Healing, Motherhood, and Becoming

Meet Barbara

Barbara Norton

Barbara is an author, mother, and storyteller whose life has been shaped by resilience, recovery, and the beauty found in everyday moments. After losing her mother to addiction and walking her own path of healing, Barbara has dedicated her voice to breaking generational cycles and creating a life rooted in love, honesty, and growth. She is the author of Rooted in the Ruins and the heart behind this blog, where she shares untold stories, reflections on motherhood, insights from her recovery journey, and pieces of the beauty and music that inspire her. Through her writing and lifestyle brand, Barbara invites others to find strength in vulnerability, hope in healing, and purpose in their own becoming.

Hi Friends

My full name is Barbara Danielle Norton. I’m 28 years old, and the other half to my best friend Dustin, and a proud mama to two beautiful kids—Denver Rose and Vegas George. Our little family wouldn’t be complete without our pups, Gunny and Sarge, who bring so much joy and chaos to our home.

I’m originally from Jacksonville, North Carolina but grew up in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My heart is rooted in family. Some of my favorite things in life are the simple ones—cooking plant-based meals, traveling to new places, cozy nights with documentaries or stand-up comedy, and long conversations about history and things that make us curious. I love reading, writing, skincare, and beauty—and music is always in the background of my life, whether I’m singing along or letting it carry me through hard days.

But beyond the things I love, I am also someone who has walked through deep struggles. I’m a survivor of addiction, and I live with PTSD and extreme anxiety disorder. Mental illness is still a part of my journey, but it no longer defines me. Instead, I choose to speak openly about it, so others know they aren’t alone.

Through it all, I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear—it’s daily work. My greatest joy is spending time with my family, creating memories with Dustin, Denver, and Vegas, and finding beauty in the little moments that keep me grounded. This is my story, my journey, and the space where I hope to share both the roots and the blossoms along the way.

with love and gratitude,

Barbara

WEDNESDAY WISDOM

Midweek is the perfect time to pause, breathe, and reflect. Here I’ll share a thought, a lesson, or a reminder that’s been speaking to me lately—something you can carry into the rest of your week. My hope is that these words land where you need them most and give you space to reset, recharge, and refocus.

ROOTED IN THE RUINS

Rooted in the Ruins is a summarized memoir of my story, written by me. A raw and courageous journey through trauma, addiction, and healing, chronicling a mother’s resilience and the transformative power of love, family, and self-discovery.

Rooted in the ruins memoir - purchase here

Healing Through Stories Sunday Podcast on podbean

"we delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

Maya Angelou

@bloomwithbarbara

@BLOOMWITHBARBARA

@BLOOMWITHBARBARA

Healing, Motherhood, and Becoming

Meet Barbara

Barbara Norton

Hi Friends

WEDNESDAY WISDOM

ROOTED IN THE RUINS

Healing Through Stories Sunday Podcast on podbean

"we delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

@BLOOMWITHBARBARA

Healing, Motherhood, and Becoming

Meet Barbara

Barbara Norton

Hi Friends

WEDNESDAY WISDOM

ROOTED IN THE RUINS

Healing Through Stories Sunday Podcast on podbean

"we delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

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