Last Monday I shared about Continuing To Make A Difference After writing that post I got to thinking about why I share my story. For so long I had the “victim” mentality. I allowed myself to be defined by the traumas that happened in my life.
Through my healing process, I had an aha moment. “Either you choose to be a victim of your circumstances or be victorious because of your circumstances.” I decided to get up from the ground brush myself off and fight to be better than “a victim” I was determined to be victorious. To get to the point in my healing process to be able to help others.
Now that did not happen overnight. I was in therapy 3 years before I shared my story. It 8 years before I did my first interview. Every step is a new step in my victory.
Seeing my story on a news story reminded me again of how victorious I have been.
I had initially planned to watch the news story at home by myself. But one of my close friends wanted to have a “Dana Watching” party. So that is what we did. A few people came over, had dinner and waited for the story to come on.
In the moments leading up to the news story, I felt myself getting a little anxious. I realized that I still wanted to have a moment to reflect “alone” even though I was amongst supporters. So I just mentioned to them that I just needed a few minutes of silence and once I processed it I would be able to talk. They totally understood.
Finally, 5:45 pm came. The story started. I knew the actual story was about self-defense so I patiently waited for that introduction. About 2 minutes in I finally saw myself. I was so proud to see that girl up on the screen. She was so brave and courageous.
The story was over and at that moment I began to whale cry. Not in embarrassment or shame. But because I knew by me sharing my story I was giving others hope and that made me happy.
Below is the video of the story. So excited to share it with the world.
Take Care. Much Love
