“Hey White Boy”: How a Prison Mentor Led Me from Pain to Purpose
When an innocent child falls prey to ruthless sexual predators, this sends him down the path seeking safety in the only place he can find it…the justice system. By engaging in criminal activity, he found the only way he knew to escape the abuse. After years in and out of trouble, one day from the adjacent prison stall he heard a voice call out “Hey White Boy”, and that man whose voice this belonged to would end up making a significant impact in his life, leading him on his personal journey to healing. This man became his mentor, and not only changed his life, but set him on the trajectory to impact many other lives by sharing his powerful story.
In this episode of Through the Trauma podcast, host Amber Larkins speaks with Sonny Von Cleveland, who shares his harrowing journey from childhood sexual trauma and abuse to finding healing and purpose. Sonny discusses the importance of mentorship, the transformative power of literature, and how he now helps others through his work with a cat cafe that provides a therapeutic environment for both animals and people. The conversation emphasizes the significance of kindness, compassion, and the impact of sharing one's story as a means of healing.
Takeaways
- Childhood trauma is often hidden and overlooked.
- Mentorship can be a powerful catalyst for change.
- Literature can provide profound insights and healing.
- Sharing stories helps in the healing process.
- Kindness and compassion can transform lives.
- Animals can provide therapeutic benefits to humans.
- You can change your life at any moment.
- Your past does not define your future.
- The importance of creating safe spaces for healing.
- Everyone has the potential to inspire others.
Website
Foundation
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https://youtube.com/@sonnyvoncleveland?si=9eJZe7yoVoUtC2W7
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Sound Bites
- "I can talk about it like the weather."
- "You are worthy of the life of your dreams."
- "Dream big, dream so big it scares you.
Keywords
trauma, healing, mentorship, kindness, compassion, cat cafe, childhood abuse, transformation, storytelling, redemption
