Exactly 4, 015 days ago, my father threatened to end my life with a loaded gun. In other words, 11 years ago I was almost killed. Within those 11 years, I have climbed corporate ladders, spoiled my mom with sponsored trips around the world, crossed many finish lines (including Ironman), seen therapists, worked with coaches,Continue reading “Shifting from Survivor of Gun Violence to Thriver of Life”
Tag Archives: Domestic Violence
Pain is Inevitable. Suffering is Optional.
One of the biggest recent ‘lightbulb’ moments was during a workshop, the speaker said something about how pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. I’ve been sitting on this for a few days. It’s profound. It’s truthful. It’s a bunch of things. For me, part of the reason why I avoided acknowledging truth was becauseContinue reading “Pain is Inevitable. Suffering is Optional.”
The ability to articulate abuse is what set me free.
I’ve talked about domestic violence at nauseam. I’ve offered my perspective, my pain, my opinions, my observations and various assumptions of perspectives. I’ve tried my hardest to keep my blog as my feelings and my point of view. My intention has always been two-fold, go through my pain and protect myself. When I decide toContinue reading “The ability to articulate abuse is what set me free.”
What is Love? Forgiveness? Reconciliation? Acknowledgement?
I dunno about you but I’m low key excited about this entire coronavirus situation. Is it scary? Yes. Can bad things happen? Possibly. Can good things happen? ABSOLUTELY!!! As the world goes stark raving mad, I acknowledge I’m in a very unique place. Mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I’m holding space for myself and continuing toContinue reading “What is Love? Forgiveness? Reconciliation? Acknowledgement?”
Places of trauma are playgrounds for self-discovery
My week has been filled with interactions with love bugs. Perhaps I should allow a powerful conversation to stir a bit but as I do, I’m going to open process. My dear friend asked me about my why? Why Chicago? Of all the places in the world, why Chicago? WHY? – It’s simple. I knowContinue reading “Places of trauma are playgrounds for self-discovery”
Bittersweet beginning: Breaking My Silence
A few years ago I decided to break my silence. I didn’t know what I was walking into. I just knew when I told friends in private, it did not result in safe situations. My options were to continue to ignore the darkness, embrace more darkness or expose all of the darkness in public. TheContinue reading “Bittersweet beginning: Breaking My Silence”
6 Lessons Learned: Breaking My Silence
Breaking the silence on abuse is not always possible. It can be very dangerous. Depending on the type of abuse and the emotional stability (or lack thereof) of the abuser, it can lead to murder. That said, I have found great comfort in a few truths… Reputation I would rather people think I’m “crazy” andContinue reading “6 Lessons Learned: Breaking My Silence”
Only as sick as the secrets we keep
December has not always been a peaceful month in my world. Yes, it’s my birthday but it’s also when people try to hurt me. It’s when my brother plays games to be seen. It’s when my father fails at managing his emotions. It’s when my mother has her dark days. December has been a perfectContinue reading “Only as sick as the secrets we keep”
Looking back: 10-year challenge
A bunch of my friends have been talking about a 10-year challenge. I was not going to participate but thought, ok, why not… this should be interesting. There is a massive difference in 10 years. Massive. 2009 vs 2019. So many things have shifted… or shall I say, so many truths have finally been revealedContinue reading “Looking back: 10-year challenge”
Meeting People where they are…
Upgrades are happening in so many ways. Causing me to pause and simply relish in the moment. Gosh, the last few years have been a challenge. A heart-wrenching… soul-crushing… challenge. Some days felt like I was pushing a car uphill and other times, it felt like I was being pushed off a cliff. Finding theContinue reading “Meeting People where they are…”