Speaking Out Against a Broken System: My Journey Continues

Every day that passes, I find myself more determined to speak out about the harsh realities of the prison system. I am not just advocating for my husband, but for every individual behind those walls who has been forgotten or mistreated. The more I learn, the more I realize just how broken the system is — and how many voices go unheard.

Recently, I’ve had to reach out to numerous state authorities, demanding answers and accountability for the conditions my husband and many others face daily. From medical neglect to retaliatory actions, it’s become clear that those in power are far more interested in maintaining control than ensuring justice. It’s a hard truth to face, but I refuse to let fear or frustration stop me from pushing for change.

What I’ve come to understand is that the outside world has no idea what their tax dollars are not paying for. These prisons are not places of rehabilitation. They are warehouses for human lives — places where people are discarded and left to fend for themselves with little to no support. Medical care is delayed, mental health needs are ignored, and basic human rights are violated. It’s not just about punishing the guilty; it’s about stripping people of their dignity and their chance at redemption.

I’ve made it my mission to advocate for my husband’s rights, but I know that his case is just one of many. Every letter I write, every call I make, is an attempt to shine a light on the dark reality of what happens behind those prison walls. But I can’t do it alone. We need as many voices as possible to demand that these injustices be addressed.

It’s time for the public to understand that the system is broken, and we must demand better. The fight is not just for those currently incarcerated — it’s for all of us. If we allow a system to operate without accountability, without compassion, and without justice, we are complicit in its failures.

I will keep fighting, no matter how long it takes. And I will keep speaking out, not only for my husband but for every individual who has been denied the chance to truly rehabilitate and reclaim their lives.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” — Proverbs 31:8

#PowerOfOurVoices #EppersonEmpowerment #FightingForJustice #PrisonReformNow #BrokenSystem #AdvocacyForAll

Reclaiming My Voice: Healing Through Speaking Out

 

There’s something incredibly powerful about reclaiming the voice I once felt I had to silence. For years, I kept so much bottled up, not just because I didn’t know how to say it, but because I wasn’t sure anyone would listen. After spending so long in an environment where control and silence went hand in hand, I’ve had to relearn what it means to speak up. And now, every time I do, it feels like a piece of my soul is healing.

When I look back, I realize how much the prison system demanded silence. It wasn’t just a job—it was a world where keeping quiet felt like a necessity. If you wanted to survive, you couldn’t challenge the system. You couldn’t question the injustices happening around you, because doing so meant risking everything. And so, I stayed silent, even though deep down, the guilt of not speaking up weighed heavy on me.

Now, in this new chapter of my life, I’ve realized that my silence doesn’t have to define me. In fact, every word I write now is a declaration of freedom — freedom from the guilt, freedom from the fear, and freedom from the belief that I can’t make a difference. Speaking out has become my form of healing.

Part of this journey also involves actively advocating for my husband’s rights. He’s been subjected to cruel conditions and violations within the prison system, where his medical needs are ignored, and every step I take to advocate for him results in more retaliation against him. I’ve had to reach out to multiple state authorities, demanding investigations and accountability for the systemic issues at play. This is more than just a personal fight; it’s a fight for everyone trapped in a system designed to silence and oppress.

The truth is, the outside world has no idea what their tax dollars are not paying for. The prison system claims to rehabilitate, but it falls drastically short, leaving broken individuals with no real opportunities for healing or growth. The neglect is real, and the people who suffer within those walls are human beings who deserve dignity, care, and the chance to rebuild their lives.

Now, in this chapter of my life, I refuse to be silenced any longer. Every voice counts in this fight, and together, we can make a difference for those who are too often forgotten. I will continue to speak out for the ones still trapped in silence, for the ones who haven’t yet found the courage to reclaim their voice.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." — John 1:5

#PowerOfOurVoices #EppersonEmpowerment #FromGuardToWife #ReclaimingMyVoice #HealingThroughTruth #SpeakingOut #BreakingTheSilence #AdvocacyForJustice

Reclaiming My Voice: Healing Through Speaking Out

 

There’s something incredibly powerful about reclaiming the voice I once felt I had to silence. For years, I kept so much bottled up, not just because I didn’t know how to say it, but because I wasn’t sure anyone would listen. After spending so long in an environment where control and silence went hand in hand, I’ve had to relearn what it means to speak up. And now, every time I do, it feels like a piece of my soul is healing.

When I look back, I realize how much the prison system demanded silence. It wasn’t just a job—it was a world where keeping quiet felt like a necessity. If you wanted to survive, you couldn’t challenge the system. You couldn’t question the injustices happening around you, because doing so meant risking everything. And so, I stayed silent, even though deep down, the guilt of not speaking up weighed heavy on me.

Now, in this new chapter of my life, I’ve realized that my silence doesn’t have to define me. In fact, every word I write now is a declaration of freedom — freedom from the guilt, freedom from the fear, and freedom from the belief that I can’t make a difference. Speaking out has become my form of healing.

There’s so much I still want to say, and I know that each story I share will resonate with someone else who’s been through the same silence. Because the truth is, we all carry something from our past that’s left unspoken, something that needs to be voiced in order for healing to happen.

For me, it’s not just about pointing out the corruption or the brokenness in the system. It’s about finding peace in the process of speaking out, of using my words to shine light on what was once hidden in the dark. My voice, which I once thought was small and insignificant, is now my most powerful tool for change.

And I’m not done yet. I will continue to speak out for the ones still trapped in silence, for the ones who haven’t yet found the courage to reclaim their voice. Together, we can create something better, something that no longer demands silence but instead celebrates truth.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." — John 1:5

#PowerOfOurVoices #EppersonEmpowerment #FromGuardToWife #ReclaimingMyVoice #HealingThroughTruth #SpeakingOut #BreakingTheSilence

Haunted by What I Left Behind: The Lingering Guilt of Silence

Every day I wake up, there’s a part of me that’s still haunted by what I left behind in that prison. Not just the concrete walls, the endless rules, and the broken system, but the guilt that I didn’t speak up sooner. That guilt has lingered, hanging over me like a shadow, reminding me of the silence I once carried. I often ask myself, “Why didn’t I do more? Why didn’t I speak out then?”

The truth is, it wasn’t as simple as just speaking up. When you’re entrenched in a system designed to strip everyone of their humanity — inmates and staff alike — it becomes harder to see your way out, much less make a change from within. At the time, survival meant keeping my head down, following the rules, and making it through each day without becoming another casualty of the system.

But as time passed and I walked away, that survival mode didn’t let me rest. The guilt grew. It was no longer about just doing my job — it was about the broken system I left behind and the voices that were still silenced. I was one of those silenced voices for far too long.

Today, I’m learning how to release that guilt, piece by piece. I may not have had the power to speak up back then, but I do now. It’s taken time, healing, and self-forgiveness to get to this point, but I’m here. I’m using this platform to talk about what I couldn’t say before: the corruption, the mistreatment, and the souls trapped behind bars — both literally and metaphorically.

It’s not easy to confront the past, especially when it’s filled with moments of silence I wish I could change. But every word I write now is a step forward in reclaiming my voice and making sure that what I left behind doesn’t continue without accountability.

The prison system is a heavy place — one that weighs on everyone inside it. My journey from being part of that world to leaving it behind isn’t over. But one thing I know for certain: I won’t be silenced again. I will speak for those who still don’t have the freedom to do so, and I will continue to share my story, unfiltered and unapologetic.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

#PowerOfOurVoices #EppersonEmpowerment #FromGuardToWife #BreakingTheSilence #HealingThroughTruth #SpeakingOut #NoMoreGuilt

Finding My Voice: Speaking Up About a Broken System

For years, I stayed silent, trapped inside a system that broke down more than just inmates — it chipped away at the souls of those who worked within it, too. I witnessed things that should have been called out, abuses that should have been stopped, and yet I didn’t have the strength or the voice to do so at the time. That silence became a weight, a lingering guilt I’ve carried ever since I left.

Leaving wasn’t just about moving on from a career that no longer served me; it was about confronting my own inability to speak up in the face of corruption. It’s taken me time to realize that my silence then doesn’t define me now. In fact, that silence has fueled the fire inside me, pushing me to speak louder and with more purpose than ever before. I am finally using my voice to address the things I left behind.

The truth is, the prison system is broken in ways that go far beyond what most people can imagine. It’s not just the inmates who suffer, but the people working inside those walls — torn between doing what’s right and surviving in a corrupt environment. I was one of those people. And for a long time, I felt ashamed that I didn’t do more to stand up to the injustice.

But shame has no place in my heart anymore. Instead, I’m choosing to turn that regret into something meaningful. I may not have had the voice to speak up then, but I do now. Through this blog, through conversations, through every word I write, I am owning my story and no longer allowing the past to keep me silent.

Every day, I strive to be a better advocate, a stronger voice for those still in the system, and for the families left on the outside wondering what happens behind those locked doors. It’s not easy, but nothing worth fighting for ever is. This journey isn’t just about me reclaiming my voice — it’s about using it to speak for those who still can’t.

I believe deeply in the power of transformation, and part of that transformation is speaking the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. I refuse to let guilt or fear silence me again. My voice, my experiences, and my growth are the tools I’ll use to make a difference, however small it may seem.

I invite anyone who reads this to ask themselves: What am I still afraid to speak up about? What weight am I carrying that’s holding me back from telling the truth? There is power in our voices — power in our ability to turn pain into purpose. I’m learning that now, every day, as I step further into this chapter of my life.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

#PowerOfOurVoices #EppersonEmpowerment #SpeakingUp #BreakingTheSilence #FromGuardToWife #AdvocacyAndAction #HealingThroughTruth

How Leaving the Guard Behind Helped Me Step Into My True Self

 As I look back on my time working in the prison system, it’s hard to ignore the heavy weight that used to follow me daily. The guilt, the burden of things left unsaid, and the trauma of experiences that shaped me in ways I didn’t even realize at the time. Leaving that world behind wasn’t just about walking away from a job; it was about shedding a version of myself that had become entwined with fear, control, and survival.

One of the hardest parts to reconcile was the guilt of leaving behind such a deeply corrupt system. I witnessed injustices, abuses, and practices that gnawed at my conscience, yet, I didn’t have the voice to speak up while I was still inside. For the longest time, I carried that guilt — the guilt of staying silent, the guilt of not doing more. It was like I abandoned not only my colleagues and inmates but also a part of myself that believed in change.

But as I’ve come to realize, letting go of that past has opened the door for something far more beautiful: growth. And now, finally, I have found my voice to speak up.

When I first left, I struggled with guilt — was I abandoning something, or worse, someone? That question haunted me for a long time. The guilt was a reminder of the old me, the version of myself that constantly put others first, sacrificed for a system that didn’t care for me, and didn’t take the time to nurture my own soul. But now, as I stand on the other side, I see that walking away was an act of self-love. I couldn’t truly become the person I am meant to be — a wife, an advocate, a guide for others on their journeys — if I stayed stuck in that place. It’s like I had been holding onto an identity that no longer fit.

Even more than that, I realized that leaving gave me the clarity and distance I needed to find my voice. I may not have spoken up when I was entrenched in the system, but now, I have the freedom to say what I saw, to challenge the things that were wrong, and to be part of a movement for change.

It wasn’t easy, though. I carried emotional baggage from that chapter of my life into every part of my being. I would find myself replaying moments in my mind, questioning if I had done enough, if I could have done more. Should I have spoken up then? Could I have changed anything from the inside? Those thoughts weighed heavy on me, but as I’ve worked through my own healing, I’ve realized that clinging to those moments was only holding me back.

Now, I choose to release those chains, one by one. Each day, I embrace the woman I am becoming, the one who is driven by love, not fear; by compassion, not guilt. I have learned to forgive myself for the things I couldn’t control and focus on what I can create now — a life full of purpose, meaning, and love. And with this new voice, I can finally confront the things I left behind, not in silence but with strength.

As I step fully into this new chapter, I can see more clearly than ever that my journey isn’t just about what I left behind; it’s about what I am building now. I am committed to becoming the best version of myself — not only for me but for those I love and those I hope to help. This journey from guard to wife, from a woman surviving to a woman thriving, is one that I’ll continue to share. Not because I have all the answers, but because I know that many are on this same path, trying to reconcile their past with their future. My hope is that through my words, someone else will find the courage to step into their true self, leaving behind what no longer serves them, and finding the voice they never thought they had.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

#PowerOfOurVoices #EppersonEmpowerment #GrowthAndHealing #FindingMyVoice #FromGuardToWife #SelfAcceptance #NewBeginnings

Haunted by What I Left Behind: The Lingering Trauma of Feeling Unsafe

For the past six months, I was stuck in a situation that was slowly breaking me down, but I had no other choice. I had nowhere else to go. The place I was staying should have been my refuge, but instead, it became a place of torment, one that mirrored the very thing I’ve been trying to heal from for years.

Every day, I had to deal with a man I barely knew making inappropriate comments, giving me those looks that made my skin crawl, and behaving in ways that triggered me deeply. It was like living with a shadow of my past—the 16 years of abuse I endured from my stepfather came flooding back. Every word, every gesture, every time he crossed a line, it was as if I was reliving that trauma all over again. But I stayed, because I didn’t have any other options. My safety, my housing, and my basic needs were tied to tolerating his behavior.

Even though I’m in a safer place now, it feels like I can’t fully escape. I’m constantly on edge, waiting for the next violation, the next moment when I’ll feel unsafe again. My mind plays tricks on me, convincing me that he’s outside my door or peering through the window, just like he used to when I was there. I find myself checking my phone, wondering if there’s another inappropriate text with an ultimatum attached to it, one more demand I can’t ignore.

The worst part is the lingering presence of his gaze. Even now, I catch myself looking over my shoulder, feeling watched, and it’s exhausting. It’s not just about physical space anymore—it’s about the way he’s invaded my mental space, making it hard to feel safe anywhere. I wonder if he’s sitting at his table or bedroom window, watching me like he used to. That gaze is something I’ll never forget. It haunts me, even though I’m miles away.

Being triggered daily, and having no way out, wore me down in ways I didn’t even realize until now. I thought once I was physically safe, everything would go back to normal, but that’s not how trauma works. The wounds are still open, and it’s hard to feel at ease when your body is stuck in a state of hyper-vigilance. It’s like I’m constantly waiting for the next threat, even when I know logically that I’m not in danger anymore.

I’m trying to heal, but it’s so hard to come back from that kind of violation—especially when it reminds you of wounds you’ve spent a lifetime trying to heal. The mind keeps playing tricks, convincing me that the threat is still there, lurking just outside the door, and it’s exhausting. It’s a struggle every day to remind myself that I’m safe now, to believe it, to feel it.

If you’ve ever felt this way—like you’ve left a dangerous situation, but the danger still lives in your mind—you’re not alone. Healing isn’t about removing yourself from the physical space alone; it’s about finding ways to reclaim your mental and emotional space. And I’m still working on that. Some days are better than others, but I’ve come too far to let what he did, and what he represents, control me anymore.

It’s going to take time. I know that. And even though I’m still haunted by it, I’m not giving up on finding peace. I’m working on trusting again—trusting myself, trusting the safety I’ve built around me, and believing that I don’t have to keep looking over my shoulder.

One verse that has given me comfort during this time is from Isaiah 41:10:
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
This reminds me that even in my darkest moments, I am not alone, and God is with me, giving me strength to push through.

Healing isn’t linear, and it’s not easy, but it’s possible. And even when the ghosts of the past try to pull me back, I’m learning how to live for the future I deserve.

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#traumahealing #sexualharassment #triggered #survivorstrong #mentalhealthawareness #healingjourney #traumarecovery #findingpeace #GodIsWithMe #reclaimingsafety #innerstrength #empowerment #eppersonempowerment #prisonwife #sobrietycoach #traumacoach #PowerofourVoices

Disconnect to Reconnect: My Journey of Taking a Step Back

Lately, I've found myself overwhelmed by the never-ending buzz of social media—the endless notifications, the pressure to keep up, and the constant influx of everyone else's lives. So much drama, so many opinions, and so many voices trying to drown out our own. It’s easy to lose ourselves in the chaos, isn’t it? I realized that I was getting caught up in it all and losing sight of what’s truly important: my own well-being, my growth, and the peace that I work so hard to maintain.

So, I decided to do something that felt a bit radical in today’s digital age—I took a few days away from social media. I shut down the apps, silenced the noise, and made a conscious decision to get back to the basics, to find out what my soul truly needed at this moment. It wasn’t easy at first, but that’s how I knew it was necessary.

The Power of Silence

The first day felt strange. There was an urge to reach for my phone, almost like a reflex, every few minutes. It’s incredible how much we’ve conditioned ourselves to need that constant connection, even when it’s not healthy. But as the hours turned into days, I began to feel lighter. The silence allowed me to truly listen—to myself, to my thoughts, to the whispers of what my heart had been trying to tell me all along.

I found myself gravitating towards things that I had pushed aside—journaling, reading a book without interruptions, coloring (something that always brings me back to my inner child), and even just sitting with my own thoughts. It’s amazing how much clarity you gain when you allow yourself to be still. I could hear my own voice again, and it was so much stronger, more loving, and more supportive than the chaotic noise of social media.

Refocusing on What Matters

These days away gave me the space to re-evaluate what truly matters to me. It’s easy to get swept up in other people’s stories, to measure our worth by the number of likes, comments, and followers we have. But the truth is, none of that defines us. I realized that what truly matters is the impact I have on the lives around me, the genuine connections I foster, and the inner peace I work so hard to protect.

I was reminded of why I started my journey as a life coach in the first place—to help others heal, to be a guiding light for those dealing with trauma, sobriety, and finding their inner child again. It’s not about the validation that comes from a screen; it’s about the real, raw connections I make with people who need someone to understand their pain, someone who’s walked a similar path.

The Drama Trap

Let’s be real: social media is full of drama. It’s like an endless loop of people trying to prove themselves, seeking validation, and sometimes, tearing others down just to feel a sense of power. I found myself getting sucked into it—reading the comments, reacting to the negativity, and sometimes even questioning my own journey. But stepping away helped me see that this drama is just a distraction. It pulls us away from our purpose and keeps us from focusing on our own growth.

By taking a step back, I reminded myself that I don’t have to engage with the negativity. I don’t have to allow it to take up space in my mind or dictate how I feel about myself. I get to choose the energy I bring into my life, and I choose peace, love, and authenticity.

What I Learned from This Break

1. Boundaries Are Essential: It’s okay to disconnect when things get overwhelming. Protecting our mental and emotional space is a form of self-love, and it’s one that we should never feel guilty about.

2. Our Worth Is Not Defined by Others: We don’t need external validation to know that we are valuable, worthy, and deserving of love. Our worth comes from within, and that’s something no one can take away from us.

3. Quality Over Quantity: It’s not about how many followers we have or how many likes we get; it’s about the genuine connections we make, the lives we touch, and the impact we have on the world around us.

4. We Have the Power to Choose: We can choose what we allow into our lives, and we have the power to walk away from anything that doesn’t serve us.

Moving Forward with Intention

This break was exactly what I needed to realign with my purpose. I’m coming back with a clearer mind, a fuller heart, and a stronger sense of who I am. I’m more committed than ever to helping others on their journey to healing, to embracing their true selves, and to stepping out of the shadows of others’ expectations.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the noise of social media or the drama that comes with it, I encourage you to take a break, even if it’s just for a day. Disconnect to reconnect with yourself, and I promise you’ll come back with a clearer understanding of what truly matters to you.

Remember, you are more than the likes, comments, and shares. You are a powerful, beautiful soul with a purpose, and no amount of online noise can ever change that. Take the time to listen to your own voice, and you’ll find all the answers you’ve been searching for.

Until next time, keep shining, keep healing, and keep being unapologetically you.

With love and light,
DeAnna