Stories,
told slowly.

“Gradually, I regained my physical and mental state. I realize I can handle my life and happiness and must instigate change. My life turned around 180 degrees — I noticed everything was possible to change your life.”

“Writing this book didn't erase my past, but it transformed my relationship with it. I no longer write from wounds — I write from wisdom. Everything was stacked against me, yet I defied the stereotypes often associated with individuals who have experienced…”

“I CHOSE LIFE after I survived toxic relationships that could have been my death. It involved sacrificing social life and living in solitude, without friends or family. While I worked hard and trained myself to become stronger, I had a newfound drive to…”

“I was born in 1960 in the Glasgow slums, the fifth child of six. I was a tiny baby girl with serious health problems, born into poverty and struggle. Despite my harsh living conditions, I was a bright and curious child, always eager to explore my surroundings…”

“Instead of going to my parents, I kept it all to myself, a secret for many years. My uncle told me he would do something bad to me if I told anyone, and convinced me that I was the one doing something wrong. On top of the threats was an immediate feeling of…”

“Since I was a little kid, the performing arts have been my favorite form of expression. Whether twirling around my living room or in a production on stage, attending concerts at the local Symphony Center, or watching Swan Lake on PBS, I've adored the beauty…”

“After I spoke up, my family blamed me for outing my father and our dirty secrets. My stepmother accused me of lying. The church turned its back on me; rumors spread fast, and I became an outcast. I felt lonelier than ever — worthless, guilty, and shameful.”

“That night, I informed my mother I'd leave the next morning. Social services had finally gotten me an apartment where I could stay temporarily. I packed the necessities for survival. My studies were getting put aside. Those who knew nothing of the events…”