MY SUPERPOWER

My story isn’t unique.  I wish it was but the truth of the matter is everyone, whether they know it or not, knows someone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, assault, rape and/or domestic violence.  Some of my experiences?  My stepfather began sexually abusing me when I was 6 years old; by the age of 15 I would be sexually assaulted by a local grocer, and  my family doctor - a man who had been my doctor for 8 years; an abusive and jealous boyfriend raped me at the age of 18; and,  at the age of 45 I entered a relationship with a man who not only physically abused and threatened me, but also emotionally, financially and verbally abused me.  This relationship would be the catalyst for a nervous breakdown I suffered at the age of 49.

For three months I put my life on hold and sought treatment at an outpatient program.

I didn't want to.

I was ashamed.

I felt completely broken.

I wanted to die.

I was so accustomed to believing I was worthless that the idea I could heal seemed impossible.

What I didn't know was not only would that program provide me with the skills required to create a life I love, I would discover my greatest superpower.  A superpower EVERYONE possesses but will not use.

WILLINGNESS

WILLINGNESS to seek help

WILLINGNESS to go EVERY SINGLE DAY

WILLINGNESS to DO THE WORK

WILLINGNESS to let go of my core belief that I was worthless

WILLINGNESS TO LEAVE

WILLINGNESS to believe I could create a life I love

WILLINGNESS to try, fail, get up, try again and ENJOY every part of the journey to become the woman I once believed I could never be.

WILLINGNESS to live in the discomfort of fear, doubt, financial insecurity and face it instead of run from it.

WILLINGNESS to bet on me

I started by writing my book, Press Pause which was met with beautiful accolades by readers.  I became an Impact and Keynote Speaker, accepting invites from colleges, non-profits and going back to the facility that believed in me to put a face on Sexual and Domestic Violence.  I launched my podcast "Unsilenced Unafraid Unstoppable", creating a safe and open space for anyone to come and have a conversation about their life's lessons and blessings.  I work with survivors of abuse to enable them to become surTHRIVERS.

In 2023 I started the Writer's Block Book Fair, and will release my second book, Take Me With You on October 12, 2024.  My willingness to continue to create a life I love never wavers, and I want to continue to encourage and inspire others to do the same.