Hello, and welcome! We’re so glad you’re here! We are Ida and Sierra, a mother and daughter each on our own unique healing journey.
Thriving Without is founded on our belief that mental and emotional well-being is a right, not a privilege, and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. If you’ve ever felt that self-help advice is out of reach because it depends on money or time or resources you just don’t have, you’re in the right place. We’re here to share what we’ve learned, and what we continue to learn, about Thriving Without these. Because sometimes, the only resource you have is you.
About Ida
I’m Ida – momma, nana, chaos wrangler, eternal student, chronic oversharer, and enthusiastic hot mess. I grew up in extreme poverty, in a family steeped in generational abuse, neglect, and trauma. Becoming a mother was a turning point for me; I was determined that my children would have a different upbringing. Through years of hard work and grabbing every chance I saw to get ahead, I broke free from that life and built a better one for them.
We broke many generational cycles in our little family, but it took decades longer, and a lot of self healing for me to understand that we have so many more to overcome. I desperately wish I’d known decades what I’ve learned about myself and healing in the last few years.
It’s my dream that what we share here will help others make progress on their own healing much sooner in life. I want you to know that you’re not alone. There are so many of us out here who share similar backgrounds and struggles. We may not all have the same resources or be at the same stage in life, but we all have each other.
About Sierra
I’m Sierra – mama, big sister, little sister, chronic overthinker, and anxiety riddled perfectionist. I grew up “weird,” raised in an “alternative lifestyle home.” My mom did her best to prepare my siblings and I for the world; emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, and I love the person I am because of her efforts. I left home with an open heart, ready to give love and understanding and compassion to a world I thought would reciprocate those feelings. Instead I was met with cruel words and hurtful assumptions based on what people thought I was. A freak, a hippy, a literal psychopath. Maybe I am, but I love with my whole heart. I love people for who they are. Every tic, every bruise, every hair out of place, every neurotic tendency they try to hide from everyone else. I believe that everyone deserves to be loved for who they truly are, without hiding pieces they are ashamed of. We all deserve real, true love. I think that’s what’s missing in the world. While this isn’t exactly how I imagined I’d do it, I want to help people. Honestly, I hope to help
We hope that you’ll find comfort, encouragement, support, and hope here.
