We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brita Peterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brita , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I grew up a competitive athlete, strong, motivated and healthy. After I got married and started having kids, my physical and mental health began to decline. I went from doctor to doctor trying to find answers to why my body wasn’t working like I wanted it to. I pushed through the debilitating depression, anxiety and long list of health issues, fighting for my life. My mission is to help people find the beauty in being broken through chronic illness. I am passionate about sharing my story so I can help others find hope along the way. There were so many moments that were so difficult for me to keep getting through each day and I want to reach as many people as I can to let them know healing is possible. That they can get through each day and find the little windows of beauty along the way.
Brita , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I first decided to write my book, “Getting Through Today: How Chronic Illness Taught Me The Beauty in Being Broken” for myself to heal. But as I wrote it, I decided sharing it was important so I could reach others that might be going through similar things. My book tells my story and I want people to know that even when they have lost hope, there are ways to heal and modalities to try. I also have a new song that I released called “Beautiful Broken” that goes along with how I have felt navigating such an impossible journey. It’s been hard, but I am so grateful to where I am today and thankful that I am feeling better. I am also about to release a program called SHIFT – helping people find beauty in being broken, through chronic illness. I am also available to help mentor others who are struggling and need help along the way.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Throughout my journey I have relied on music and writing to help me heal. I write music and it has really helped me express myself even when I didn’t have the words to speak. Music has been a sort of therapy for me as I have been able to write my feelings into songs. It is so beautiful to see the reactions of others that have read my book or hear my music, to see them so touched and inspired by what I have written during my hard times. I love connecting with others and being vulnerable enough to share my thoughts, words and music. It has helped me to build connections I would never have, if I had kept my creations all to myself. Creating has been a great way to keep my mind going even when my body wasn’t able to do the things I wanted it to.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I was young, playing sports and punishing my body, I never thought I’d lose the ability to get up and do anything I wanted. As my health started shutting my body down, I had to learn to fight a battle against an invisible illness. As I got new diagnosis and answers, it was hard to keep going. I struggled with depression and learned a whole new level of fighting to survive. It was really hard to keep going some days. I relied on my family and God to help me keep going and I knew that I couldn’t give up. I was sick for many years and it was so frustrating to lie in bed and rest. I just wanted to be the mom and wife I had always dreamed of. As I am feeling better I am so proud of myself for getting through each moment and never giving up. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.britapeterson.com
- Instagram: brita.peterson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084813215538
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/brita-bigler-peterson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/britapeterson
Image Credits
Kandice Hilton – Instagram: hilton_creative_co