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.

©2025 Daria Burke (P)2025 Legacy Lit

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

Extraordinary

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

Awesome body of work!

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

Resonant tale of triumph and transformation

Daria effortlessly draws the listener into her compelling narrative of triumph, vividly capturing both external success and profound emotional transformation. Though my own experiences differ greatly from hers, I found myself deeply connecting with her journey at every turn. This is a captivating story, rich in insights not only for those who admire tales of financial self-achievement, but even more resonantly for anyone intrigued by personal evolution and inner growth.

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

A brilliant offering to anyone seeking inspiration from a very talented, intelligent, creative and resilient human being

The author offers her life journey- the most sacred gift you can offer anyone. The book shares a first hand account of her traumatic childhood experience, its future impact, and the possibilities for growth. I definitely saw my journey in various aspects of hers.

Such a gift!

"This book was an incredible gift, feeling as though it was tailored specifically for me. The author’s story arrived at a pivotal moment in my life, as I seek a deeper purpose and impact. I found her message about discovering 'beauty in the reassembly' truly inspiring. Daria addresses themes of loss, trauma, resilience, and reinvention with authenticity, grounding her insights in science and self-reflection. Her vulnerability, determination, and spiritual journey deeply resonated with me. I highly recommend this book!"