I’m a survivor & my voice matters. In this life, I have experienced domestic violence, sexual harassment in the workplace, despicable acts of a molesting relative, and racial discrimination in business. When you’ve been abused, you have the opportunity to learn and to heal. Time after time you’ll be given the chance to fight back. Maybe not the original abuser but a myriad of them taking different forms throughout your life. You gain a keen sense for them and a greater disgust. Then you have a choice to make – will you let them get away with it or will you make a change? I choose change.
The Beginning of the Journey
Child Rescue Foundation was my saving grace when I was impacted by domestic violence in college. Founder Joanne Kappel helped me to understand and define what had happened. She was by my side getting a restraining order to protect me. Then I went to Safe House Denver to educate myself on my contributions to the relationship. I wanted to make sure this never happened to me, again.
My romantic relationships were healthy from then on. I knew the red flags and refused to settle. Casual dating was a good time. Because of my learned skills, I could easily spot when someone wasn’t a fit for me. I can also eye spy abusers from a mile away. Business and family relationships were not as easy to identify abuse. Fast forward 20 years, I’ve made progress. Like I said before, I choose change.
Wellness Versus Healing
Wellness is more than bike rides and spa visits. When you do the work, it can be about healing. Without the darkness, I wouldn’t appreciate the light. And this journey of mine would not know inspiration. It took me too long to realize that my voice matters. So I now embrace telling my story because it can help someone else. I recognize my experiences, happy, sad, and in between, are important to share.
The process of healing takes patience, time, strength. It’s easier to stick your head in the sand and pretend everything is okay. Once you get a peek of the truth and the sunshine that follows the rain, that darkness of avoidance doesn’t feel as good as it used to. Healing has brought a level of authenticity that I was scared to show. Now I wear my truth proudly. It has changed how I listen and respond to everyone I encounter. I’m certainly not done with this journey of self care and self love. Like everything else, I take it day by day. And if I’m lucky, wellness trip by wellness trip.
I approach this life with a genuine care for others. My guidance comes from a place of integrity. I’m excited to work with good people I trust. At my very core, I believe in the power of wellness tourism to heal and bring us to a life of self-love and empowerment. I know that your voice matters, too. I’m here to listen and help.