I'm Deborah Ann Martin
I'm not a therapist.
I'm not an Expert.
But I’ve survived a lot of things that were meant to break me. Some almost succeeded.
We Are Surviving Life Lessons
I don’t have a psychology degree- but I do have a degree in life experiences. I’ve walked through the fire and come out the other side, learning hard lessons along the way. Like so many others, I’ve gained wisdom from lived moments, shared stories, and unexpected sources.
This space was created to share those lessons, with the hope that they bring comfort, clarity, or even just a sense that you’re not alone. Whether you're facing something now or reflecting on where you've been, you’ll find insight, connection, and maybe even a little peace here.
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. 2Corinthians 3-4 (NIV)
I’ve been the child no one stood up for.
I’ve been the woman no one stayed for.
I’ve been the woman who didn’t think she mattered.
I’ve been a sailor before there were laws to protect us
I’ve been the single mom holding it all with just a prayer.
I’ve been the mom working, juggling activities, and earning my MBA.
And I’ve been the cancer patient told, “You’ve got a 17% chance.”
I'm a mom of four, a grandmother, and someone who finds joy despite the chaos of life. Family means everything to me, especially the sound of my kids and grandkids laughing. Through life’s struggles, I’ve learned not to wait for things to get easier to start living. With God, family, friends, and even strangers by my side, I’ve found ways to enjoy life, whether through free adventures or simple moments that remind me to feel alive.
Why I Started This Site
There are several reasons why I started this site:
I realized that when I was diagnosed with cancer, you can’t take your material things, but you can take all the wisdom you learned from overcoming life’s obstacles.
COVID has sent people into their homes, and people have lost their sense of community. People aren’t sharing with other people in person
When I was struggling, God sent people to help me who had already been through what I was facing into my life. Sometimes they stayed for a long time, a season, sometimes just a moment—but they helped me take the next step.
Technology has become the tool everyone is using to communicate. Families don’t share life lessons, the older generation no longer shares with the younger, and knowledge is being lost. If people are using technology to communicate life’s lessons, then we need to give people a way to share them.
What You’ll Find Here
Real stories from real people who’ve survived tough things
A place to share your own story when you're ready
Forums for support, questions, and honest conversation
Resource pages with local and national help lines, community programs, and support options
Encouragement, laughter, and the reminder that you're not alone.
One Last Thing
I’m not here to pretend I have it all figured out.
I’m not here to fix anyone.
Whatever you’re going through, someone has walked a similar road—and they made it through. Maybe their story can help you take your next step.
And maybe, one day, your story will help someone else do the same.
Welcome to Surviving Life Lessons.
Come as you are. Leave with hope.