing the Hurt: Breaking Unhealthy Behavioral Patterns

About J.L. Campbell

Vanessa

9. Soulful Sounds from a Once Broken Spirit

About Dr. Vanessa Howard

Pat

10. On Broken Pieces

About Pat G’Orge-Walker

Ann

11. Exodus from the Wilderness of Obesity to Claim the Promised Land of Healthy and Fit for Life

About Ann Wooten-Taylor

Veronica

12. My Father’s Touch

About Veronica Nealy-Morris

Marie

13. Joy Comes in the Morning

About Marie McKenzie

Practicing Mindfulness

Resources

INTRODUCTION

At the start of this project, I thought of including only women who have survived childhood sexual trauma and were now using their voices and purpose to serve others who were similarly affected. However, after seeking the Lord’s guidance, I was led to incorporate those who have struggled with various adversities, sought and achieved healing, and are now doing their part to impact the lives of others.

Healing yourself is connected with healing others. - Yoko Ono

According to Galatians 6:2, we should bear one another’s burdens.

This anthology shares the stories of thirteen phenomenal individuals, twelve women and one man, who are change-makers and fire starters in their own unique way, by providing insights into their life journey to help you uplevel your life From Stuck to Limitless.

Many men and women have suffered traumatic experiences, some during childhood and others as adults. Whether it be sexual, mental, or physical abuse, neglect by parents, diet and health issues, or unfortunate circumstances that have disrupted their life and left them stuck. Any of the above can lead to a life of struggles, pain, and unfulfilled dreams and potential.

If they are fortunate, like me, the village will jump in and offer help and resources that will change the trajectory of their lives and help to restore hope and faith in themselves and in humanity. According to the African proverb, It takes a village to raise a child, which means a child’s development may require the contribution of the whole community to ensure health and safety. Sometimes, even adults need the village to help them heal, grow, survive, and thrive. However, at times, all we need is one person to believe in us and offer a hand to help us improve our lives and walk in purpose.

My prayer is that this book will inspire, motivate, and give readers hope, that they too can survive and thrive no matter what the circumstances.

From Stuck to Limitless is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental or other conditions. This book is to encourage those who may have similar experiences, to bring awareness that they’re not alone, and healing is possible.

Don’t be distracted by, or focused on, your current situation. Be encouraged and shift your mindset to what is possible and reclaim your Joy.

Marie L. McKenzie

Visionary Author

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First, glory and honor to my Lord and Savior, for bringing me through. Special thanks to my husband, George, for his love and unwavering support in all I do.

To my brother, O’Keile, Aunt Herma, other family members and friends who have stood by me with prayers, words of encouragement, and support for my work.

To the village, my twelve co-authors, who worked tirelessly with me to make this project a success.

Special thanks to J.L. Campbell, she was the factotum in this project—cover design, interior design, and editor—smoothed the edges in all areas and helped to unfold an amazing product.

Special thanks to Naleighna Kai, without whom my literary journey may not have started. Thank you for the supportive advice and encouragement.

To The Tribe Called Success for the incredible support throughout my writing journey. You all inspire me.

To those I did not mention by name and may have forgotten, thank you for all the love and encouragement. May your light never dim and your cup run over into your saucer.

Marie McKenzie

FOREWORD

Five stars for the new Anthology, From Stuck to Limitless, brainchild of Marie McKenzie, award-winning writer, who deftly shepherded this literary project that examines the changes in the lives of the thirteen writers involved, and will touch the lives of so many others who read their stories.

From Stuck to Limitless is an anthology featuring individuals who share their harsh truths of trauma, and survival—from childhood sexual and mental abuse, adult traumas, or debilitating health issues.

It is through such truth-telling that we learn we are not alone and that it is only through sharing that we can heal ourselves and give hope to others. Most moving is that each of these writers has found a way to use their renewed strength to heal others. They have become the village, that may have failed them at a time they most needed it.

Thank you, Marie McKenzie, for perfecting the art of communal storytelling. Thank you to each of these brave truthtellers for sharing their stories. Your book gives truth to, We are the Savior we’ve been waiting for.

Janis F. Kearney,

Presidential biographer, memoirist,

international speaker, writing teacher

https://www.janisfkearney.com

CONTENT WARNING

Content Warning: This book, although not graphic, includes essays from individuals who discuss their experiences with PTSD, child abuse, and sexual assault, which may be triggering for some.

ERIC

The impact of Operation Enduring Freedom on the mental health of young soldiers cannot be overstated. For many, the experience of combat and exposure to life-threatening situations can lead to long-lasting trauma and psychological distress. While the campaign involved a variety of approaches, including military operations, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid efforts, the human cost of the conflict cannot be ignored.

Many soldiers who served in Operation Enduring Freedom returned home with physical injuries and mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

The challenges of reintegrating into civilian life and dealing with the effects of trauma can be overwhelming, and many veterans struggle to find the support and resources they need to cope.

Fortunately, there are professionals who specialize in helping veterans and active-duty military personnel manage their mental health and recover from the effects of trauma. By partnering with a mental health professional, individuals can work through the challenges of combat-related stress and develop strategies for moving forward with their lives.

CHAPTER 1

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

Five months after graduating from high school, I enlisted from Birmingham, Alabama into the United States Army in October of 2012. Being a young adult, this was a new and unnerving experience for me. As Private Eric Jones Jr., I chose to fight for my country at such a young age, not knowing what to expect in the future.

I started basic training on November 14th, 2012, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was one in a class of two hundred and thirty soldiers. By the time we graduated from basic training, the class had decreased by forty-five, due to some recruits not being able to handle the intensity of the progression we had to endure.

At the end of basic training, every soldier was sent to advanced individual training (AIT), where each person learned the requirements and skills needed for the jobs they chose when they enlisted at the recruiting station. Upon completion of AIT, we were sent to our first duty station where our army career began. I started my duties on April 13th, 2013 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After I was processed, I met a soldier named Devin White, who later became my best friend. We instantly connected because we were both from the south and had many things in common.

In the army you have battle buddies, who in other words, are very close friends