KaDeWo - The Joy Advocate

Farewell Sweet '16!! Dear you, I hope you have enjoyed a SWEET 2016. The year was amazing for me. I have experienced so many firsts. At the age of 33 I am living what I call my "Jesus year". In the past 366 days #leapyear I was blessed to grow in numerous ways. I graduated with masters in Special Education from a private Jesuit institution. I quit a job that was encouraging depression due to the lack of emotional intelligence amongst a senior staff that was completely fine with thriving in the midst of drama. I visited 7 different mountains on two continents and appreciated the blessing of sight like never before. I flew internationally for the first time, to fulfill my dream of teaching and living abroad. This move forced me to conquer some of my phobias...germs and escalators.  Before August 25, 2016 it had been 18 years since I have ridden a down escalator. I could always go up without an issue. However, an incident involving a baby being handed to me once I stepp

In 1996, I was struggling to get past and heal from sexual assault by a family member. I was confused, ashamed and felt disrespected. I felt as though I had disrespected myself and allowed myself to be disrespected in the worse way. I have since learned that I was not the one who should have felt shame, at the tender and innocent age of 11 - rather I should have shamed the perpetrator of one of my most valuable possessions. Time past and I kept this a secret, which only made me withdraw from my family and friends. I was depressed and anger grew inside me with every sunset. I did not know where to turn or who to confide in. I felt alone and damaged. Around the same time I entered my final year of middle school I heard a few hits from the introductory Junior Mafia album. I was intrigued with the bold, confident, direct and demanding female figure and started a part of my healing process. This young woman changed how I thought about myself and body. Her strong lyrics empowered me to b