healing

In Inspiration January 15, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Rinret Gofwan Dare: Honoring A Legacy Of Transformative Healing And Resilience

In the wake of Rinret Gofwan Dare’s passing, we stand in solemn remembrance of a remarkable soul whose life was a beacon of transformative healing and unwavering resilience. It is with heavy heart that we extend our deepest condolences to her friends, family, and all those who were touched by her profound influence.

Rinret was a cherished member of the Women of Rubies community. She was a distinguished speaker at our Media Visibility BootCamp in December, she leaves behind a legacy that transcends time. As a licensed trauma therapist, certified emotional intelligence coach, and specialist in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), her journey was an inspiring testament to the incredible power of personal and collective transformation.

A Personal Journey of Healing and Wholeness

Rinret’s story began as a survivor of trauma during her formative years, igniting a quest for healing and wholeness not just for herself but for others grappling with mental and emotional traumas. Her journey exemplifies the indomitable resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times.

Expertise in Transformation

With extensive professional expertise, Rinret focused on advanced training for treating complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addressing compassion fatigue, and assisting individuals in navigating the intersection of trauma and addiction. Her knowledge and skills played a pivotal role in helping numerous individuals reclaim control over their lives.

Diverse Educational Background

Rinret’s diverse educational background, including degrees in Communication, Psychology, Sociology, and a master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies, provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of human behavior.

The Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation

As the foundation director at the Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation, Rinret spearheaded impactful projects, such as “Pad a Girl Africa,” addressing menstrual hygiene challenges in public schools. The foundation’s reach extended beyond Nigeria, offering support to women and girls in Kenya and Uganda.

The Healing Room Support Group

Initiating “The Healing Room Support Group,” Rinret created safe spaces in Abuja, Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos for women and men to heal from emotional and traumatic experiences.

Holistic Healing at PEKAAT Wellbeing Hub

As CEO of the PEKAAT Wellbeing Hub, Rinret collaborated with professionals to offer holistic healing therapies, including private therapy, group therapy, family therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, and more.

Legacy of Transformation

In conclusion, Rinret Gofwan’s journey stands as a profound testament to the transformative power of healing and resilience. Her tireless work, both professionally and through the Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation, changed lives and instilled hope in those who have faced trauma.

May her soul rest in eternal peace. 🕊️

In self development January 17, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Esther Ijewere: Whispers Of Grief

In the silent moments of the night, grief visited me, bringing a heaviness that words struggle to express. I decided to take a break from my usual routine, uninstalling some apps in hopes of finding a quiet space to process the recent losses.

After a week of what seemed like a needed break, I reached out to Yemi, an old friend. Our chat started with everyday things, like his app called GrabHub, where people in Canada can get discounted groceries. Little did I know that our talk would take a turn towards grief. I asked how he dealt with losing a loved one and he said ‘I just had to accept they were never coming back and live with that.’

Biola, a friend, also shared her experience with grief, telling me about her mom’s passing few years ago. In her heartfelt words, I felt a connection and an understanding of the pain that grief brings. She encouraged me to take my time and honor my emotions.

However, amid these supportive moments, a jarring message arrived from someone who didn’t understand the need for me to take a break. It made me realize that people have different ways of dealing with grief, and sometimes, it’s okay to step back and be alone.

From this experience, a few lessons emerged—lessons that I carry with me.

Firstly, everyone responds to grief differently. It’s like a song, and each person’s tune is unique. Understanding and empathy are crucial during such times.

Secondly, I learned the importance of setting boundaries, especially when emotions are raw. The incident with the insensitive message made me realize the need to protect my space during vulnerable moments.

Thirdly, I discovered the power of intentional solitude. Choosing to be alone can be a way to heal and rediscover oneself. This journey is teaching me that silence can be a friend in times of grief.

Additionally, as part of my coping mechanisms, I find solace in reading daily affirmations for grief, a practice I share on page 11 of my book, ‘How to Make Affirmations Work for You.‘

Currently, I am immersing myself in the wisdom of ‘What A Time to Be Alone’ by Chidera Eggerue, finding comfort and insights in the pages of these sources.

In the days ahead, I plan to explore Yemi’s app, GrabHub, finding comfort in simple things like looking at African food photos. It’s my way of coping with the pain and grounding myself.

As I navigate this silent season, I hope these lessons resonate with others facing grief. May we all find our unique paths to healing and honor the memories of those we’ve lost.

I dedicate this article to the memory of my late dad; Emmanuel Ijewere and friends; Rinret Gofwan and Uche Ugo. They all added color and light to my life in different ways, and their memories remain cherished.

With my late Dad, Emmanuel Ijewere, a few years ago

Rest In peace, Daddy…

In Career Gems October 31, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Rinret Gofwan: The Healing Visionary Changing Lives Through Trauma Therapy and Empathy

Rinret Gofwan is a testament to the incredible power of healing and transformation. As a licensed trauma therapist, certified emotional intelligence coach, and specialist in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), she has dedicated her life to helping others overcome their traumas and find wholeness.

A Personal Journey of Healing and Wholeness

Rinret’s journey began as a trauma survivor during her formative years. This personal experience inspired her to seek healing and wholeness not only for herself but for others who have endured mental and emotional traumatic experiences. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding light even in the darkest of times.

Expertise in Transformation

Rinret Gofwan’s professional expertise is extensive. She specializes in advanced training for the treatment of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addressing compassion fatigue with professional resiliency, and helping individuals cope with the intersection of trauma and addiction. Her knowledge and skills in these areas have been instrumental in helping countless individuals regain control of their lives.

Rinret Gofwan’s Diverse Educational Background

Rinret’s educational journey has equipped her with a broad perspective on the complexities of human behavior. She holds degrees in diverse fields, including Communication from the University of Abuja, Psychology from the University of Jos, and Sociology from the University of Maiduguri. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in a master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from NDA.

The Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation

As the foundation director at the Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation, Rinret Gofwan is actively involved in projects aimed at making a real difference. One such project, “Pad a Girl Africa,” involves designing sanitary pad boxes called the “na you sabi sanitary pad box” and installing them in public schools in Nigeria. Additionally, the foundation educates women and young girls on making and using reusable pads, providing a sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene challenges.

Rinret is also actively engaged in “Rescue Missions,” a project that provides immediate support within the first 48 hours to teenagers who have been traumatized by rape. Her work extends beyond Nigeria, reaching women and young girls in Kenya and Uganda.

The Healing Room Support Group

Rinret Gofwan’s dedication to healing extends to “The Healing Room Support Group.” This initiative, which began in Abuja and now operates in three other states (Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos), offers a safe space for women and men to heal from significant emotional and traumatic experiences.

Holistic Healing at PEKAAT Wellbeing Hub

Rinret serves as the CEO of the PEKAAT Wellbeing Hub, where she collaborates with a group of professionals to offer holistic healing therapies. The hub provides private therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and a variety of healing sessions, including dance therapy, art therapy, somatic therapy, and more.

In conclusion, Rinret Gofwan’s journey is a profound testament to the transformative power of healing and resilience. Her work, both as a professional and through the Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation, is changing lives and offering hope to those who have experienced trauma and adversity. Rinret’s commitment to empowering and healing others serves as an inspiring example of the impact one individual can have on the world.

In lifestyle September 3, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Esther Ijewere: Celebrating Seven Years Of Liberation And Healing Journey

As August rolls around, I find myself marking an incredible milestone – seven years since I made the courageous decision to walk away from a marriage that had turned into a battleground of pain and turmoil. This year, I celebrate the journey of healing, growth, and empowerment that I embarked upon after leaving a toxic relationship. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can inspire and encourage others who might be trapped in similar situations to take the step towards healing and liberation.

Looking back

I recognize how profoundly my marriage changed me. The trauma and betrayals altered my personality, eroded my self-trust, and cast a shadow of fear over my spirit. It felt like I lost myself in the process, and the wounds left me in a constant state of flight mode, always on guard against further pain.

But I refuse to be defined by those painful years. Instead, I chose to rise above my circumstances, embracing the strength that still resided within me. Over the course of these seven years, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing that has led me to a place of empowerment and self-love.

Healing is not a linear process; it’s a journey with its own twists and turns. There were days when I felt like I was making leaps forward, and others when I stumbled. Through it all, I learned the importance of honoring my own path, no matter how long it takes.

Forgiveness

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the significance of forgiveness. It wasn’t about excusing the pain I endured; it was about freeing myself from the weight of anger and resentment. Forgiving my ex-husband was my way of taking back control of my emotions and moving forward without the burdens of the past.

To all the women who might be going through something similar, please know that you are not alone. Your pain is valid, and you deserve happiness, love, and respect. Leaving an abusive relationship takes immense courage, and it’s a step towards reclaiming your life.

Gratitude

I am incredibly grateful for the individuals who stood by me from the beginning – those who supported me instead of judging, those who chose to embrace me even when they didn’t fully understand. Your unwavering support has been a guiding light on this journey, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Remember, healing is not only about recovering from past wounds; it’s about reclaiming your power and embracing a future filled with possibilities. Healing allows us to shed the burdens of the past, rediscover our inner strength, and craft a life that aligns with our true selves.

7th Year of Liberation

On this anniversary, I stand as living proof that healing is a beautiful journey. It’s a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and the unwavering belief that you are worthy of a life filled with joy and fulfillment.

Let’s stand together, supporting one another through our individual journeys of healing and empowerment. Let’s create a community where each person’s path is honored and celebrated, and where we can find strength in our shared experiences.

In Inspiration February 20, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Esther Ijewere: Dear Single Parents, Healing Is Your Responsibility

Dear single parents,

I understand the pain of doing it alone with no support system. I know it hurts when you think about the sacrifices, and you feel life is not fair.

Believe me, I also have those moments. When I say I understand, I truly mean it.

However, you must understand that while trauma isn’t your fault, healing is your responsibility.

You can’t heal from pain If you continuously visit old wounds or give life to topics that put you in a “dramatic” position where you entertain the public with your private matters. You will end up looking like the problem you are trying to solve.

One thing I have done to protect my energy and peace since I became a single parent is to stay away from things, people, and places that trigger any old wound I’m trying to heal from

The Power of Healing

Healing is an art.

It takes time, it takes practice, discipline, and self-love.

I also learned that healing is in phases, and the more inner work you do, the more things came to the surface.

Instead of explaining myself to folks who have not walked a mile in my shoes, I focused on my healing journey, prayer, and affirmations.

Also Read: Before You Judge Another Single Mom

Healing affirmations for tra.u.ma is one of the tips I shared in my soon-to-be-released self-help book. If you would like to have a copy, kindly click here to join the waitlist. I also shared some techniques I used over the years to stay grounded and focused, even when I was gaslighted.

It’s not easy really, but once you learn to forgive yourself, you have the power to control your emotions and your impulse.

Read Also: 5 Dating Tips for Single Moms

You will know who or what deserves a response or reaction and avoid drama.

I also realized that what some saw as my inadequacies ( single parent status), others appreciated as my strength. I focused on the latter.

Watch: 5 Ways To Stop Being A People Pleaser

The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is how to silence the mind and be discerning.

Sending love, light, and good vibes to single parents who are trying to heal from pain.

Remember, healing is your responsibility.

signed,

A single mom doing it alone.

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