MY SUPERPOWER
WILLINGNESS
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.
resources
The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation
The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation
The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation
Providing education, intervention and support to families and individuals dealing with domestic violence, sexual abuse and missing loved ones.
B.A.C.A
The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation
The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation
Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live.
RAINN
The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation
Center for Empowerment
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.
Center for Empowerment
NJ DCF Women's Hotlines
Center for Empowerment
The Middlesex County Center for Empowerment (The Center) is the state designated sexual violence program for Middlesex County.
Helping Survivors
NJ DCF Women's Hotlines
NJ DCF Women's Hotlines
Helping Survivors works to educate and empower individuals impacted by sexual abuse with information, connections, and resources to help them understand their rights and options to seek justice, accountability, and healing.
NJ DCF Women's Hotlines
NJ DCF Women's Hotlines
NJ DCF Women's Hotlines
The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential access to domestic violence information and services, including crisis intervention, referral, and advocacy.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
A grassroots organization supporting survivors and advocates.
Victim Connect Resource Center
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The VictimConnect Resource Centeris a referral helpline where crime victims can learn about their rights and options confidentially and compassionately