From Trauma to Tranquility: Living My Hallmark Life (Minus the Romance)

For years, my life felt like the backdrop of a gritty drama—one of those intense films where the protagonist never gets a break. Each day brought a new challenge, another heartbreak, or a storm that seemed impossible to weather. Trauma doesn’t just knock politely at your door; it barges in, sets up camp, and often overstays its welcome. It leaves you feeling broken, questioning your worth, and wondering if life will ever feel beautiful again.

But one day, I stopped merely surviving and started thriving. My life now feels like a Hallmark movie—not the romantic kind where a small-town baker meets the big-city lawyer, but the kind where the main character finally discovers peace, joy, and contentment. I am the star of my story, and instead of waiting for someone to complete me, I’ve learned to savor the completeness I’ve found on a deeper level than any human level — one of supernatural completeness!

The Turning Point

Healing from trauma is a messy, non-linear process. Some days, it felt like I was sprinting toward the light at the end of the tunnel; other days, it felt like I was stumbling backward in the dark. For years, I thought happiness was something reserved for others—people who hadn’t experienced the kind of pain I had.

Then came the turning point. It wasn’t one dramatic moment but a series of small, quiet revelations. I started therapy, peeled back the layers of my pain, and allowed myself to grieve what was lost. I journaled, meditated, and cried more tears than I thought possible. Slowly but surely, I began to rebuild my life—not the one I had before trauma but a new one, rooted in strength, authenticity, & a deep sense of belonging…to my Creator.

I stopped chasing after what I thought would make me happy and started focusing on what actually did. I learned to say no to things that drained me and yes to things that filled me with joy. I embraced hobbies, reconnected with old friends, made space for quiet moments of self-reflection, & spent long walks in prayer with the ONE who would never leave me.

Creating My Hallmark Life

The Hallmark movie aesthetic doesn’t come from extravagant gestures or fairy-tale endings. It comes from the simplicity of a life well-lived. Picture this: I’m sitting by the window of my cozy home, wrapped in a soft blanket, sipping a perfectly brewed cup of coffee (if you know me, you know this to be true). Snow is falling gently outside, and a candle flickers softly on the table beside me. My favorite book rests on my lap, and the world feels still, peaceful, and full of possibility.

This is my life now. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and it’s beautiful in ways I never imagined.

I’ve found joy in the little things:

A morning walk as the sun rises, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold.
A solo movie night, complete with snacks and a heating pad.
Warm pine-scented essential oil wafting through my bedroom.
Conversations with friends & family that leave me feeling seen and valued.
Chats with God all day long, about super little things, and SUPER BIG things.

These moments might seem ordinary to some, but to me, they are extraordinary. They are proof that life can be soft, gentle, and kind, even after years of chaos.

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Single, but Never Alone

In every Hallmark movie, there’s usually a love story—a couple overcoming obstacles and realizing they’re meant to be together. But my story is different. There’s no prince charming, no grand romantic gestures, and no one sweeping me off my feet. And you know what? That’s okay.

I’ve learned that being single doesn’t mean being alone. I have an incredible support system of family and friends who love me unconditionally. I have a God who listens, comforts, & heals me. I’ve built a community of people who understand me, cheer me on, and remind me that I’m never truly on my own.

Most importantly, I’ve developed a deep, unshakable love for who God created me to be. It’s a love that says, “You are enough, just as you are.” It’s a love that doesn’t rely on external validation or the approval of others. I don’t need that…my Creator already deemed me to be ‘enough’ long before any human could THINK of crushing me. It took me a while, but I finally let go of the lies that I’m somehow ‘less than’, and now cling to the FACTS…I am worthy because my Creator SAYS I am!

I no longer feel the need to fit into society’s mold of what a “happy ending” looks like. My happiness isn’t tied to a relationship status; it’s tied to how I choose to show up every day.

Embracing Contentment

Contentment is a word that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. In a world that glorifies hustle, ambition, and constant striving, simply being content can feel like a radical act. But for me, contentment is the ultimate goal.

Contentment doesn’t mean settling for less or giving up on dreams. It means finding peace in the present moment and appreciating what you have right now. It means recognizing that joy can coexist with imperfection and that you don’t need to have it all figured out to be happy.

My contentment looks like:

Taking a run to free my mind and body.
Watching the sunset and marveling at its beauty.
Writing in my journal and reflecting on how far I’ve come.
Sitting in silence and simply being.
Watching a chick-flick and no longer geting triggered at the love scenes, but being thankful for my kids, friends, and family who’ve been able to keep strong and healthy marriages!

These moments remind me that happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a state of mind.

The Photo That Says It All

The photo above represents everything my life has become: simple, joyful, and rooted in God. Sitting in that serene setting, I see myself as the main star of my Hallmark story—not waiting for a plot twist or a love interest to save me but thriving in the beauty of my ordinary, extraordinary life.

It’s not about the grand gestures or picture-perfect endings; it’s about the small moments of peace, the quiet joy of knowing I’ve overcome so much, and the warmth of being comfortable in my own skin.

Gratitude for the Journey

I wouldn’t wish trauma on anyone, but I’ve learned to be grateful for the lessons it taught me. It showed me how resilient I am, how capable I am of rebuilding, and how beautiful life can be on the other side of pain.

The journey wasn’t easy, and there were times I wanted to give up. But I’m so glad I didn’t. Each step forward brought me closer to the life I have now—a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and uniquely mine.

A Life Worth Celebrating

Hallmark movies may wrap up neatly in two hours, but real life is a continuous journey. There will still be challenges, hard days, and moments of doubt. But I’m no longer afraid of them. I’ve built a foundation of joy & peace that can withstand whatever comes my way.

My life isn’t perfect, but it’s perfect for me. I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories, cherish the quiet moments, and find beauty in the everyday.

So here I am, the star of my own Hallmark movie. Single, but never alone. Happy, content, and unapologetically myself. This is my happy ending—not because everything is flawless, but because I’ve found peace within. And that, to me, is the most beautiful story of all.