PAIN IS POTENTIAL: Online Book Club (with the author)

“This book is more than a remarkable testament to the possibility of overcoming trauma - it shines a light on a way to recover your identity and forge goodness and hope, even out of despair. It is different to other accounts of spiritual awakening I have encountered, and not told in a flamboyant, self-aggrandising way – in fact, the very opposite. It is intensely personal and humble, entirely open and full of invitation and instruction. It is a revelation, whether you're struggling with demons you know well or just trying to find your way forward, unsure what's holding you back.”

“Sophie Pham takes us on a hero's journey -- her journey -- in "Pain is Potential." It chronicles her growth from a space of utter, suicidal despair to a life centered in tender, compassionate love and service. She is completely open, and in her vulnerability, reveals her truth: the pain of trauma can be used to start a journey to self-realization ... and from there one can continue the work and blossom into self-actualization. Sophie acknowledges, nay embraces, both the darkness and the light of her experiences ... and by honoring both, she ultimately triumphs. Hers is a wondrous journey and her story is a fascinating, courageous autobiography in and of itself. Sophie, to her credit and for our benefit, takes her story further and gives us practical tools that we can use to enhance our own journeys. May you find her story inspiring, these tools beneficial, and her wisdom enlightening.”

“If you're looking for an inspiring story about overcoming the obstacles that life throws at you - and then turning that into fulfillment - look no further. This is such an honest, open account from a person who has faced some incredible trials. Rape, addiction, prostitution, mental illnesses - this girl has faced down some pretty fierce demons and come out victoriously on top. I feel so grateful to her for baring her soul, and I guess that's a pretty big part of why I appreciated this story so much - you never know the stories of others, unless they are willing to share. Sophie has shared her story with the intention of helping others understand their own pain and trauma, and how it can be used to create a life of fulfillment and content. Each aspect of her story is connected to the point she's trying to make - how to identify childhood pain that may have impacted you, how a person's pain can manifest, and the extent of control past pain can have on present thoughts and actions. It is structurally sound and sensible in its approach to harnessing pain to create potential. There are a modest amount of self-help activities (something I'm notoriously bad at completing) but they involve a lot of consideration so I found that, even though I didn't write anything down, I was still developing a better sense of my own behaviours. I know this book and its methods won't work for everyone, but this is going to be a game changer for people who want to give; people who feel like they have a greater purpose but aren't sure how to realise it. It'll be tough work, facing your truth so unconditionally, but it seems like the reward is worth it.”

“Sophie's story is incredibly inspiring, I related to so much of her journey and the wisdom, insight and guidance she offers has helped me to overcome fear and focus on what matters most in my life. Her book has opened my eyes to who I truly am and what I am capable of. If you seek to know yourself, to make real change in your world and the world of others, then I highly recommend this book.”