Questions by Mei-Mei Mijares
M: What does the theme “awakening” mean to you? And how did this particular story fit with that meaning?
H: I think that “awakening” can mean many things. Sometimes profound and sometimes simple. This story fits because it is the platform to which I began loving myself.
M: Tell us a little bit about your story and what resources you used to heal.
H: As I mentioned in the blog, I didn’t even know that I was in the midst of a major life shift at the time. All I knew was that I was being supported by many mentors and a slew of Earth angels, guiding me into knowing my worth.
M: You are so incredibly brave to tell us about your story. What was the hardest section to write about?
H: Honestly, I could write an entire book on this time of my life. The hardest part was shortening it, as well as making sure to be mindful of possible triggers for others. It’s also never easy to remember the parts of my past where I shied away from standing up for myself.
M: As a fellow survivor, I was touched by your words and I was comforted to know you were able to write about it. What was it like to revisit this part of your life with writing? Was it scary, or cathartic? Did it offer relief or consolation?
H: It was empowering. I now know my worth and fully believe in my own personal power.
M: If you could tell your past self one thing, what would you tell her?
H: That the love that she’s looking for already exists inside of her. (and I’d probably teach her how to throw a mean right hook, to use when needed. haha)
M: And to our readers, for those who may have experienced abuse—what words do you have for them? Or, in general, what do you want our audience to learn and take away from this post?
H: For those that have experienced abuse and are now on the other side, I want them to feel seen and heard. I want them to know that the survivor within them is celebrating their strength. I want them to not see themselves as weak, but rather to gather their self-worth and shine their light so bright, it’s blinding to anyone that tries to dim it. For those still in it, I want them to know that they are loved, so much. That there is so much support out here, ready to lift them up and help them. I want them to know that they are not alone.
M: And finally, what are you up to and where can our audience find you?
H: You can find most of my current writings here, on LYF’s page. Or you might see me chugging coffee barefoot in the grass somewhere.
If you or someone you know is being abused, please reach out to:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.SAFE