8 Steps to Becoming the Real You and How to Rise Above Injustice and Take Your Life Back
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Dr. Iris Wright is a visionary entrepreneur and fearless advocate, driving innovation in healthcare, media, and justice while empowering communities through her businesses, bestselling books, and bold advocacy work.
Injustice has shaped much of my life. At just 18, I faced over 20 years in prison for a crime I didn't commit. I lost my daughter, and it took nearly five years to bring her home. That pain turned into anger, and I carried it with me for over two decades. In the process, I lost myself. Healing wasn't optional; it was necessary. I had to turn my pain into purpose and my anger into passion. Writing became a lifeline. I transformed what once broke me into a source of strength and impact through it. Healing from Injustice didn't just set me free; it allowed me to rise. Today, I’m the CEO of Caring Hearts Telecare, Author Iris Wright & Publishing, Real Talk with Iris, and Wrights Holdings. I also lead the Injustice Movement and publish the annual Injustice anthology. I build tables and create stages so the voiceless can become powerful voices of change.
"True impact leadership is born from adversity, strengthened by resilience, and defined by the courage to turn pain into purpose." – Dr. Iris Wright
1. Learn to love and believe in yourself again
Start by reconnecting with yourself in ways you may never have before. Each morning, look in the mirror and say affirmations out loud: I am beautiful, I am powerful, I am strong, and I can do anything I put my mind to. At first, it might feel forced, but keep going. Over time, those words will start to feel true. You've spent years fighting for others. Now it's time to fight for yourself.
2. Rebuild your relationship with God
Pain and Injustice might have shaken your faith. Maybe you've felt abandoned, questioning why you had to endure so much. But as you begin to heal, you'll realize you may need your spiritual connection. Start praying again. Seek guidance, strength, and clarity. Let your faith anchor you, reminding you that your struggles are shaping you for something greater.
3. Accept your past and permit yourself to heal
One of the most complicated steps in healing is accepting that you can't rewrite the past. Maybe you've spent years wishing things had gone differently, carrying around pain and regret. It's time to let go. Acknowledge your experiences not as stains on your identity, but as chapters that build your resilience. Then, permit yourself to heal.
4. Forgive those who hurt you
Understand this: forgiveness is not for them, it's for you. Holding on to anger and resentment only keeps you tied to the pain. Make a conscious decision to forgive those who wronged you, even the systems that failed you. It won't be easy. But releasing bitterness will give you the peace you deserve and the space to move forward with clarity.
5. Find your voice through writing
Let writing become your refuge. When the chance to contribute to a 500-word devotional comes up, you might hesitate. You’ve never written a book before, but do it anyway. When that book gets published, it will mark a new chapter for you. You’ll realize your words carry weight. And from that moment, you'll be ready to write your own story.
6. Share your story and spark a movement
One day, leap: share your journey publicly, maybe on Facebook, maybe somewhere else. You might not realize how much you've been holding in until you say it out loud. The response will be more than you expect. People will reach out. They'll share their pain. That's when something powerful happens. You start a project, maybe even an anthology like Injustice, and suddenly, your story isn’t just yours. It’s a movement.
7. Break the cycle and help others heal
Your healing won't just change you, it'll ripple outward. It might inspire your mother to start her own healing and share her story. You may find yourself standing up for others, like someone whose loved one has been incarcerated for decades. Your journey turns into purpose. You're no longer just surviving, you're making change happen.
8. Step out of survival mode
You've lived in survival mode for so long that it feels normal. Always bracing for the next blow. But healing changes that. It gives you space to breathe, think, and live with intention. You'll find peace. You'll discover strength you didn't know you had. Healing isn't just about letting go; it's about stepping into your purpose and becoming the person God created you to be.
Conclusion
Healing isn’t easy; it’s a lifelong commitment. But you don’t have to do it alone. Surrounding yourself with a network of like-minded individuals is essential for growth and lasting change. Healing gives you the power to rediscover who you truly are, elevate to the next level, and position yourself to create real, global impact. If you’re ready to take your power back, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation or join our next Injustice anthology and become part of the movement.
Read more from Dr. Iris Wright
Dr. Iris Wright, Visionary Entrepreneur And Fearless Advocate
Dr. Iris Wright is the founder of Caring Hearts Telecare, Wright's Virtual Services, Caring Hearts Foundation, and other purpose-driven ventures focused on care, coaching, and community impact. Through Caring Hearts Telecare, she’s transforming elder care with innovation and heart, earning back-to-back nominations for Best Home Care of the Year. Her entrepreneurial leadership has been recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Top 100 Innovator & Entrepreneur, and multiple honors, including Community Leader, Phenomenal Woman, and Empowered Diva. She empowers others through her coaching programs, bestselling books, and platforms like Real Talk with Iris and Black Diamond Chronicle Magazine.
