Today we’d like to introduce you to Taya Kyle.
Taya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have had a roller coaster life full of blessings bigger than I ever imagined and lows, lower than I ever imagined. My husband was Chris Kyle, known as ‘The American Sniper’. Through the tragedy of losing him, I have seen God work in my life to not only lift me up, and strengthen me, but to teach me resilience in a way I couldn’t have gotten any other way. I don’t believe God orchestrated the bad. I am comfortable with the notion of a loving God doing that in order to strengthen us, but as I have researched it more, I do not believe it was God at all. The free will of man has led to evil. God will see us through it and show he is able to do good through ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Everyone – even a toddler – struggles. Our perception of what a struggle is changes the more we grow and what we experience in life. It’s easy to judge others – even a parent can judge a child’s struggle saying, “Trust me, this isn’t a big deal.” I do not believe that is the right way to handle another person’s suffering. We have to maintain compassion for what they are feeling, acknowledge it and let them feel it. Then, encourage them in ways to grow from it. I have learned, all parts of the process are important. Experiencing the grief of what we wanted, acknowledging what happened, and making a choice to persevere are all important parts of getting through struggle. I also learned, with grief in particular, it is an individual journey even if you share the loss of the same person with others. There are common parts of the process, but the timing of how each one plays out is not as predictable. As I grieved, I learned what true submission and acceptance is. There were no shortcuts. Only pain and time. Having said that, I also tried multiple kinds of therapy including forms of EMDR like ETTIA (color therapy), ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), Acupuncture, Psoas muscle release, exercise, hugs (over 20 seconds alters brain chemicals lowering anxiety and blood pressure and improving mood). I am a firm believer we owe it to ourselves and everyone we love to do everything we can to get better.
Please tell us about Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.
I am first and foremost driving myself to become closer and more in tune with God. I am a mother of two children who constantly amaze and inspire me, second. Third, I am an author, public speaker, co-founder of Warrior Collections (a badass jewelry line releasing launching Memorial Day 2020), and the Executive Director of Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (CKFF), where our mission is to help service members keep their families intact while they serve.
I hear a quote once, “Vulnerability is my superpower.” I feel that does sum up a lot of what I do. I have been transparent and vulnerable in sharing the truth of hardship, resilience and perseverance.
A major part of healing is knowing you are not alone. I didn’t know how important this was until Chris and I shared our story and, as is often the case, in hindsight. I am learning, I see things differently than most people do. Sharing what I have experienced and what has gotten me through has helped others, which is really the only reason to do it. I also see a universality to pain and the choices we have when dealing with it. I also find the ability to laugh, cry and be inspired by the pain is something we all need. I am able to provide that because it is the way I have survived both in life with the traumas Chris and I faced and since his passing. Most people don’t know about the onslaught of battles happening after Chris’s death. Those have been incredibly painful. I wouldn’t wish them on anyone. I am also not blind to the way they have changed me. My gratitude for the changes is immense.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
In public speaking and in books, I believe people are continuing to want more relatable, transparent content. We are a busy society. Things that are delivered in a way that helps us feel balanced, grounded and intrigued, are invaluable. All of my projects are designed to meet these needs. We are not just workers and producers. We are souls who deeply need to be connected to our inner selves. In a busy world, we need to do that in ways that are realistic. My children’s book series, released within the year, called Prayers for Bears is an example. It is short and digestible for kids. The content is relatable for all ages. It helps readers and children feel they can breathe more easily in our chaotic world. The concepts are universal. The same is true for my speaking and other books coming out, although those are designed more for teenagers and older.
With Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, we are finding our work to be on the forefront of a new methodology for healing in service families. The dynamic is different than in civilian families. The truth is: suicides, drug and alcohol addiction, untreated PTS affect members in all families. In service families, there are tools we have been able to provide through 4 unique programs implemented over a two year period, that change the family dynamic and the negative effects of service for all involved. We have been blessed to work with Baylor University and the Department of Defense through Military One Source. In addition, we have been so fortunate to connect with thought leaders and difference-makers in Washington, D.C. I believe we will see a big change in the way society views and helps service families as this conversation escalates and a light is shown on a darkness previously unaddressed. I am hopeful and prayerful, as more people understand the dynamic, lives can be changed and improved for those who are willing to risk it all so the rest of us can live free.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tayakyle.com, www.warriorcollections.com
- Instagram: @tayakyle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TayaKyleAmericanWife/
- Other: https://www.chriskylefrogfoundation.org
Taya Kyle partners with designer Angela Zatopek to launch Warrior Collections on Memorial Day 2020.
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
