Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Cookman.
Hi Mallory, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I created “My Unpredictable Life” as a safe place to talk about things that happen in our lives. I deal with Anxiety, Depression and PTSD and I’m also a Domestic Violence Survivor. I also have a chronic illness that is rare with my digestive system. There are so many stigmas surrounding these topics that not enough people share awareness. I wanted to create a place where people could come and share their stories and not feel so alone. When you go through these things, often you feel so alone and that it’s you against the world but in reality, so many people are going through the same things behind closed doors.
It’s taken me many years to speak about my Domestic Violence, but I have found that it’s helped others to share my story.
I have meet people who have become actual friends in my life and I wouldn’t of had that if I didn’t create this platform.
Life throws so many curve balls and things that are just so unpredictable. The world can be such a scary place. More awareness needs to be brought, and that’s why I’m here. I want to help as many people as I can. If we all lean on each other and share our stories then just maybe, these stigmas will go away.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. When I was in my abusive relationship, There were many days I wanted to give up. I felt like I was drowning. There were many days I wasn’t sure I’d make it to another. But I never lost my faith. I would pray over and over that I’d find my way out safely. My prayers were answered. Not necessarily in MY time, but in his and that’s ok. Because of the abuse, I suffer from anxiety and PTSD. That’s an ongoing battle, but it’s better than the situation I was in.
When it comes to my depression, It hasn’t been smooth but I have found that staying surrounded with people who love me and want to see me continue and understand when I have my moments helps.
One of the lessons I learned during that time, was that life really does go on. When I was in the thick of my relationship, I unexpectedly lost my Aunt. She was the person I’d go to for advice, encouragement and who I confided in. So while I was battling the relationship, I lost her all of a sudden. I remember thinking “Now what am I going to do? How am I going to get through this” Two weeks later, my ex got physical with me and I had to leave. Losing my person and getting out of a abusive relationship all at once was difficult but it was the hard way of teaching me that life goes on. It doesn’t stop for anything and you CAN get through anything. It was a tough lesson for me but also showed me, I can do anything. So now when life gets tough, I just remember life goes on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now, I work for a Hearing Aid Company. It’s so rewarding to be able to help others hear. I love working with patients and learning their life stories. On the side, I’ve wanted to start my own photography business for years, so I’ve been working on that. I love capturing moments whether it’s people or just random moments. It brings me a lot of happiness. And people say I’m good at it.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Honesty. To make my platform successful, I have to be honest, real, transparent, vulnerable, etc. Sharing my life like that and putting myself out there is way out of my comfort zone, but the reward for helping others is worth it. I don’t do it for attention or pity, it’s my honest story being put out there for others. I can’t stress it enough, you’re not alone!
Contact Info:
- Email: mals.unpredictablelife@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/my.unpredictable.life
- Other: www.instagram.com/mallorycookmanphoto
Image Credits:
Mallory Cookman Photography
