October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and as a survivor of domestic violence myself, I understand the complexities of this topic all too well, and I know I am not alone in that. I was subjected to emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse when I was married, and it took to me two attempts to leave. Although the trauma still affects me today, I'm determined not to let it define me. It is only a chapter of my life story. I continue to work through my experiences in therapy, enabling me to show up for myself and others.
Redefining Self Care
When I finally left my abusive ex-husband over seven years ago, I had to rebuild my life from the ground up. With just my clothes and essentials for my son, I quickly realized the importance of self-care. There was no one else to take care of me but myself. As I left behind a house that never truly felt like home, I discovered the true meaning of self-care — advocating for myself and standing up to my abuser during the divorce, finding my voice and passions, and discovering who I wanted to become. And of course, evenings in the bath or a "me moment" with my favorite face masque from time to time.
As I rebuilt my life, I remember reading that every cell in the body replaces itself over a period of seven years. I've found peace in the knowing that I now have a body he has never touched — a body that truly feels like my own.
As I rebuilt my life, I remember reading that every cell in the body replaces itself over a period of seven years. I've found peace in the knowing that I now have a body he has never touched — a body that truly feels like my own.
Finding Strength in Martial Arts
Part of my healing journey involved trying something I had always wanted to learn but was too anxious to try – martial arts.
As a newly single mom living on my own, I felt compelled to learn self-defense to protect myself and my son. The world is less than kind to women, and we're constantly in a state of risk analysis of our surroundings and people.
So I finally signed up to learn Krav Maga and found more than just physical strength but also mental resilience. The supportive community there became like family, providing me with a sense of belonging, comraderie, and safety. It was also within these walls where I also found that true love did in fact exist, and met the love of my life and soulmate, Matt.
My dedication to martial arts has shown my son how strong and capable his mom is, and I'm now a proud second degree black belt in Krav Maga.
As a newly single mom living on my own, I felt compelled to learn self-defense to protect myself and my son. The world is less than kind to women, and we're constantly in a state of risk analysis of our surroundings and people.
So I finally signed up to learn Krav Maga and found more than just physical strength but also mental resilience. The supportive community there became like family, providing me with a sense of belonging, comraderie, and safety. It was also within these walls where I also found that true love did in fact exist, and met the love of my life and soulmate, Matt.
My dedication to martial arts has shown my son how strong and capable his mom is, and I'm now a proud second degree black belt in Krav Maga.
Self-Care as a Passion
My journey is what inspired me to create a business that empowers others to prioritize their well-being, self-love, and confidence. While other brands throw "self care" around as a buzz word, for me it's much more profound. It's giving others permission to take time for themselves, to create rituals the nourish the skin but also the soul. It's creating products that tell an entire sensory story.So as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I want to remind you that self-care is crucial, especially for survivors of trauma. You deserve love, support, and happiness. Don't be afraid to reach out for help and lean on the resources available, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and Safe Horizon. If you're in the Boston area: Dove, Inc. For central and southeast Massachusetts: New Hope.
I share all this perhaps as a reminder for myself on tough days, but also for anyone who needs the gentle nudge to leave a horrible situation.