Navigating My Sexual Assault

**Trigger Warning**It's a new year and a new season of Unsilenced Truths! Why is it a new season you may ask... I don't know it just smelled like a fresh start in the air ;) This episode I opened up about my sexual assault from 2020 and the impact it had on my life. What prompted this topic was my desire to be a bit more transparent about some of my  darker life experiences but also watching the interview I did with Jalaycia and @thesocialrecipe (on instagram) in light of Sexual Assault Awareness month (April). I appreciated the platform that I had been provided to speak my truth and spread awareness about being assaulted because that had truly changed my life. It got worse before it got better but new positive experiences and habits have stemmed from this which I have gratitude for. In watching that interview, I realized that it was my first time mentioning the idea of having my own podcast *wink wink* and the underlying theme we discussed was being open and vulnerable enough to speak MY truth. A truth that I had felt was being silenced by the company I worked for, a past significant other, my own fears and doubts, and my peers ( people wanting to protect and stand by my assailant). Navigating how to take legal action was very difficult and ultimately, my case was dropped due to lack of evidence. Everything was effected from my graduation date (medically withdrew from classes multiple semesters) to me temporarily giving up on my passion of being a personal trainer. I fell to alcoholism and smoking weed to cope with the anxiety, depression, grief, and lack of self-esteem. However, with time, patience, friendship, counseling, solid support, perseverance, and God I am in a much better place than I was before mentally, physically, and emotionally. Hell... even spiritually. I admire my resilience and courage. I have grown beautifully despite the roller coaster ride of healing and life. I am grateful that my story can help others and I hope Sexual Assault Awareness month means something to you now without it having to actually happen to your or a loved one. Thank you...