WOMAN, DETERMINED
Creative Works & Advocacy
Tag: empowerment
No, Not Everyone is Toxic
I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing lots of content that wants the world’s toxicity shared equally among its residents. Example: “You can’t really begin to grow until you accept that you were toxic, too.” Bullshit. I do not accept this victim-blaming. Do… Continue Reading “No, Not Everyone is Toxic”
How Do I Set and Keep Boundaries?
A reader asks, “How do I follow through with boundaries and keep them up when someone tries to knock them down?” Boundaries are so hard, man. Because, for one, we’re not used to having them, so it’s unnatural and uncomfortable to figure out what… Continue Reading “How Do I Set and Keep Boundaries?”
Abuse is Abuse is Abuse
“What if this isn’t really abuse?” “It could be worse, right? It’s not like he hits me.” “Maybe she’s right. Maybe I’m overreacting.” Let me help you here. It IS abuse. Truly. You’re just not comfortable with that word yet because it’s a lot… Continue Reading “Abuse is Abuse is Abuse”
Resources Do Not a Survivor Make
I’m remembering the time someone suggested that I’ve gotten where I am — healing, sharing, teaching — because I must have had more and better resources than other survivors. If she’d had any idea how long I’ve struggled financially and fought emotionally, how many… Continue Reading “Resources Do Not a Survivor Make”
Recipe for Happiness
I’m no wiz in the kitchen but I’ve been working for years on this recipe that I’d like to share. It takes time to make, fair warning, and it can get super messy. Also, while the specific ingredients I’ve listed are important and necessary—I… Continue Reading “Recipe for Happiness”
“Am I Being Annoying? Do They Hate Me?” | No, It’s a Trauma Response
I gave this pep talk to my kid this morning, and it just occurred to me that you might need to hear it, too. (I’ve tweaked it some, since you’re probably not an almost-17yo dude. But I watched as enlightenment crossed his face, and… Continue Reading ““Am I Being Annoying? Do They Hate Me?” | No, It’s a Trauma Response”
Let’s Talk About Forgiveness
Many pieces of our American society — especially through the arm of Western religion — make you think that forgiveness (releasing another from the harm they’ve done you) is required for your peace and well-being. My hot take is that forgiveness toward the one… Continue Reading “Let’s Talk About Forgiveness”
Vacation My Way
As the house lights faded, my nose burned with emotion. It’s rare that I don’t feel more than one emotion at once. That day, last Saturday, it was gratitude, awe, pride, all together. My kids, both older teens, and I had settled into our… Continue Reading “Vacation My Way”
No Formal Education Needed to Survive and Thrive
I don’t have any degrees. I’ve no formal education. Oh, I had a plan for college. Took some early classes that didn’t go anywhere. Dreamed of this career or that and had a fuzzy view of the future for myself but then, simply put,… Continue Reading “No Formal Education Needed to Survive and Thrive”
I Will If You Will
You. Woman with so much on your plate, I see you. Because while your journey may not run parallel to mine, I know how heavy the burden gets. We are …running a household, maybe with a helpful partner, maybe without one at all. Either… Continue Reading “I Will If You Will”
WOMAN, DETERMINED 