The Moment That Made My Chapter Worth Writing
As you know from my last two newsletters, I’ve recently become a published author again for the second time!
Chapter 8
Before I Knew What Trauma Was
Breathing Back Into The Safety Someone Gave You
This time I wrote a tribute to my sister, Helen, whose love and protection became a powerful source of resilience long before I understood the effects of childhood trauma.
It’s a story of family, hope, and the lasting impact of positive childhood experiences. This story highlights the protective relationship that helped shape my resilience. That gift shaped my life’s work as a yoga therapist, helping others rediscover safety in their own bodies.
What you don’t know, unless you bought the book, is that the falling out with family that I write about, and the subsequent reconnection of Helen and I after ten years of separation, mentions my decision to reconnect was not a popular decision with the rest of the family.
My nieces from my brother’s family grew up not knowing Helen, nor did they even bring Helen up in discussion all those years. Part of my reason for writing about my family history both last year and this year was:
- To share how learning about trauma helped me understand the whys of my childhood experience (last year’s chapter, “The Whys Matter” Ancestral Wisdom Heals Trauma History) and
- To share how much Helen’s presence in my life growing up was crucial to who I am today. A positive childhood experience helps protect children from the lasting effects of adversity by creating emotional safety, reducing stress, and reminding them they are deeply loved.
Once Helen passed, my desire to write about it grew stronger and when approached to join this collaborative book about Brave Families, it seemed like a perfect platform to do just that.
But all along the underlying reason that tugged at my heart was to heal the disconnect in my family, even if just to be able to share why Helen mattered to me. I wasn’t ever asked or given the space to explain just how much Helen’s presence in my early years gave me a safe place to simply be loved and feel safe.
“I’m so proud of my amazing aunt, who is now a published author—twice! ❤️
Understanding our roots, family dynamics, and the traumas that have shaped our families can help us better understand ourselves and empower us to create a healthier future for the generations that follow.
I just finished reading her chapter (Chapter 8) and have started exploring the other inspiring stories in the book. It’s currently on sale on Kindle for only $1.99, so if you’re looking for a thoughtful book to help you navigate similar situations, I encourage you to check it out. Since each chapter is a different person’s story, it’s perfect to read while waiting for an appointment, sipping your morning coffee, or before bed.
On a personal note, it was meaningful to gain insight into a side of my Aunt Helen, my Aunt Sandy’s and my dad’s older sister, that I had never known growing up. It was a powerful reminder that we rarely know the full story of what someone has experienced or is carrying with them. My Aunt Sandy’s chapter gave me a deeper understanding of my Aunt Helen and helped me see her through a lens of compassion and appreciation. She seemed more relatable than ever before and more like an aunt aka someone I am a part of. It reinforced the importance of looking for the good in others, because every person has a story that shapes who they are.”
THAT right there. THAT was my REASON for writing this chapter! Instant tears as I read her post! It broke my heart open!
Without the vehicle of a “chapter to be read” vs a “talk” that never seemed to happen, I was able to communicate just how my sister Helen impacted and influenced my life to my nieces (Angie and her sister both read my chapter). It would not have happened otherwise.
It has meant a huge deal to me to have made that happen. It is part of my purpose. When asked what my why was for this chapter, of course it was to honor Helen’s impact in my life, number one. But also to give her influence a floor with those I love who didn’t know Helen’s impact in my life.This chapter was a huge gift to my family! I will never forget the chills I got when I read Angie’s post. Never.
Thank you to the lead author, Jean Voice Dart and to Laura DiFranco and team at Brave Healer Productions for making this chapter happen!
Namasté,
Sandy Krzyzanowski
Better Day Yoga, LLC
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Mail to: 5024 Oxborough Gardens
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443-3990
(612) 708 6900
Two wonderful events in support of this best-selling book are:
The Brave Families Summit coming up August 5-6 from 12-5 CST
You’re Not Alone In This
If you’ve ever felt like your family’s story doesn’t fit the mold—you’re not alone.
So many families carry hard moments quietly: grief, divorce, disability, adoption, identity, healing from trauma. Not because something is wrong with them, but because no one ever showed them a safe place to talk about it.
That’s why I’m honored to be part of the Brave Families Book Summit (August 5–6, 2026)—a free live virtual event bringing together 25 courageous authors from the book Brave Families: The Ultimate Guide to Long-Lasting, Loving Relationships.
This 2-day event is designed to help you:
✔ feel less alone in what your family is facing
✔ hear real stories from people who’ve lived it
✔ walk away with practical tools you can use right away
In my session, August 5 at 12:30 PM CST, I’ll be sharing what the Kaiser Permanente adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study covers and help families counteract these experiences.
If this has been on your heart—even quietly—this is a beautiful place to start.
👉 Save your free spot here: https://stream.vibrantfamilyeducation.com/bfs-event-080526
Brave Families Caring Community meeting monthly starting August 14th 11 AM CST.
Where do families go when life gets complicated? The Brave Families Caring Community!
Join Jean Voice Dart, Psychotherapist & Host, with expert guests Kristina Heagh‑Avritt, Educator, and Jennifer Lauren Burkhart, Occupational Therapist, for a safe, 30‑minute Zoom gathering.
15 minutes of expert insights
15 minutes of off‑camera time, with safe Q&A
Friday, August 14, 2026
9 AM PT / 11 AM CST / 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK
I’ll be speaking on October 9 but will be in attendance for many of the dates!
Check out the website to register and find out more.
https://jeanvoicedart.com/bravefamilies
#BetterDayYoga
#BraveHealerProductions
#JeanVoiceDart
