Faith and Trauma: The Shattering and Restoration of Faith
Faith and trauma
God and Trauma: The Shattering and Restoration of Faith
This article is not about religion or God in a traditional sense, but rather about building a connection to something greater—whether that be nature, spirit, or the divine as each individual understands it.
Does trauma destroy faith, or does it refine it? Can suffering become the doorway to divine connection? And if God exists, why does He allow suffering? These are questions that many grapple with when faced with profound trauma. Some find that trauma is the moment where belief dies—a wound so deep that faith is lost in the abyss of suffering. For others, trauma is where faith is born, a crucible where the presence of God is experienced most profoundly. How does suffering lead some to lose belief and others to find it? And how do we confront the moral corruption of evil, both within individuals and society itself?
The Controversy of God - Does He Exist? Is He Responsible?
The existence of God has been a topic of debate for centuries, and trauma often intensifies this controversy. Some argue that an all-powerful, all-loving God would not allow suffering, while others believe that suffering serves a divine purpose beyond human comprehension. I was raised in an environment where God was mocked, and I was not allowed to say prayers at school with the other children. My mother insisted I be removed from class during prayer time. Consequently, God didn’t exist in my heart during childhood. However, darkness resided within me; trauma created the cracks where it seeped through.
The question of why a just God would allow suffering remains one of the greatest theological and philosophical dilemmas. Some believe suffering results from human free will, where individuals can choose paths of destruction or redemption (Lewis, 1940). Others suggest suffering refines faith, shaping individuals into beings of wisdom and resilience (Frankl, 1959). Neuroscientific studies on post-traumatic growth suggest that trauma can rewire the brain, making individuals more spiritually attuned and compassionate (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996).
Living in the Abyss - The Psychological Isolation of Trauma
Trauma itself is deeply isolating, as if you are living in an abyss. As Jordan Peterson (2018) said, “If you stare at the abyss long enough, the abyss stares back.” Many find this a frightening concept; however, with deep trauma, you eventually stare through the internal darkness and find the light. A core experience of isolation is the profound and pathological changes that occur following trauma, such as being incapable or too afraid to experience connection again.
From a psychological perspective, complex trauma (C-PTSD) and PTSD manifest in ways that further deepen this isolation:
Emotional Numbing: The inability to feel joy, love, or deep connection due to persistent emotional shutdown (Van der Kolk, 2014).
Hypervigilance and Mistrust: A constant state of alertness that makes relationships and social interactions feel threatening (Herman, 1992).
Avoidance and Withdrawal: Actively avoiding people, places, and activities that may trigger painful memories or emotions.
Dissociation: A feeling of detachment from oneself and reality, making connection with others seem impossible.
Distorted Self-Perception: Believing oneself to be unworthy of love or doomed to repeat past suffering.
In many ways, disconnection and isolation protect us from the pain of losing again or having our trust broken through allowing anyone in. However, this is where building a connection with the spirit that moves in all things or God becomes the first step on the path to recovery. Many Indigenous cultures emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of spiritual healing in overcoming trauma.
Indigenous Perspectives on Healing and Connection
Many Native American traditions teach that nature is a sacred teacher. The wind, rivers, trees, and animals all carry wisdom that can help a wounded soul heal. The Lakota phrase “Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ” translates to “We are all related”—emphasising that healing cannot happen in isolation but through community, storytelling, and the wisdom of elders (Deloria, 2006). In many traditions, the Great Spirit resides in the East, and that is where we can begin to look for connection, renewal, and guidance. The East represents new beginnings, illumination, and clarity, making it a powerful direction for those seeking healing after trauma.
Some Indigenous traditions and esoteric teachings also suggest that the sun is more than a celestial body—it is a portal to higher consciousness and divine energy. Physicist Nassim Haramein theorises that the sun acts as a cosmic stargate, a conduit for interdimensional energy and transformation (Haramein, 2012). Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Mayans, revered the sun as a gateway between the physical and spiritual realms. This perspective aligns with the idea that turning toward the East, where the sun rises, is not just a symbolic gesture but a tangible path to spiritual awakening and guidance.
Finding Faith in the Depths of Despair
Paradoxically, many trauma survivors find God not in the absence of suffering, but within it. Some describe encountering God in moments of despair, feeling His presence when human strength had failed them (Tippett, 2016). 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." This reflects how suffering can lead to greater empathy and a deeper connection to others in pain.
The Devil in Society - Moral Corruption and the Perpetrators of Trauma
Socrates argued that suffering and hardship are often the catalysts for wisdom and self-discovery. He believed that true knowledge and virtue come not from avoiding pain but from engaging with it, understanding its meaning, and transforming it into growth (Plato, trans. 1997). However, suffering can also morally corrupt the heart and soul of humanity. Those who have experienced profound suffering may replicate it, as isolation and pain influence free will. Many who commit atrocities do so under the slow decay of moral corruption, where self-interest, power, and dehumanisation erode conscience (Baumeister, 1997).
Deuteronomy 30:19 discusses the theme of free will and moral choice: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." This passage proposes that humans have the power to choose between destruction and redemption.
God in the Ruins
Trauma is a destructive force, but it also reveals. Whether it erodes faith or builds it from the ashes depends on the journey of the human soul. Much like the journey from birth, where we are severed from God, life itself becomes the road home. For some, God is lost in trauma; for others, He is found there. Faith in the aftermath of trauma is never the same—but perhaps, in its transformation, it becomes more profound than before. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 reinforces this idea: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
By embracing both suffering and healing, we move closer to spiritual renewal, rediscovering faith amid the ruins of trauma.
Baumeister, R. (1997). Evil: Inside human cruelty and violence. New York: W.H. Freeman.
Deloria, V. (2006). The world we used to live in: Remembering the powers of the medicine men. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing.
Frankl, V. (1959). Man’s search for meaning. Boston: Beacon Press.
Haramein, N. (2012). Quantum gravity and the holographic mass. Physical Review & Research International, 2(4), pp. 270-292.
Herman, J. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. New York: Basic Books.
Kimmerer, R.W. (2013). Braiding sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants. Minneapolis: Milkweed Editions.
Lewis, C.S. (1940). The problem of pain. London: Geoffrey Bles.
Luttichau, C. (2018). Animal spirits: The kingdom of the soul. London: Rider.
Peterson, J. (2018). 12 rules for life: An antidote to chaos. Toronto: Random House Canada.
Plato (trans. 1997). The Republic. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Tedeschi, R.G. & Calhoun, L.G. (1996). The posttraumatic growth inventory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(3), pp. 455-471.
Tippett, K. (2016). Becoming wise: An inquiry into the mystery and art of living. New York: Penguin Random House.
Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York: Viking.
Are we who we think we are?
Are we who we think we are?
Breaking the Chains of the Past: How generational Maladaptive Schemas Shape Our Lives and How to Heal
The Invisible Chains of Generational Trauma
Have you ever noticed you keep repeating the same painful patterns in relationships, career, or self-esteem that you noticed either your parents, siblings or grandparents and other family members repeat? Why you sabotage yourself, feel unworthy, or struggle to trust others? The answer may reside in deep-seated patterns called Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS)—unconscious blueprints formed in childhood and passed down via genetics that shape how we see ourselves and the world.
Schema Therapy, developed by Jeffrey Young, offers a powerful framework for understanding and healing certain aspects of trauma induced belief systems. Schemas act as mental programs running in the background, influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours (Young et al., 2003) and are charged with a strong emotional tone that creates a biological response to these systems. If left unchallenged, they govern our relationships, self-worth, and ability to cope with life’s constant issues.
What Are Early Maladaptive Schemas?
Schemas are deeply ingrained beliefs about ourselves and the world, formed in early childhood based on our experiences. When these experiences are painful—such as neglect, criticism, abuse, or excessive control—schemas develop to 'protect' us but often keep us trapped in unhealthy cycles (Arntz & Jacob, 2012).
Think of a schema as a certain cloak or as some North American aboriginals call them “Robes” . If you wear ‘abandonment’ robes, you’ll always fear that people will leave you. If you wear ‘defectiveness’ robes, you’ll constantly feel unworthy of love. These robes shape every aspect of life—until we take them off and see reality for what it truly is.
How Maladaptive Schemas Are Formed
Schemas often arise from unmet core emotional needs in childhood (Young et al., 2003). However, research also indicates that schemas are passed down through generations as inherited psychological patterns, much like genetic predispositions for mental health conditions. Epigenetic studies indicate that trauma and stress can affect telomeres—the protective caps on chromosomes—leading to heightened vulnerability to mental health issues across generations (Meaney, 2018). This means we are not only shaped by our early experiences but are also born with predispositions to certain schemas/robes/ diagnosis, which can be activated through life trauma.
In many Indigenous traditions, particularly among North American cultures, these inherited psychological patterns are often referred to as 'robes'—symbolic burdens passed down from ancestors, containing the unresolved pain, beliefs, and behaviours of previous generations. The concept of 'robes' suggests that we wear the emotional experiences of our lineage, and healing involves recognising, acknowledging, and consciously shedding these inherited patterns. Many Indigenous teachings emphasise that we must engage in ceremony, storytelling, and connection to nature to release these burdens and rewrite our personal and ancestral stories (Deloria, 2006).
The Myth of the Family Curse: The Psychological Legacy of Trauma
Across cultures, intergenerational trauma is often described as a "family curse"—a recurring cycle of suffering that seems impossible to escape. This myth reflects a psychological reality, where trauma, unresolved pain, and maladaptive schemas are unconsciously passed down through generations.
It is well documented that traumatic experiences can alter stress response systems in ways that influence the emotional and psychological development of descendants (Yehuda et al., 2016). Families affected by abandonment, abuse, addiction, or dysfunction often reinforce self-fulfilling patterns, where inherited schemas shape beliefs, behaviours, and relational dynamics (Fonagy et al., 2002). Causing the person to repeat cycles of lives which are not even theirs.
Many Indigenous and cultural traditions acknowledge this phenomenon. Some Native American teachings refer to these patterns as “burdens carried in the blood”, while other traditions describe them as "ancestral wounds"—psychic imprints of past trauma (Kirmayer et al., 2014). Van der Kolk (2014) highlights how trauma is not just an event but a biological and relational legacy, often experienced as fate rather than something that can be changed. However, I have never accepted that we can not shape and choose our fate, I believe we are all in the image of the original creator and if we use discipline and bravery our fortitude can shape and change reality.
Breaking the "family curse" requires awareness, intentional healing, and breaking dysfunctional patterns. This involves recognising inherited schemas, challenging limiting beliefs, and seeking support and guidance on spiritual practices that foster transformation. Interventions like Schema Therapy, EMDR, and ancestral healing work can help individuals disrupt the cycle and create a new narrative for future generations (Schore, 2012).
Some common origins of schemas include:
Neglect or emotional deprivation → Schema: "My needs don’t matter."
Harsh criticism or abuse → Schema: "I am defective or unlovable."
Overcontrol or perfectionism → Schema: "I must be perfect to be accepted."
Instability or abandonment → Schema: "People I love will leave me."
Excessive indulgence without limits → Schema: "I am entitled to do whatever I want."
These patterns start as childhood survival mechanisms but become prison walls in adulthood.
The Five Core Schema Domains
According to Schema Therapy, maladaptive schemas are grouped into five broad domains (Young et al., 2003):
Disconnection & Rejection – Fear of abandonment, mistrust, emotional deprivation.
Impaired Autonomy & Performance – Feeling incapable, dependent, or like a failure.
Impaired Limits – Struggles with self-control or entitlement.
Other-Directedness – Prioritising others over oneself to gain approval.
Overvigilance & Inhibition – Excessive self-criticism, perfectionism, or emotional suppression.
Schemas and Mental Health Diagnoses
"While everyone has some level of maladaptive schemas, when multiple schemas cluster together, they can contribute to more severe mental health diagnoses. Research suggests that certain schema profiles correlate strongly with specific psychiatric conditions (Bach & Bernstein, 2019):
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Often linked to a combination of the Abandonment, Mistrust/Abuse, Emotional Deprivation, and Defectiveness schemas. This creates a fear of rejection, unstable self-image, and emotional dysregulation seen in BPD (Young et al., 2003).
Psychosis & Schizophrenia – Strongly associated with social isolation schemas (Mistrust, Emotional Deprivation, and Defectiveness), combined with Disconnection & Rejection domains. Childhood trauma plays a significant role in schema activation leading to dissociation, paranoid beliefs, and detachment from reality (Giesen-Bloo et al., 2006).
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) – Often driven by Defectiveness and Grandiosity schemas, where underlying feelings of unworthiness are masked by an exaggerated sense of superiority. These individuals often overcompensate to avoid emotional vulnerability (Arntz et al., 2021).
Chronic Depression & Anxiety Disorders – Typically result from persistent Failure, Pessimism, and Emotional Deprivation schemas, reinforcing self-doubt and hopelessness. Individuals with strong Overvigilance & Inhibition schemas may also struggle with perfectionism and excessive self-criticism, contributing to anxiety disorders (Renner et al., 2013).
Understanding these schema clusters provides insight into why certain conditions develop and how Schema Therapy can be tailored to treat them effectively."
How Schemas Affect Daily Life
Schemas manifest in daily life in ways that may seem normal but are actually deep-rooted, repetitive patterns. Consider these examples:
A woman with an Abandonment schema constantly tests her partner’s love, fearing rejection—even when no real threat exists.
A man with a Defectiveness schema avoids intimacy because he believes no one could truly love him if they knew ‘the real him.’
A professional with a Failure schema self-sabotages at work, feeling unworthy of success.
For many individuals, these self-defeating cycles form the basis of more severe mental health challenges. When multiple schemas cluster together, they reinforce pathological thought patterns and emotional dysregulation, contributing to diagnosable mental health conditions:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterised by intense emotional dysregulation, fear of abandonment, and unstable relationships. Individuals with BPD often have a combination of Abandonment, Mistrust/Abuse, Emotional Deprivation, and Defectiveness schemas, leading to impulsivity, extreme mood swings, and self-destructive behaviours (Young et al., 2003).
Psychosis & Schizophrenia: These conditions are linked to schemas within the Disconnection & Rejection domain, particularly Mistrust/Abuse, Emotional Deprivation, and Social Isolation schemas. Individuals may develop distorted perceptions of reality, paranoia, or dissociation, exacerbated by past relational trauma (Giesen-Bloo et al., 2006).
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Often associated with the Defectiveness and Grandiosity schemas. Underlying feelings of unworthiness are overcompensated by an inflated self-image, difficulty with criticism, and a need for excessive admiration (Arntz et al., 2021).
Chronic Depression & Anxiety Disorders: Persistent feelings of hopelessness, excessive self-criticism, and social withdrawal often stem from Failure, Pessimism, and Emotional Deprivation schemas. Individuals with strong Overvigilance & Inhibition schemas may experience perfectionism and chronic anxiety (Renner et al., 2013).
How Schemas Keep Themselves Alive (And How to Break the Cycle)
Schemas persist because they shape how we interpret and interact with the world from a micro to macro level. We unconsciously distort reality to confirm our deeply held beliefs (Arntz & Jacob, 2012). Three major coping styles maintain schemas:
Surrender: Accepting the schema as truth (e.g., always choosing toxic partners, repeating harmful patterns).
Avoidance: Escaping situations that trigger the schema (e.g., avoiding relationships, isolating, dissociating).
Overcompensation: Acting in extreme opposition (e.g., becoming overly controlling, aggressive, or detached to hide vulnerability).
For individuals with BPD, psychosis, schizophrenia, and NPD, these coping styles manifest in distinct ways. A person with BPD may engage in intense relational push-pull dynamics, someone experiencing psychosis may enter into delusions or paranoia, while an individual with NPD might overcompensate by inflating their self-importance to mask deep-seated shame.
Understanding these schema-driven mental health patterns is the first step toward breaking the cycle and engaging in deep, lasting healing.
Rewriting Your Story: Healing From Maladaptive and generational Schemas
The good news? Schemas / robes and even diagnosis do not have to be permanent. With specialised processing awareness and inner work, we can challenge these deeply held beliefs and rewrite the story of our lives. Healing involves:
Cognitive Awareness: Recognising the schema’s lies.
Self Discipline : managing your own schemas
Emotional Healing: Reconnecting and healing with the inner child.
Behavioural Change: Challenging old patterns through new experiences.
Specialised processing
Processing provides specific techniques which follow the thread of the schema and heals the original entry point. Working with the inner child by applying a form of imagery re-scripting, and cognitive restructuring to help individuals break free from schemas (Young et al., 2003). It also requires a spiritual / energetic approach to release the shadow from different layers of your presence.
Have you recognised any of these schemas in yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you're ready to dive deeper into healing, consider reaching out for support and or do your own research into this matter. Follow our blog for more insights on breaking free from past wounds.
References
Arntz, A. & Jacob, G. (2012). Schema Therapy in Practice: An Introductory Guide to the Schema Mode Approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Deloria, V. (2006). The World We Used to Live In: Remembering the Powers of the Medicine Men. Fulcrum Publishing.
Meaney, M.J. (2018). Perinatal maternal adversity, epigenetics, and programming of stress responses: Pathways to mental illness. Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(1), pp. 92-102.
Young, J.E., Klosko, J.S. & Weishaar, M.E. (2003). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide. New York: Guilford Press.
Childhood Trauma’s Grip on Identity
Have you or someone you know struggled with cPTSD and identity disturbances?
Have you ever wondered how early trauma shapes identity and future relationships? For many survivors of childhood abuse, the impact extends far beyond the initial trauma, affecting self-identity, emotional regulation, and vulnerability to further victimisation in adulthood. This post explores Complex PTSD (cPTSD), how it develops, and why recovery requires a deep understanding of trauma's long-term effects.
Growing up in a cPTSD environment not only changes the mechanics of your brain and internal systems, but it also creates a less discussed issue: all red flags and butterflies feel the same. Meaning that as an adult, it was almost impossible for me to identify risk, as danger didn’t feel dangerous. Many people experience this and have to relearn the basic format of what is normal and what is not normal.
What is Complex PTSD?
Unlike standard PTSD, which is often linked to a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD results from prolonged, repeated exposure to trauma—especially within interpersonal relationships during childhood (Courtois & Ford, 2016). It is not yet fully recognised in the DSM-5 but has been acknowledged in the ICD-11. cPTSD includes the core PTSD symptoms but adds three distinct symptom clusters:
Emotion Processing Dysregulation – Intense emotional swings or numbing.
Self-Organisation Disruptions – Identity instability and bodily disconnection.
Relational Security Impairments – Deep-seated distrust or difficulty forming healthy relationships (Ford & Courtois, 2014).
This expanded framework helps explain why survivors of childhood abuse struggle with emotional regulation, self-worth, and interpersonal dynamics.
How Childhood Abuse Shapes Identity
Identity is formed through our experiences, relationships, and societal roles (Oyserman et al., 2012). Abuse, particularly when inflicted by primary caregivers, disrupts this process, leading to negative self-perception, maladaptive coping strategies, and emotional dysregulation. Survivors often develop “adaptive schemas”—mental frameworks based on their trauma—which reinforce negative beliefs about themselves and others (Courtois & Ford, 2016).
The Role of Emotional Dysregulation
Early trauma disrupts neurological development, particularly in the HPA axis, which governs stress responses. Repeated trauma leads to hyper-secretion of cortisol, causing:
Hyper-responsivity – Heightened stress reactivity.
Dissociation – Memory blocking to avoid distress.
Emotional Shutdown – Reduced ability to process feelings (Wieland, 2015).
These biological adaptations explain why survivors experience intense emotional states or emotional numbness, both key characteristics of cPTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and dissociative disorders (Schore, 2012).
The Link Between Childhood Abuse and Adult Re-Victimisation
Studies show that childhood abuse significantly increases the risk of adult victimisation. Research indicates that survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are 2 to 11 times more likely to experience further abuse in adulthood (Steele & Herlitz, 2003). Specific risks include:
Physical violence – 1.6 times more likely (Noll et al., 2003).
Sexual assault – 63% of CSA survivors experience rape after age 14 (Russell, 1986).
Repeated abusive relationships – Trauma bonding reinforces maladaptive relational patterns (Trippany et al., 2006).
These patterns stem from disorganised attachment styles, where survivors unconsciously seek familiar relational dynamics—even if they are harmful (Courtois & Ford, 2016).
Is BPD Trauma Reenactment Rather Than a Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder shares many symptoms with cPTSD, including emotional instability, fear of abandonment, and self-harm (Cloitre et al., 2014). Some researchers argue that BPD is not a personality disorder but rather a maladaptive response to early trauma (Miller, 1994). Survivors often reenact their trauma, engaging in:
High-intensity relationships – Reflecting early attachment wounds.
Self-harm – A coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions.
Impulsivity – Linked to hyperactive stress responses (Baird, 2008).
Reframing BPD as an emotional regulation disorder rather than a personality flaw could reduce stigma and lead to more effective trauma-focused treatments (Trippany et al., 2006).
Healing from Complex PTSD: A Phased Approach
Treating cPTSD requires a structured, phased approach due to its deep-rooted nature. The UK Psychological Trauma Society (UKPTS) suggests three key phases (UKPTS, 2016):
Phase 1: Safety and Stabilisation
Focuses on emotion regulation and coping strategies.
Methods include DBT, Interpersonal Affect Therapy (IAT), and CBT.
EMDR and Resource Development Installation (RDI) help reduce self-injurious behaviors (Korn, 2009).
Phase 2: Trauma Processing
Involves confronting and reprocessing traumatic memories.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and Imagery Rescripting and Reprocessing Therapy (IRRT) are effective for processing childhood trauma (Hall, 2016).
Phase 3: Reintegration
Focuses on rebuilding self-esteem, identity, and social connections.
Role-playing and goal-setting help survivors establish a stable sense of self (Courtois & Ford, 2016).
Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle
Childhood abuse leaves lasting imprints on identity, emotions, and relationships. Without intervention, survivors risk repeating traumatic patterns in adulthood. However, with the right treatment—particularly trauma-focused therapy—healing is possible. A phased approach incorporating emotional regulation, trauma processing, and identity reintegration can help survivors reclaim their lives.
If this resonates with you, seek out trauma-informed therapy or support groups. Healing is not linear, but with the right support, breaking the cycle of trauma is achievable.
References (Selected)
Courtois, C. A., & Ford, J. D. (2016). Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced Relationship-Based Approach. Guilford Press.
Ford, J. D., & Courtois, C. A. (2014). Complex PTSD, affect dysregulation, and borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 1(9).
Korn, D. L. (2009). EMDR and the Treatment of Complex PTSD: A Review. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(4).
Trippany, R. L., Helm, H. M., & Simpson, L. (2006). Trauma Reenactment: Rethinking Borderline Personality Disorder When Diagnosing Sexual Abuse Survivors. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 28(2).
Wieland, S. (2015). Dissociation in Traumatized Children and Adolescents: Theory and Clinical Interventions. Taylor & Francis.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.