Real Talk

Darleen Turda: Healing Begins Within

Holistic health and family wellness advocate Darleen Turda shares how her personal journey of self-discovery taught her how to help families heal.

Growing up as the eldest of four children in a financially struggling home, I was compelled to take on a parental role from an early age. My mother’s gambling problems and my father’s incarceration created a shattered home. My mother eventually left to work overseas in the hopes of improving our condition. 

I was left to care for my siblings despite being young myself, with no genuine example of what it meant to be a parent. I relied only on my own strength and determination. Education became my escape. I became the only one in my family who graduated from college. 

Despite a bumpy journey, I learned that family wellness is about more than just survival; it’s about fostering an environment of self-love, stability, and connection. 

My healing journey

The road ahead did not get easier. Throughout adulthood, I have balanced the demanding tasks of mother, wife, and career woman. I married young, had three children, and worked several jobs to ensure our family’s stability. Between handling business obligations, studying nursing, and caring for my children, I was constantly giving to others.

Yet, somewhere along the process, I lost myself and became disconnected from my loved ones. Pressures from my marriage aggravated my situation, as my husband’s infidelity and subsequent separation pushed me to address old, unresolved scars.

This difficult time taught me the value of self-care. I learned to reclaim my sense of self and tranquility through consistently practicing gratitude prayers, meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful movement. During this phase, I discovered energy healing and eventually became a Reiki master teacher and acupuncturist. 

The path to family wellness

My path eventually led me to work with neurodivergent children, where I encountered a new dimension of parental struggles. Many parents of these children were anxious and afraid, and hoped their children would “fit in” within cultural expectations. 

I realized that their fears were frequently triggered by their own troubles with self-acceptance. My experiences allowed me to empathize with their anxiety and confusion, where I discovered: families’ healing begins with parents themselves.

I learned a crucial truth: that family wellness is built on self-care and acceptance. Family wellness means improving one’s own mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being so that parents can be fully present and accepting of their children. This confirmed my passion to help parents on their journey to self-care and acceptance, helping create a positive impact on their families.

A Legacy of Courageous Care

In hindsight, my difficult childhood gave me the strength and empathy needed to guide others. My journey taught me that while we cannot always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond. The best response is as empowered beings with balanced emotions and a sound mind. 

This commitment to empowered parenting and holistic family wellness is now at the heart of my work—courageous care. Through my life’s passion, I hope my story inspires others to embrace the power of healing and self-care as the first steps in creating a nurturing home. 

By putting self-care first, we lay the basis for addressing life’s challenges with strength and clarity. For parents, this means providing a loving and supportive environment in which each family member’s well-being is essential. Self-care prepares us to care for others, communicate patiently, and love unconditionally.

I hope my experience serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, we can find inner strength and perseverance. Remember that the love and care you give yourself is a gift that you will pass on to your children. By establishing the foundation for self-care, we leave a legacy of compassion, empathy, and courage for future generations.

Darleen Turda is a Registered Nurse, Reiki Master Teacher, and Acupuncturist, who champions holistic health and family wellness. Combining healthcare expertise, energy healing, and corporate experience, she co-founded a therapy center for special needs children and supports early childhood education initiatives. 

This story about Darleen Turda first came out in Modern Parenting’s special Holiday 2024 Print Edition available on https://sarisari.shopping/.

More about health and healing?

Healing vs Escaping: The Difference in Wellness
How Art Became A Form of Therapy: Healing Found in Lines and Forms
Rishma Dhutti: Healing and Empowering Her Inner Child

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