the storm & the rainbow after - Howell, Nadia

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Résumé :
Nadia's, life, has been one of struggle and pain; that so many people secretly relate to. Her journey is one of resilience, endurance, strength, survival, and, some of the strangest of circumstances. She knows that many, young women, suffer in the darkness; and, are lost to a world of silence... never facing their trauma. Nadia, truly understands, the endless heartbreak of surviving a traumatic event. Such as, human sex trafficking, sexual assault, and, domestic violence. She has faced the despair, and, desperation of teenage depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and, unsuccessful suicide attempts. The heavy weight of living, with multiple mental illnesses, physical disabilities, causing debilitating chronic pain; and, is navigating, the very nearly crippling, complex post traumatic stress disorder. Lastly, to add, to her emotional baggage; Nadia, has spent more than half of her life, battling substance abuse addiction. Hers, is a story that shows, that even with everything stacked against you; you can still triumph. She grew tired of drowning in darkness, a prisoner of her own personal hell, haunted by her experience as a literal hostage... her rage, and, grief... eventually, becoming... her resilience, and, strength. Her will to live, and, deepest hopes; had her, crawling out of the dark... into the light. Now, finally, refusing to let anyone else own her flesh; other than herself, ever again. Her unbelievably harrowing journey, in which, she broke the silence; and, found her voice; at risk to her own life. Still, she is bravely speaking out, on issues that nobody wants to discuss, or, face. Well, face them, you will... if you read this collection. You will meet the skeletons in her many closets... the ghosts of those she has lost. And, yet... she will never regret, the desperate run, for her life. She, doesn't just 'survive,' today; she flourishes. Today, she is radiant; facing every new day with grace, and, hope. Forever, believing, that everything happens for a reason; even, pain. Please, if these words, awaken something inside you; go, and, speak your truth.