A Journey of Healing and Self-acceptance
This entire summer has been a profound journey of relearning for me. I’ve had to completely reshape my plans and adapt to unexpected changes, learning that life doesn’t always go as we expect. Yet through these challenges, I've found a sense of peace—a newfound ability to feel safe in my own body. For much of my life, starting from the tender age of three, I was running away from myself. I distanced myself from my mind, my heart, and my body. I numbed my existence with substances, filled my thoughts with lies, and treated this incredible vessel of mine with absolute disregard. I used my body as both a shield and a weapon against the world. There was a time, at the age of 18, when I faced one of the darkest moments of my life. I was kidnapped by a sex trafficking ring, and I had to summon every ounce of strength to escape that harrowing situation.
I’ve never spoken about this, but it’s essential to acknowledge that I once fought off my own aunt when I was just eight years old—she attempted to take my life.
Additionally, my own family contributed to my trauma; they stole my money, manipulated my identity, and I faced the unimaginable violation at the hands of my grandfather. These were only a few instances among many where I narrowly escaped death and endured unthinkable circumstances, finding myself homeless on two separate occasions. Moments like these do not merely haunt the heart or linger in the recesses of the mind; they embed themselves deep within the cells of our bodies, within the very essence of our being.
A Journey Toward Friendship with Myself:
Let me say this: The journey toward becoming friends with myself and finding a safe haven within hasn’t been easy, but I feel blessed to still be here. I am grateful for the gift's life has bestowed upon me, and every day, I discover new reasons to celebrate existence. My body—this magnificent creation—can bring life into the world. It has held and nurtured life and has healed from countless struggles. Now, I find myself in a place of healing where I am learning to embody love from within. Love whispers gently even in moments when I feel like tearing down the walls, wanting to scream at the top of my lungs. As Rumi once said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Healing is not linear; it comes with both ups and downs, but it is essential for becoming the best version of ourselves.
You Are Not Alone In my darkest times, I often felt alone—no family, no one I could trust, just me against the world. But somehow, God always placed the right people in my path when I needed them the most. As Helen Keller beautifully stated, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The moral of my story—and the reason I choose to share it—is to remind both myself and you that nothing is impossible; greatness is always within reach. Stay true to who you are. You are a work of art, still in progress. Embrace your journey; celebrate your survival. Take it from me: living authentically is the key to liberation.
Every moment you choose to heal, you are forging a path toward a brighter future. Remember, you are never alone in your struggles, and you are infinitely stronger than you think. In the words of Maya Angelou, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Rise, heal, and thrive—you have the power within you.
with great LOVE Elizabeth <3