Colette Martin: Turning survival into strength, and pain into purpose to light the way for others
- livewabisabilife
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Colette Martin is a survivor, advocate, and inspirational speaker whose journey embodies resilience, courage, and transformation. Through her powerful story of overcoming intimate partner violence, she now uses her voice to create awareness and inspire healing. At Live Wabi Sabi, we are honoured to feature Colette as she beautifully reflects the essence of embracing imperfections, reminding women everywhere that even life’s deepest scars can become sources of strength, purpose, and renewed beginnings.
Her WabiSabi Life Story
Colette’s life reflects the true spirit of Wabi Sabi, finding beauty in what was once broken. In 1997, she survived a brutal attack that forever changed her life. For years, she carried fear, silence, and pain. But instead of hiding those broken pieces, she chose to transform them into purpose. Today, through her advocacy and platform Empowerment with Colette, she uses her voice to support survivors, spread awareness, and work toward ending intimate partner violence. What once nearly shattered her has now become her greatest strength, her scars shining like gold, guiding others toward hope and healing.
Her Daily Dose of SelfLoveShots
For Colette, self-love is not about perfection, it’s about showing up for herself with honesty and compassion. It means giving herself grace on difficult days, protecting her peace, and honouring her journey. It’s about setting boundaries, choosing rest when needed, and continuing her mission even when it feels heavy. Self-love, in her world, is a daily commitment to remembering that she is worthy of kindness, healing, and joy.
Her Proudest Moment
One of Colette’s most meaningful moments was receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal in her community of Miramichi. It was more than recognition, it was a powerful reflection of her journey from survivor to advocate. Standing there, she saw how her pain had transformed into purpose, and how her voice continues to help others feel seen, heard, and less alone.
Being Part of LiveWabiSabi Stories
For Colette, being part of Wabi Sabi Stories is about embracing every scar, every lesson, and every moment that shaped her. It is a reminder that brokenness is not something to hide but something that makes us human and resilient. Sharing her story here is her way of reaching even one person who may need hope, because sometimes, that’s all it takes to spark healing.
Her Biggest Cheerleader
Colette’s greatest supporter is her mother, Zella. Even though she is no longer physically present, her love and wisdom continue to guide Colette every day. Her mother’s words, “get rid of everything that hurts you," became a guiding force in Colette’s healing journey. Through her strength and belief, Colette found her voice, and today, she carries that legacy forward in the work she does.
Her Message to Other Women
Your story matters. Life may break us in ways we never imagined, but those cracks reveal our strength, not our weakness. Healing isn’t perfect, but there is beauty in rising, loving, and believing in yourself again. Be gentle with yourself, hold onto hope, and remember, light always finds its way in, even through the deepest cracks.
“Even in the darkest moments, light can find its way in, and through those cracks, we rise stronger.” ~ Colette Martin
Connect with Colette Martin
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/colettemartin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_colettemartin
Want to be featured? If you’d like to be part of the Live Wabi Sabi Story Series, email us at livewabisabilife@gmail.com You never know who needs your words today.💛Lead with awareness.
Create with intention.
Rest when needed.
Make today something you feel, not just something you finish.
Don’t just wish for a great day, make it happen!
Wishing you strength, resilience, and limitless growth.
Love & Light,
LiveWabiSabi
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