“I realized I wasn’t meant to disappear — I was meant to speak.”
– Adriene Caldwell
Editor’s Note: This interview includes brief discussion of self-harm thoughts and experiences related to mental health and recovery. Reader discretion is advised. The views shared are personal reflections of the interviewee.
Adriene, thank you for joining us. Could you start by introducing yourself—what you do, your background, and the vision that drives your work?
My name is Adriene Caldwell, and I’m the author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, a deeply personal memoir that explores resilience, healing, and the power of reclaiming your story. I’m a proud Houston native, a wife to an incredible husband, and the mother of a 20-year-old college student who continues to inspire me every day. At the heart of my work is a mission to offer hope and healing.
Looking back on your journey, what turning points or experiences most shaped the direction of your path?
One of the most pivotal turning points in my life came during my darkest chapter — a moment when I truly believed there was no way forward. I reached a point where the pain I was carrying felt unbearable, and I attempted to end my life. It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to stand on that edge, but it was in surviving that moment — when I shouldn’t have — that everything shifted.
That experience forced me to confront not only my pain but also the parts of myself I had been running from for years. It was the beginning of a long and often difficult journey toward healing, self-compassion, and understanding that my life had purpose beyond the suffering. I realized I wasn’t meant to disappear — I was meant to speak. And that realization ultimately became the heartbeat of Unbroken.
Today, I share my story not because it’s easy, but because I know there are people standing in that same darkness, believing they’re alone. I want them to know they’re not — that hope is real, that healing is possible, and that even from the deepest pain, a new life can begin.
You’ve achieved several important milestones. Could you walk us through these accomplishments and explain what they mean to you personally and professionally?
Each milestone in my life tells a different part of my story — and together, they’ve shaped not only who I am but also how I see the world.
Becoming a mother at 25 was the first defining moment. It taught me about unconditional love, sacrifice, and strength in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My child became my greatest motivation — a living reminder of why it’s worth fighting for a better life, no matter how hard the journey gets.
At 30, I achieved another milestone by becoming a Certified Financial Planner. That accomplishment was deeply personal to me because it represented perseverance and self-belief. It was proof that I could build something meaningful from the ground up and that my past didn’t define my potential. It gave me confidence, stability, and a sense of purpose in a world that often felt unpredictable.
Then, at 35, my life changed in ways I never expected. I became disabled, and not long after, I was widowed. Those experiences were devastating and life-altering, and they forced me to rebuild everything — not just externally, but within myself. They taught me resilience on a level I hadn’t known before and gave me a deeper empathy for others walking through their own storms.
Each chapter — motherhood, professional success, profound loss — has shaped my path both personally and professionally. They’ve given me a deeper understanding of what it means to endure, adapt, and rise. And ultimately, they’re the foundation of the message I share today: that no matter what life takes from you, there is still purpose and strength within you waiting to be discovered.
Challenges often shape growth in surprising ways. What is one lesson you’ve carried with you from navigating difficult circumstances?
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from navigating difficult circumstances is this: it can always be worse. At first, that might sound negative, but to me, it’s actually the opposite — it’s a grounding truth that’s helped me find strength and gratitude even in the hardest moments.
When life falls apart, it’s easy to focus only on what’s been lost or what’s going wrong. But reminding myself that things could be worse forces me to step back, acknowledge the reality of where I am, and appreciate what I do still have. It shifts my perspective from despair to gratitude — from “Why me?” to “I’m still here, and I still have something to hold on to.”
That mindset doesn’t diminish the pain or difficulty of what I’ve gone through, but it does give me the resilience to keep moving forward. It’s a reminder that even when circumstances feel overwhelming, there’s always something — no matter how small — worth being grateful for. And sometimes, that gratitude is exactly what gets you through.
In your work, creativity and innovation seem to play a role. How do you approach problem-solving or new opportunities with fresh ideas?
I’ve always been an outside-the-box, outside-the-lines thinker — it’s just how I’m wired. For me, creativity isn’t about doing what’s expected; it’s about looking at a situation from angles most people might overlook. I approach problem-solving with curiosity first, asking “What if?” and “Why not?” instead of accepting things at face value.
I believe that real growth and innovation happen when we’re willing to challenge the norm — to step beyond what’s comfortable or conventional. Whether it’s in my writing, my advocacy, or even in the way I navigate personal challenges, I try to approach each new opportunity with openness and imagination.
Sometimes that means breaking down a problem into its simplest parts and rebuilding it in a new way. Other times, it’s about trusting my intuition and being bold enough to try something unconventional. Either way, thinking “outside the lines” has taught me that there’s almost always a solution — it just might look different from what we first imagined.
Collaboration with others can be transformative. What relationships or partnerships have been particularly meaningful to you, and why?
One of the most transformative relationships in my life is with my Aunt Rose — though “aunt” doesn’t even begin to capture who she is to me. She isn’t related to me by blood; she married into the Caldwell family. But from the very beginning, she has been so much more than family — she’s been a second mother, a constant source of love, wisdom, and stability in my life.
Aunt Rose has walked beside me through some of my most difficult seasons and celebrated with me in the brightest ones. She’s been a guiding light when I felt lost, a voice of reason when I needed grounding, and a fierce believer in me even when I struggled to believe in myself.
I honestly don’t know where — or who — I would be today without her unwavering presence. Her support has shaped not only the woman I’ve become but also how I show up for others. She taught me that family is not just about blood — it’s about love, loyalty, and showing up, over and over again. And that lesson continues to guide me in every relationship I build.
Many of your efforts touch on areas of wellbeing, community, and education. What impact do you hope these contributions will have on the people around you?
At the core of everything I do — whether it’s sharing my story, advocating for healing, or creating spaces for conversation — my deepest hope is to make people feel seen, understood, and less alone. I want my work to be a reminder that no matter what someone has been through, they are worthy of love, of healing, and of building a life that feels whole.
In terms of wellbeing, I hope to inspire people to prioritize their mental and emotional health without shame — to seek help, to talk openly about their struggles, and to believe that healing is possible. When it comes to community, I want to help build stronger, more compassionate networks of support where people lift one another up instead of suffering in silence. And through education — whether that’s sharing my experiences, speaking to groups, or writing — I aim to break down stigmas and spark deeper understanding around trauma, resilience, and recovery.
Ultimately, I hope my contributions create ripples — that someone who reads my story or hears me speak feels empowered to rewrite their story. If even one person chooses life, reaches out for help, or sees themselves with more compassion because of something I’ve shared, then I know I’ve made a difference.
Sustainability — whether in personal habits, work practices, or community involvement — often requires balance. How do you sustain your energy and focus while pursuing your goals?
For me, sustainability is all about grace, balance, and intentionality. I’ve learned — often the hard way — that I can’t pour from an empty cup. So much of my life has been about survival and pushing through, but as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that sustaining my energy and focus isn’t about doing more — it’s about taking care of myself so I can keep showing up for the things and people that matter most.
I prioritize rest, reflection, and boundaries. That means giving myself permission to slow down when I need to, to say “no” when something doesn’t serve my purpose, and to make space for things that refill my spirit — whether that’s spending time with my family, binging Netflix, or simply being still.
If you could share three practical insights or habits that have made the biggest difference in your growth, what would they be?
Put your own air mask on first. It’s a simple metaphor, but a powerful one. You cannot help anyone else — not your family, your community, or the world — if you’re running on empty. Prioritizing your own wellbeing isn’t selfish; it’s essential. I’ve learned that caring for myself physically, mentally, and emotionally allows me to show up stronger and more present for the people and causes I care about.
Be gracious with others’ mistakes. One of the most freeing lessons I’ve learned is that most people are doing the best they can with the information, resources, and experiences they have at that moment. Extending grace doesn’t mean excusing harmful behavior, but it does mean choosing empathy over judgment. It’s a reminder that we’re all human, all learning, and all growing — and that understanding builds stronger, more compassionate relationships.
Be easily pleased. Life gets a lot more beautiful when you learn to find joy in small, simple things. Being “easily pleased” is about gratitude — noticing the good instead of dwelling on what’s missing. Whether it’s a quiet moment, a small kindness, or a tiny victory, celebrating those moments keeps me grounded and hopeful, no matter what’s happening around me.
For those who are just beginning their journeys, what guidance would you offer to help them stay true to their values while aiming high?
I always encourage people to move forward with both ambition and integrity. Aim high, dream boldly, and don’t be afraid to chase opportunities that scare you — but never lose sight of what matters most to you in the process. Your values should guide your decisions, your boundaries, and the way you treat others along the way.
And remember, growth isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being authentic. The more honest you are with yourself about what you believe in and why you’re doing what you do, the more meaningful your success will be. When your achievements are built on a foundation of truth and purpose, they don’t just change your life — they have the power to change the lives of others too.
If you were to write your bio in your own words, what would you say? What legacy do you hope to leave?
If I were to write my bio in my own words, I’d keep it simple: I am Adriene Caldwell — a woman who has walked through fire and lived to tell the story. I’m a mother, a wife, a survivor, and a storyteller. I’m someone who has known darkness intimately but refused to let it define the rest of my life.
My journey has been marked by both triumph and tragedy — from the joy of motherhood and professional success to the pain of loss, disability, and moments when I nearly gave up entirely. But through it all, I’ve discovered an unshakable truth: that strength isn’t about never breaking — it’s about rising, again and again, from the pieces.
The legacy I hope to leave isn’t measured by titles or achievements, but by impact — by the lives touched through my story. I want people to remember me as someone who showed up with honesty and heart, who spoke the hard truths out loud, and who used her pain to light the way for others still finding their way through the dark.
If my life can remind even one person that they are stronger than they believe, that healing is possible, and that hope is worth holding onto — then that will be the legacy I’m most proud of.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Strength isn’t about never breaking — it’s about rising, again and again, from the pieces.”
– Adriene Caldwell
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- What part of Adriene’s story or perspective resonated most with you?
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Alignment with the UN SDGs
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Promotes mental health awareness and emotional resilience.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Encourages learning through shared life experiences and storytelling.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Fosters empathy and inclusion through discussions of disability and personal growth.
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