From Shadows to Self-Discovery
At ten, my world shifted forever—I felt the crushing weight of being shunned by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. That separation carved deep scars into my journey, shaping who I am today. For years, I hid my true self, wearing masks to blend into a world that often felt cold and unwelcoming. I never really fit in.
In my 30s, a diagnosis of ADHD offered a glimpse into the puzzle of my struggles, giving me pieces of clarity, though much remained unsolved.
Through it all, I’ve clung to creativity as my anchor. My passions have steered me through the storms—founding businesses like a coffee shop, a local newspaper, and an electrical contracting company. I’ve poured myself into creative writing, poetry, music, woodworking, and art in all its forms.
In 2018, life shifted again when Hurricane Florence swept through, flooding my home and washing away my sense of stability. But in loss, I found a new path. My motorhome became my sanctuary, a way of life I embraced for five years, roaming and redefining what “home” meant.
Recent years have brought profound revelations. The loss of my parents and the isolation of the pandemic pushed me to my breaking point, but also toward healing. At fifty, I finally unlocked more of the truth: I’m autistic, and a diagnosis of CPTSD connected the dots between my past and my struggles. For the first time, I saw the intricate ways my mind works and began to understand myself on a deeper level.
Now, I’ve planted roots in rural North Carolina, a quiet corner where I can focus on healing, rediscovering who I truly am, and sharing my journey through this blog. It’s not just a platform; it’s a purpose—a space to rebuild and reclaim my story.
A Space for Healing, Stories, and Creativity
This blog is a space for connection, healing, and exploration. While I’ll share my story of religious trauma and its long-term effects, I will not just focus on the tough times. I’m here to share the highs and lows, the struggles and triumphs, and to create a community that values honesty and self-acceptance. This is not just my story—it’s an invitation for all of us to explore, embrace our unique journeys, and support one another along the way. A place meant to be honest, inclusive, and open-hearted—a place where we can connect, celebrate resilience, find inspiration, and discover beauty amid life’s ups and downs.
All of My Story