SUZY PARISH
Hope blooms in unexpected places
Traveler brings attention to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Traveler brings attention to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
by Steve Beavers (Sunday, July 28, 2013)
Reba J. Hoffman is making her way across the country to help women make a positive change in their lives.
Reba J. Hoffman doesn’t know the route her bicycle is taking her as she heads to the West Coast.
The life coach does know there is a purpose behind the pedaling.
Huffman is traveling the Road to Freedom as part of her “Pedaling with Purpose” ride to help those who suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her tour took her to Corinth on Friday night to stay with friend Pat Trainum.
“I had no intention of coming to Corinth,” she’s said of her planned trip which started July 13 in Greenville, S.C. “The Lord just diverted my path.”
Loaded with 50 pounds of gear on a custom-built bicycle, the 56- year-old searches for those crying out for help of a violent attack.
“My main objective to is to talk to people,” said the founder and
president of Magellan Life Coaching. “I don’t know where I will be from day-to-day, but every single day I have come across someone I was meant to talk with.”
A person such as a woman who hadn’t been out of her house in 17 years or a former abusive husband who was brought to tears with remorse after speaking with Hoffman.
“Traveling on a bicycle is an icebreaker,” she said. “People naturally start talking and asking questions when someone comes to town on a bike … I haven’t met one person who isn’t receptive to what I have to say.”
When it comes to helping victims of violent assaults, Hoffman leans on her own experience. On November 5, 1984, she was abducted in broad daylight by a drug-crazed criminal who had been out of jail less than 24 hours. Hoffman was beaten, raped and left for dead in a remote area of Florida.
“I know what it’s like and can relate to those women who are suffering in silence,” said the life coach. “Women who have been through this feel they were deserving of this horrible thing.”
Hoffman is out to help those suffering from PTSD to face their fear and find the courage to seek help.
“I want them to stop looking down and to look up because they have done nothing wrong,” said the PhD in clinical counseling. “Each of them are a value of worth.”
Hoffman was able to overcome her pain and anxiety through the help of others.
“I was very fortunate to have a great medical and mental health team,” said the Sanford, Fla. resident. “They really worked hard to get me over it.”
According to Hoffman, it takes a good team to move past the violent situation.
“There comes a time when you have to face the fear,” she said. “When I first went out after the attack, I was never comfortable … it’s not as simple as just get over it. Women need someone to talk with because it they don’t, it keeps it inside and they feel more ashamed.”
As she pedals her way across the country, the author of “Dare to Dream” and “Facing Fear and Finding Freedom” has ways for others to get involved with the cause. Individuals can help by:
• Following her blog and invite others to do the same.
“They can spread it on social media,” she noted.
• Purchase her book, “Facing Fear and Finding Freedom,” available for $2.99 on Amazon.
“Give it as a gift to any woman needing to overcome fear that holds her back from accomplishing her dreams,” said the author.
• Donate via PayPal (reba@magellanlifecoaching.com).
Groups in the area who would like to have Hoffman speak while in the area, can contact Trainum at 662-415- 1149.
This is a re-post of an excellent article about Reba in a Corinth MS newspaper written by Steve Beavers. The photo is one I took before Reba left Huntsville.