I had to take the last few days to process the response to my last post that I shared regarding my experience as a sexual assault survivor. I've read all of your kind comments, words, messages, emails and texts of support.
I am sincerely humbled and thankful for all of you. Also, a very heartfelt thank you to all of the women who emailed, or messaged me with your own story of survival. I honor you in this space. Your words shook me up and brought me to tears. Your bravery and strength will always be marked on my heart. I have felt overwhelmed in the very best of ways, but also exhausted. I knew that in sharing my story in light of Donald Trumps recent 'locker room' rhetoric would be opening myself up to both positive and negative feedback. My experience was very difficult for me to write and share here on my biggest platform. However, I felt an urgency to speak up against sexism and hate from someone who holds so much power and influence.
The apathy that I've encountered in the past year, as the rise of this man in the election process has taken place, have stirred up feelings of anger and weariness within me. Over a year ago, I wrote about parents speaking up about it here. It was so disturbing to me as I reread it today that so many of my fears have come true since then. It's truly disheartening, but I warrior on. If someone fails to see the connection of my experience as a sexual assault survivor and the shamefully dismissive comment of 'locker room talk ' by Donald Trump, then that is something they will have to sort out with their own conscience. I do not take on the weight of their judgement into my life. As another sexual assault survivor so poignantly shared with me, it's a shame that we have to share our stories to put a real face behind the words of Donald Trump and give a reason to why we are enraged. But I stand here unashamed that I have brought awareness to the problem and that is something I am proud of. I refuse to stay silent and will continue to speak up. In November, I will do so with my vote and I hope you join me and the millions of others who are doing the same!
Where do we go from here?
I've been told that I make things look 'easy' and I know it's said more as a compliment, but in all honesty sometimes I would read these words and think if they only knew how truly difficult it has been. It is a daily step of faith for me to find the good, the joy, the abundance of life and to smile despite the pain or current struggle. I've also have had to allow the sorrow to wash over me and cry until I no longer can. I stand here as woman who has been molded by her experiences and grown into who I am because of them. I am able to speak about them years later, because I have worked tirelessly to push through the darkness. I am so grateful for divine grace, and for a husband who has been my rock. This is who I am and I am damn proud of the woman I've become.
When I started blogging I did it as a creative outlet. As my blog grew I began to receive offers from companies that wanted to work with me. Truthfully, I had no idea you could make income doing this sort of thing. It was a welcome change, because working on this blog has taken time away from me solely being an at-home-mother. In the past, I blogged about confronting my own biases against my natural kinky curls. I've written and searched about finding deeper meaning in prayer and meditation. I shared about my fear of prejudice in raising our children bilingual. I've written about my postpartum experience. I am passionate about talking about issues on race, prejudice, equality, feminism and my own motherhood experience. I want to continue to use this space for that without fear of judgement, or that it might not translate well for those who read my blog for the lifestyle portions only. In doing so, I feel like I am being true to myself and using this platform in a way that can hopefully make a difference in our community.
I recently shared my mindful living project and that is something I'm excited to continue. My goal with the mindful living project is to share and invite you all to join in on finding ways to be mindful in all aspects of life. After the riots here in Milwaukee, I talked on my Instastories and shared that I am partnering with our pediatrician to begin an outreach program. We are in the process of starting a non-profit to provide baby carriers and breastfeeding support to mothers in high-risk areas of our city. All of the proceeds from my closet sale will be used towards supporting our non-profit project efforts. As I mentioned on my Instastories this not only about providing a service, but also connecting with other mom's in different neighborhoods and begin a dialogue. I've received feedback from local mom's who want to be involved, and I'm so excited to get things off the ground! If you're interested in being a part of the program please send me an email at (mommyinmilwaukee@gmail.com) or leave a comment below and I will add you to our mailing list!
As always thank you for taking the time to read our blog. I love you all!
