Harnessing the Courage to Survive

In this chapter, I share my courage story. I have waited 14 years to share my story, and in honor of all the women who also shared their courage stories in this book, I knew I needed to open my heart to vulnerability and, also, share mine. Sharing a courage story is a courageous act in and of itself. Women often resist owning their courage, knowing they essentially do what they need to do to take care of their work, families, friends, and communities. But, sometimes, women need courage to survive a traumatic event. This is the case in my story, which I hope is beneficial to anyone facing domestic or emotional abuse. My story is of a long walk through a painful labyrinth, and how I survived while working, raising a family, and a maintaining a home.