Of My Own Making

A Memoir

By: Daria Burke

Narrated by: Daria Burke

An award-winning business leader and speaker shares her journey of uncovering years of childhood trauma through scientific modalities like epigenetics, neuroplasticity, and decades of therapy.

Daria Burke’s childhood was marked by neglect and poverty. When she discovers a photograph of the car accident that she believes altered the course of her early life, Burke is forced to confront the parts of her childhood she had avoided. This discovery sparks a four-year immersion into neuroplasticity, epigenetics, the impact of adverse childhood experiences on early brain development and ultimately, why some of us remain stuck in past trauma while others experience Post Traumatic Growth. She dives headfirst into an exploration of her trauma, grappling with the enduring grip of the past on the present and the mind's influence over the body.

More than a story of personal triumph, Of My Own Making is a soulful and scientific exploration of the power to shape one's destiny. In facing the stark reality of her past, Burke reminds us that every moment demands a choice, and that we owe it to ourselves to reparent our inner child and reclaim the lives we deserve. Part memoir, part methodology, it is a fearless rallying cry inspiring us to excavate and examine the stories that define our lives. Ultimately, the narratives that we craft with ourselves are the only ones that matter.

Critic reviews

"Daria Burke is as adept at creating prose that floats and dips as she is diving unflinchingly into the root of harm, addiction and hurt. Of My Own Making is as profound a book about the treacherous experience of befriending ourselves that I've read this decade."—Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy: An American Memoir

"Daria Burke writes with an unflinching eye, poetic clarity, and her whole heart. In Of My Own Making, Burke dives headfirst into the blood and bone of childhood trauma and the slow, intentional work it takes to reclaim a life beyond it. With gripping honesty and profound bravery, Burke reveals a soul that has wrestled with grief, addiction, and the hard-fought path to self-compassion. This book isn’t about simply loving yourself—that would be too small. It’s about diving headfirst into a relationship with yourself—a profoundly human reminder of what it means not just to survive but to reclaim and hold every fractured, jagged piece of your journey. Of My Own Making will live in your bones and resonate with anyone seeking to write a new story."
—Bassey Ikpi, New York Times bestselling author of I'm Telling the Truth, but I'm Lying

"A story of pain and hope, of loss and resilience, and of childhood trauma that clings until you don’t allow it. Of My Own Making reminds us that you can’t escape your past simply by outrunning it, but that you must face it. Burke’s story is not just inspiring and inviting. What she does with her words is far more meaningful: she makes you believe you can do it too."—Vienna Pharaon, bestselling author of The Origins of You

"Of My Own Making is a beautifully written book that takes you on a journey of growth through the deep-rooted traumas of our pasts. Part memoir, part manual, Daria has offered readers a chance to reflect and release alongside her own brilliant story. A must read for those ready to face the past and move forward with compassion, hope, and optimism."—Rachel Cargle, author of A Renaissance of Our Own

"Burke writes with a captivating honesty and endless curiosity. Of My Own Making is a timely reminder that no matter where we are in life, the past manages to find its way in. It’s how we handle it that shapes who we really are."

—Ellen Vora, MD, psychiatrist and author of The Anatomy of Anxiety

"This is a story of hope, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who defied the odds to carve out her own path. With masterful prose that is both poetic and incisive, she invites readers into her world, exploring the intersections of education, career, and identity. Each page reveals her profound insights into the human condition, as she navigates the shadows of her past and their impact on her present. As she uncovers her story, you’ll find yourself rooting for her triumphs and celebrating her unwavering spirit."—David Ambroz, author of A Place Called Home

Awesome body of work!

This book brought so much clarity to every on of my therapy sessions!! Thank you for this amazing collection!

Extraordinary

This book has been an amazing and insightful companion in my healing journey. Beautifully written and revelatory as each chapter unfolds.

An amazing personal account of resilience backed with the science to explain how it happened

Of My Own Making is an incredible story of success despite the odds. The success is not only in what the author becomes but in discovering how she became who she is today. An amazing story of self discovery that everyone can draw from in their own life!

Even when beauty is veiled, it remains

The use of gardening as a metaphor for post traumatic growth was poignant. I admire Burke for her storytelling and research.

Inspiring and beautiful and

Daria has such a soothing reading voice and is such an inspiration! Loved how she analyzed how her hardships impacted her
but did not stunt her growth - instead seemingly strengthened her