#MeetYourMakerMonday | Each week I've been sharing things about myself so my customers and IG friends can get to know me. This week I'm going to share some of my story, in honor of #DomesticViolenceAwareness & as a survivor of #SexualAssault . Inspired by the photo/story series #MuseOnThis from @theworldmuse and several women whom I admire and respect in my community. Thank you for sharing @shanankelley @cynthialaroche1 @tracytreu @havstadhatco ||| So here the sad truth... ....... " I was first sexually assaulted when I was 17 and attending military school in New Mexico by an older cadet Officer. There was no recourse from the school, instead I spent 2 weeks in the infirmiry with a "mental breakdown". I had several bad relationships in the years after, included being beaten not only by my "boyfriend" but also the male Albuquerque police officers who took me to jail. Then on night after my 26th birthday I was raped by 2 of my neighbors. Alcohol was involved in each of these horrific events, and it is still #NOTOK ! There are no excuses for sexual violence! I want to share my story as our current political state of affairs is at a low. The words of a presidential candidate that incite harmful actions, misogyny, racism and straight up hate are doing so much harm to our already fragile society, and mirrors the exact attitudes of my assailants. A nonchalant "I do what I want" attitude, that justifies and perpetuates hate and violence with "they deserved it"! I've suffered years of depression blaming myself and have even hurt and attempted suicide before. I didn't start my business ZIALIFE to make money, get famous, or gain power. It's merely about survival. I create to survive. Without my ZIALIFE creations I would probably be dead. This is #ArtTherapy and #CreativeEmpowerment for me. I heal as I find perfection in the altered and imperfect. I heal as I see others gain happiness from feeling beautiful in their own skin. I heal as I see each finished piece handwoven with the love, health and the sacred living intentions that I want for myself and the world around me. #WordsMatter #ItTakesAllOfUs #Love #Humanity #SelfHealth #ThisIsTheWhy #BendOregon #PussyGrabsBack
