I Let Go of Everything—And Found Myself

I remember listening to a professor speak about Epigenetics and DNA. He explained that unresolved trauma becomes trapped energy—cellular memories passed down through generations until someone in the family tree breaks the cycle. 

That break releases the trauma, allowing healing to unfold and freeing future generations from inherited pain.

For me, ARCS is that professor’s words in action—a healing journey that has allowed me to release, transform, and rewrite my future.

My story doesn’t involve drugs or alcohol, but that doesn't mean I'm not an addict. 

I wasn’t in crisis. I was simply over the direction my life was headed. I was completely burnt out—with my career, my relationships, and most of all, with the deep emptiness I felt inside.

On paper, my life was ideal. I lived in a beautiful house in an upscale neighborhood. I drove a luxury sports car. My wardrobe was expensive. I was well-liked and respected at work, known as the “go-to” person within my company.

But inside? I felt empty.

I was thirsty for something deeper. I knew I was ready for change, but I had no idea what that change looked like—or how to begin.

Then one night, everything shifted.

I was involved in a three-car accident, sandwiched between two cars at a red light. 

In that moment, I knew it wasn’t just an accident. It was a sign—a sign that my Higher Power was breaking the seal, forcing the change I had been longing for.

I let go of everything, to find myself.

• I quit my job. 
• I sold my house.
• I got rid of all material stuff that was not serving me.
• I traveled. 
• I went on retreats. 
• I searched for answers.

I was on a mission to find and reclaim myself—but I still didn’t know how.

All I knew was that I had to set my intention, and trust that the Universe would guide me—And it did.

Looking back, I have no doubt that the Universe led me to ARCS.

When I read the words, "Heal—and then show others how to heal," something inside me lit up.

"I get to help others heal?... Yes!"

I'm an innate nurturer. 

At work, people called me the "office counselor." They would literally wait in line to talk to me. And somehow, just by listening, I helped them find their own answers.

So when I read the ARCS description, I knew this was meant for me. It aligned perfectly with my natural gifts, my passion for service, and my deep desire to create a more fulfilling career.

But I underestimated one thing...

I knew there would be personal healing involved—but I didn’t realize just how much I needed it!

At first, I was skeptical. During my very first ARCS class, the Coach asked the students to share their experiences with me. Their words were so profound, I thought, "Are they being over the top just for the Coach?"

I knew I’d gain new knowledge, but part of me wondered—is this program really that powerful? And if it is, why aren’t people knocking down the doors to get in?

But as I dug deeper into the lessons, I saw the truth for myself.

Identifying the first layers of dysfunction in my life was like a wake-up call. And then came the heavier revelations—the kind that shake you to your core.

But instead of facing them alone, I had a safe space to process everything—to talk it out with my Coach and fellow students. 

For the first time, I could see my patterns. And more importantly, I could change them.

I never considered myself someone who struggled with addiction. But sitting in ARCS classes, listening to my fellow students share their experiences with substance abuse... something clicked.

Their stories felt familiar. 

Then, I realized—I was addicted too!... Not to substances, but to perfectionism!

I was addicted to overachieving, to proving I was "good enough."

And I finally saw that it all began, in my childhood.

Until ARCS, I had never fully acknowledged that both of my parents were trauma survivors.

As a child, I absorbed their survival behaviors—I became a survivor before I had even experienced my own losses. Then, when my father died, my sense of security and safety died with him.

Even though my childhood was filled with love, there wasn’t enough emotional nourishment to sustain me through the constant fear I lived with. So I learned to overcompensate.

I worked tirelessly to be perfect—to fill that void inside me.

I thought the right job, the right house, the right relationship would make me whole.

But I was wrong.

The void I felt wasn’t something I could fill externally, because it wasn’t about what I was missing... 

It was about who I was missing, and that who was me.

Through ARCS, I began listening to my inner child—healing the wounds that had silenced her.

I finally saw how much of my life had been shaped by unhealed trauma, and I finally had the tools to change it. ARCS gave me the power to break cycles—not just for myself, but for my son, too.

This program didn’t just help me understand myself better, it also helped me to understand others.

I can see how their actions toward me are not personal. They were shaped by their own traumas and survival patterns, and this awareness softens the blow of past hurts.

ARCS didn’t just change my personal life—it changed my career.

While still in the program, I was offered a job in the behavioral health field.

I started at the front desk, then I advanced to office management. Now, I work in client relations, handling highly sensitive cases.

But here’s the biggest shift:

For the first time in my life, I see my patterns in real time. I still feel the pull toward overachieving and enabling. But now, I have the awareness to stop myself.

That’s the gift of ARCS... When you can see unhealthy patterns, then you can break through them. You can redirect them toward growth and healing.

Looking back at my first ARCS class, I silently apologize to those students. I get it now. I finally understand why they were so passionate—why they couldn’t help but be “over the top” when sharing their experiences.

Because now, I can’t help it either!

I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t found ARCS, but I do know this: If you’re reading this, and you’re wondering whether this program is right for you—find out for yourself.

Because this isn’t just about healing your past... it’s about changing your future.