FLY – First Love Yourself: Leading with Love, Faith, Healing, and Purpose

Pele Hunkin-Contributing Writer

There was a time when I was surviving—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But

God had greater plans. Today, I am a heart Warrior, a Published Samoan Author, and a Warrior Woman who turned pain into purpose. I've learned that healing isn't always loud. Sometimes, it's a quiet decision to rise, to trust again, and to love yourself enough to keep going. Through every challenge, I made a choice—to FLY. First, Love Yourself. That choice didn't just change my life… it gave me purpose and blessed my life.

FLY—First Love Yourself—was born during one of the most painful seasons of my life: my divorce. In that valley, I realized how much I had given to others while neglecting myself. Loving myself first felt unfamiliar at first… but necessary. FLY became my vow to choose me, to honor my healing, and to walk in God's purpose—no matter what life threw at me.

Years later, when I faced life-threatening health challenges—including a heart attack in 2023 that required a stent placement due to 80% blockage, followed by three strokes—I had to return to that vow. The second stroke caused internal bleeding, and my hemoglobin dropped to six, requiring a blood transfusion. The third stroke affected my neck muscles and revealed a 3.5mm brain blockage. Through it all, I was reminded that healing is never just physical. It's spiritual. It's emotional. It's deeply personal.

I recommitted to FLY—not as an idea but as a way of living. I chose to pour love into myself like I always had for others. I chose to rest, stillness, faith, peace, and love.

My journey taught me that healing isn't always loud. Sometimes, it's found in quiet

decisions—choosing to wake up, show up, and believe you are worthy of more. True strength isn't about perfection but rising repeatedly, even with shaky hands and a soft voice.

To every woman reading this: You are enough. You are powerful. And your story is not over. Choose yourself. Choose your healing. Choose love. Walk boldly in your truth, and know it's never too late to become the woman you were created to be.

Let's grow, let's glow, and let's FLY—First Love Yourself. When we first love ourselves, we lead with faith, healing, and purpose.

Biography of Fa'apepele Hunkin-GWBN Magazine Contributing Writer

Fa'apepele "Pele" Hunkin is a proud Samoan, retired U.S. Army Combat Veteran, dynamic speaker, international best-selling author, and founder of Pele Inspire—Embracing Authentic Love. Born in Nu'uuli, American Samoa, and raised in Samoa at a younger age by her grandparents, Pele's journey is rooted in love, faith, family, and fierce resilience. A devoted mother of five and grandmother to Milan, she honors the legacy of her late husband, parents, grandparents, and brother through her work and life.

After she retired from the Army, Pele turned pain into purpose. She's the Author of HEART OF A WARRIOR-The humble journey of a Samoan warrior and co-author of 10 best-selling anthologies. Her story—surviving a heart attack, internal bleeding, three strokes, and profound personal loss—has become a beacon of love, hope, and strength for others.

Pele is a certified life coach, Power Voice speaker, and passionate advocate for healing, self-love, and legacy. For her impact and service, she's been recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project, The Women of Dignity Magazine, John Ughulu Foundation, Columbia International Festival, Hush No More, Mota Crosslinking Business Academy, Strathmore's Who's Who Worldwide 2022, and the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs.

With her mantra "Stay Humble, Stay Positive, Stay Strong, and Always Stay Encouraged," Pele empowers others to rise with love, courage, faith, and purpose—proving that with love and God, we can FLY—First, Love Yourself. PELE-Persevere Enough Love Everywhere!

To learn more about Pele Hunkin's books and services, visit her website at https://www.peleinspire.com/