From domestic violence to healing:
a mother's journey through homelessness | aga's story
Season 1: Episode 1
Release Date: 11/5/24
Host: Gabby Cunningham
Guest: Aga Oke
mamafromthemoon.co.uk
Show Notes:
[00:00] Beyond Victimhood: Empowerment stories with diverse panelists.
[06:19] Toxic upbringing led to marrying a narcissist.
[09:08] Honest communicator manipulated by deceitful ex-husband.
[11:44] He prioritized his interests over family time.
[15:08] Abusive partner threatens safety, advised to leave.
[18:59] Family hostel provided shelter but had obstacles.
[22:57] Moving triggered PTSD symptoms and loneliness realization.
[24:53] Being a mother brings immense joy, purpose.
[28:41] Pain became a catalyst for greater purpose.
[35:22] Join our mission; support lasting change now.
[36:14] Watch our animated version on YouTube.
Podcast Description:
In this compelling episode of "When I Was Homeless," host Gabby Cunningham sits down with Aga, a holistic coach and therapist, to discuss her journey from experiencing domestic violence and homelessness to becoming an advocate and healer. Aga shares her courageous story of escaping an abusive marriage, facing homelessness, and rediscovering her purpose after a profound spiritual awakening. Join us as we delve into Aga's transformative path, emphasizing resilience, hope, and the intersectionality of domestic violence, mental health, and homelessness.
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Aga shares her personal experiences of overcoming domestic violence and homelessness. Through her narrative, we explore the impact of past traumas on adult relationships, the breaking point during the pandemic, and her subsequent healing journey. Now a holistic coach and therapist, Aga empowers others to navigate their traumas through therapy and spirituality. Her story serves as an inspiration, offering valuable insights into resilience and the power of self-discovery.
5 Key Lessons:
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Breaking the Cycle: Recognizing and breaking free from patterns of abuse requires resilience and courage. Aga's story underscores the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and establishing boundaries.
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Impact of Childhood Trauma: Early experiences, particularly within dysfunctional family dynamics, significantly shape adult relationships and understanding of boundaries.
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Importance of Support Systems: Access to therapy and spiritual guidance were pivotal in Aga’s journey toward healing and empowerment, highlighting the value of seeking help.
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Redefining Homelessness: Homelessness often transcends the absence of a physical home; it's also a lack of safety and personal space. Aga redefines this concept, offering a broader understanding of homelessness.
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Asserting Rights and Empowerment: Knowing one's rights and persistently advocating for better living conditions are crucial steps in securing a stable and secure environment for oneself and loved ones.
Conversation Starters
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Personal Empowerment Through Adversity: After listening to Aga's story of overcoming domestic violence and homelessness, what steps have you taken in your own life to transform adversity into empowerment?
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Mental Health and Healing: Aga speaks about the impact of PTSD and mental health challenges after experiencing homelessness. How have you or someone you know navigated similar mental health journeys, and what support systems proved beneficial?
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Breaking the Cycle of Abuse: Reflecting on Aga's decision to leave her abusive relationship for the well-being of herself and her daughter, what key indicators do you believe are crucial for someone recognizing it's time to break away from a toxic environment?
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Redefining Homelessness: Aga describes homelessness as more than lacking a physical home but an absence of personal space and security. How do you think society should redefine homelessness to better address and support those affected?
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Role of Upbringing in Future Relationships: Often, childhood environments influence adult interactions. Considering Aga's upbringing, what are your thoughts on how early family dynamics shape future relationships and personal development?
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Navigating Support Systems: Aga pursued better housing conditions despite challenges in the system. What advice would you give to someone facing institutional barriers while seeking stable living arrangements?
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Spirituality and Therapy in Healing: Aga highlights spirituality and therapy as key components in her healing journey. Have these methods played a role in your own healing process or that of someone close to you? How?
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Advocacy and Change: Aga is now a holistic coach and therapist, using her experiences to help others. How can we, as a community, support individuals transitioning from personal adversity to roles of advocacy and support?
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Impact of Domestic Violence and Homelessness: This episode sheds light on how domestic violence often intersects with homelessness. What are some systemic changes you think could better support victims in similar situations?
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Sharing Stories for Awareness: The podcast aims to raise awareness through personal stories. How has sharing or hearing stories of resilience impacted your perspective on issues like homelessness and domestic violence?
Worksheet: Exploring Resilience and Healing in the Face of Adversity
Objective: This worksheet aims to reinforce the topics explored in the episode "From " from the podcast "When I was Homeless...". The worksheet will focus on themes of domestic violence, PTSD, mental health, resilience, healing, and the complexities of homelessness.
1. Understanding Domestic Violence
a) Briefly describe how domestic violence affected Aga’s life and sense of freedom.
b) Why is it important to recognize the signs of an unhealthy or manipulative relationship? List at least three warning signs discussed by Aga.
c) Reflect on how childhood experiences and family dynamics can influence future relationships. In what ways did Aga’s upbringing contribute to her adult relationship challenges?
2. Identifying and Coping with PTSD
a) Identify the PTSD symptoms Aga experienced after moving to a new flat.
b) Discuss how PTSD can impact day-to-day life. What activities or strategies does Aga exemplify to manage these challenges?
c) What role did caring for Aga’s daughter play in her journey of finding purpose and motivation amidst PTSD?
3. Recognizing a Turning Point
a) Outline the moment when Aga reached a breaking point during the pandemic. What vision or realization helped her navigate this difficult time?
b) How did embracing spirituality and self-discovery influence Aga’s healing process?
c) What can we learn from Aga’s experience about seeking help and the potential for a positive transformation after trauma?
4. Exploring Concepts of Homelessness
a) How does Aga define homelessness beyond just lacking a physical home?
b) Reflect on the challenges Aga faced in securing a safe environment for her and her child. How did she advocate for a better living situation?
c) Why is understanding and advocating for one's rights important when dealing with systems set up for domestic violence support and housing?
5. Moving Forward: Advocacy and Healing
a) Describe the work Aga does now as a holistic coach and therapist. How does her personal history inform her current mission?
b) Visit Aga’s website, mamafromthemoon.co.uk, and explore the resources offered. List two resources or services you find interesting and beneficial.
c) How can listeners contribute to creating lasting change for homelessness, as encouraged by Gabby Cunningham?
6. Reflection and Personal Insight
a) Reflect on the concept of “breaking the cycle” as portrayed by Aga. In what areas of your life or community do you see the need for ‘breaking cycles’? How can you contribute?
b) Consider your own resilience journey. What has helped you overcome challenges in your life?
c) Write a short paragraph on how this episode has inspired or impacted your understanding of the complexities surrounding domestic violence and homelessness.
Additional Resource Exploration: