International We Are Not Broken Day: Embracing Strength and Resilience on January 17th

International We Are Not Broken Day: Embracing Strength and Resilience on January 17th

International We Are Not Broken Day, observed annually on January 17, is a day dedicated to celebrating the resilience and strength of individuals who have faced adversity. This observance serves as a powerful reminder that challenges, hardships, and scars—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—do not define a person’s worth or potential. The day encourages people to embrace their journeys, celebrate their triumphs, and support others in their paths to healing and empowerment. 

The term trauma usually refers to severe physical or mental injury. Major causes of physical trauma are falls, motor vehicle collisions, occupational accidents, stabbing and gunshot wounds, freak accidents, and others. Psychological trauma is caused by severe distressing events such as extreme violence, rape, terrorist attacks, etc. Both physical and psychological trauma can have a profound effect on one’s life. It may take a long time to heal from trauma and return to some semblance of normalcy. Besides, physical trauma can leave visible scars that last a lifetime. Even though scars are the sign of a survivor, the stigma associated with them can be hard to break down.

People who have survived trauma and are coping with its consequences are often labeled as “broken.” This label is very harmful because it puts the equality sign between people and their traumatic experiences. In reality, nobody should be defined by their trauma as the principal part of their identity. While trauma should not be ignored, it should not define your life and who you are either.

International We Are Not Broken Day was launched by an organization named We Are Not Broken that empowers women who have survived challenges and rediscovered their strengths. We Are Not Broken was established in 2019 by Nichola “Nick” Cotto, a former fitness trainer who wanted to help women embrace their physical and emotional scars and celebrate their strength and tenaciousness that help overcome difficulties.

The main goal of International We Are Not Broken Day is to correct a common misconception that people who have suffered from physical or psychological trauma are “broken.” While trauma can severely affect one’s life, people who have suffered from it should not be labeled as “broken” because their trauma isn’t what defines them. It is also meant to remind people that not all trauma is physical and not all scars are visible; psychological trauma and invisible illnesses can affect one’s life just as much as physical injury.

International We Are Not Broken Day is about promoting tolerance and acceptance, empowering trauma sufferers and survivors, spreading positive messages, and reminding people who are struggling with physical injury, chronic illness, or mental health issues that they are not alone.

Promoting empathy is pivotal on International We Are Not Broken Day as it counters the misconception that trauma survivors are 'broken.' By fostering understanding, we dissolve stigma and create a supportive environment. Empathy enables us to recognize the strength within survivors and encourages meaningful connections, ultimately working towards dismantling societal labels and fostering a more compassionate world.

International We Are Not Broken Day is a celebration of resilience, a call for self-acceptance, and a reminder that scars are not symbols of weakness but of survival. This day inspires us to uplift one another, share our journeys, and embrace our collective strength. By fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging empowerment, International We Are Not Broken Day creates a world where everyone feels valued, supported, and whole—no matter what they’ve been through.

International We Are Not Broken Day is observed annually on January 17. It was created to celebrate individuals who have overcome or are living with physical and emotional trauma, mental illness, or disease.

The phrase “We Are Not Broken” underscores the importance of viewing scars and challenges as symbols of strength rather than imperfections. This perspective helps individuals reframe adversity, reduce stigma, and encourage healing.

International We Are Not Broken Day is a time to reflect, connect, and uplift yourself and others. Meaningful ways to observe the day include sharing your story, supporting a friend, hosting or attending a community event, reflecting and practicing gratitude, and donating or volunteering.

Scars, whether visible or invisible, often carry deep stories of survival and growth. International We Are Not Broken Day celebrates these marks as symbols of strength, paths to empathy, and opportunities for connection.

International We Are Not Broken Day helps us see trauma survivors and patients in a different light. It gives us an opportunity to be more compassionate, creates awareness about trauma, and provides a community for trauma survivors.

International We Are Not Broken Day is a global celebration that unites people from different backgrounds and experiences. It promotes empathy, understanding, and solidarity among individuals, creating a sense of community and belonging.

International We Are Not Broken Day is a day to celebrate the fact that “We Are Not Broken” despite what society thinks of those that have endured trauma, have mental illness, have had amputations, have physical scars, or have invisible illness. Broken indicates something that is no longer in working order; trauma and disease do not dictate that we are broken and never should. So often when we are hit with a challenge that changes our physical being or the state in which we live daily because of something out of our control, we are labeled as broken. This label of "broken" can feel dehumanizing and dismissive, reducing individuals to their struggles rather than celebrating their resilience and humanity. International We Are Not Broken Day challenges this harmful narrative by affirming that no one is defined by their scars, illnesses, or trauma. Instead, it recognizes the inherent strength, courage, and worth of every individual.

The day serves as a platform to foster deeper conversations about physical and emotional recovery, mental health, and the societal perceptions surrounding these topics. It encourages people to share their personal stories, not as tales of despair but as triumphs over adversity. These narratives often inspire others, creating a ripple effect of hope and empowerment. By promoting understanding and acceptance, International We Are Not Broken Day helps to dismantle the stigma that often accompanies trauma, mental health issues, or visible and invisible scars.

For those who participate, this day is not merely a moment to reflect but also an invitation to take action. It’s a call to educate communities, advocate for inclusive spaces, and provide support to those navigating their healing journeys. Whether through organizing events, raising awareness on social media, or engaging in acts of kindness and solidarity, the essence of this day lies in showing that no one is alone in their struggles.

At its core, International We Are Not Broken Day embodies the spirit of transformation. It reminds us that scars, whether physical or emotional, are not signs of weakness but of survival. They tell the story of battles fought and won, of resilience and fortitude. On this day, individuals are encouraged to reclaim their narratives, finding beauty in their scars and strength in their journeys. It is a celebration of humanity in its most raw and authentic form, a testament to the idea that challenges do not diminish us—they shape us into something stronger and more compassionate.

Photo from iStock

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