Today we’d like to introduce you to Falin Thompson-Daniels.
Falin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
From as early as I can remember, as a young child I had to face tremendous obstacles and adversities. Part of that was me having to grow up without parents, no immediate positive role models, no home support of any, no structure and never knowing what it felt like to be loved. I lived life having to endure sexual abuse, physical abuse and psychological abuse as a small child and even well into my early adulthood. But, instead of allowing my circumstances to control me and dictate my life, I was eventually able to find the strength to overcome and excel. I made the decision to reclaim Beauty for Ashes, to take control of my own life and be determined to achieve more. Once I made the decision to gain control of my life and allow GOD to lead me, I was finally able to live and find my purpose in life. At age 24, I joined the Dallas Police Department, at that time I thought that was my only purpose and believed that it stopped there. It was not until a few years later in my career that I had an epiphany, I finally then understood what GOD wanted me to do. Although the journey was difficult, I continued to push through. My drive was and still is, my two beautiful daughters, Kayla and Kelsey. Even before them, I had in my mind that I would make all those that counted me out regret every thought. Though I made many mistakes, many I am not too proud of, but I now understand that they were just mistakes meant for me to learn from and grow from. I chose to find the positive in all of them, rather it was just a lesson learned or if it just taught me something about myself. I learned that I had to own my truth and play the cards that I was dealt to the best of my ability and trust in GOD.
After leaving home or what was considered by title as a home at the age of 16, I refused to look back and was determined to find my way through this thing called LIFE. Without a clue on which direction to go, without anyone’s guidance I headed out, I tried to remain dedicated to have more and become more. I promised myself that I would not allow my situation to define me and that I had purpose. As a police officer, I finally experienced my own childhood and young adulthood from the outside. I was no longer the victim, but instead a protector. I share so much with the people I encounter and even at times I can see myself in their situation with their stories and details so similar to those of my own, but this time it was my job to help and not be helped. To hear victim after victim say to me, “You don’t understand”, would bother me so, because little did they know that I did and do understand all too well, that I had once had been exactly where they were. I found myself no longer being satisfied with only helping while on duty, but I believed in my heart that I could and would inspire so many on an unimaginable level. The things that I once were embarrassed and ashamed of, were the very blessings that I once did not see as such. A few years ago I finally got to a level of maturity and self-growth, and finally accepted what GOD’s plan was for me, that I would use my position as a police officer as my platform to inspire, motivate, and encourage as many people as I can and even catch the attention of those that will try to ignore. I have accepted that I may not be able to help everyone, but for those that I can, I will, and I am.
I finally crossed the hurdle of my own depression and suicidal ideation, and realized that my past was finally starting to take its toll on me and that I was breaking, but by GOD’s grace and mercy, I was able to pull it together and for the first time in my life, IM HAPPY and at PEACE. Surely, there were things that I had not envisioned for myself in my adult life and so desperately wanted to prevent, but with GOD, I’m still standing, but not just standing, I’m shinning with a glow of BEAUTY from the inside out and I love every moment of it and I’m so very grateful.
To finally be in a positive state of good mental health, and no longer having to pretend feels incredible. I finally accepted my life’s purpose and became a MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, but I am not stopping there, I cannot. I am currently in the process of starting my own non-profit outreach organization
(BEAUTY for ASHES OUTREACH). I have already begun the first part of my new journey, by speaking. COVID-19 has put a few upcoming engagements on hold, but also has allowed me the time to complete my first book -Titled: Beauty for Ashes (Part 1 of a 3-part volume). I am excited as I have completed 90% of the project. With my books, my readers will be able to go on my life’s journey. From the foundation of what my life was to the effects it had on me then to who I have become today. My readers will get to see that out of sadness and hurt will come strength and triumph.
Has it been a smooth road
Oh no, heck no.? It has not been a smooth road, by far. But I have learned that the bumps in the road can straighten out in the end if you choose to allow GOD to be the construction worker. I struggled with just accepting what was and not questioning the whys. I struggled with being in denial of what the effects of my past had on me in my adulthood. I struggled mostly with having to acknowledge that I needed help and that it was okay to cry and to forgive myself for the many things I did that I did not understand why I did them at that time. But most of all, I struggled with forgiving GOD, for giving me the life that he did. Once I forgave him for that and admitted to myself that I did need his love and to be wrapped in his arms, I was then able to let it all go and start my healing and become a better woman and a better mother and now I’m able to fulfill my purpose.
Please tell us about your work.
As a motivational speaker and now author, I can connect with so many people on various topics. As a speaker, I can be anywhere, I am not just stationary or in one city. My work can be shared city to city, country to country, so I am able to help people across the world. I’m most proud of what I once was ashamed of, “MY ASHES” and the gift in that is being able to connect with my audience through their ashes and being able to be with them through their victories “BEAUTY” that will follow. I am proud to say that my audience and or readers and I share real life experiences- no textbook learned things, but straight life experiences.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I am going all in. I want to have a central location for everyone but focused primarily on the youth. For them to have a place to learn whatever it is that they may be lacking in order to become a success and maintain success in life. I am going to have a program geared towards encouraging people to wipe, blow, or wash the ashes away and enjoy the beauty of life and the beauty within. My goal as it relates to my books “Beauty for Ashes” will be to have them in schools, the topics that I speak on within my books start at the school-age for many. I want to be able to grasp the youth, as many as I can before life gets too out of control and it becomes too much of a challenge for them to get a grip on. My goal is also to contribute to exposing abuse of any kind and tech those that may not understand that abuse of any kind is not acceptable, and they do not have to endure it, regardless of their situation. I want to be all about promoting self-love, self-respect, and self-worth.
Contact Info:
- Address: Beauty for Ashes: P.O. Box 164, Midlothian TX 76065
- Phone: (214) 534-1022
- Email: beautyforashes34@gmail.com or danielsfalin@gmail.com
- Instagram: fals_life
- Facebook: Falin Daniels
Image Credit:
Flashing Lights Photography BY: Chandler
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