Weightless
Hi there,
It's been a while since I checked in, but I've been busy at my new job as Content and Editorial Consultant for Laire Group Marketing. I also got engaged a couple of weeks ago to the most wonderful man in the world! But what I'm writing to tell you about today was an experience I had last month that brought me so much fulfillment, I felt Weightless --just like the All Time Low song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpG3B...
Walking across the UNC-Charlotte campus, I was a little nervous, sure, but more than that, excited. I had only been back to campus once since my undergrad days. Most of the buildings looked unfamiliar, but somehow I felt the connection. I had been asked to speak to a Domestic Violence class that is part of the Women and Gender Studies program at UNC Charlotte. When I entered the classroom, there were at least 40-50 college-aged eyes on me. I've never been a teacher, but I found myself with a piece of chalk in my hand, writing my name and the name of my book, Love Me Madly: A Memoir, on the board in large letters so the kids at the back of the room could see.
Suddenly it was time to start and that I did. Telling my story was easier than I expected. I was surprised at how focused everyone was--no phones out or stares out the window. I kept going, reading excerpts, not backing down from the pain, laughing with the class at funny parts and finally, at the end, I was pummeled with questions. I couldn't believe it. The mostly female group could clearly relate to the trauma I had suffered as a teenager and wanted my advice on how to handle their own situations.
Afterwards, several girls approached me, purchased my book and asked me questions. The question I remember most was from a young man who had been listening intently during the past hour and a half. He asked me how he could defend himself against his girlfriend's controlling, manipulative behavior. I told him not to defend himself, but rather to be strong and tell her what he would put up with and what he wouldn't. If she didn't agree, he had only one choice. Walk away. He nodded solemnly.
I think about him and all the others in that class who are struggling in abusive relationships or worse. They all deserve to feel confident and worthy and yes, weightless.
It's been a while since I checked in, but I've been busy at my new job as Content and Editorial Consultant for Laire Group Marketing. I also got engaged a couple of weeks ago to the most wonderful man in the world! But what I'm writing to tell you about today was an experience I had last month that brought me so much fulfillment, I felt Weightless --just like the All Time Low song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpG3B...
Walking across the UNC-Charlotte campus, I was a little nervous, sure, but more than that, excited. I had only been back to campus once since my undergrad days. Most of the buildings looked unfamiliar, but somehow I felt the connection. I had been asked to speak to a Domestic Violence class that is part of the Women and Gender Studies program at UNC Charlotte. When I entered the classroom, there were at least 40-50 college-aged eyes on me. I've never been a teacher, but I found myself with a piece of chalk in my hand, writing my name and the name of my book, Love Me Madly: A Memoir, on the board in large letters so the kids at the back of the room could see.
Suddenly it was time to start and that I did. Telling my story was easier than I expected. I was surprised at how focused everyone was--no phones out or stares out the window. I kept going, reading excerpts, not backing down from the pain, laughing with the class at funny parts and finally, at the end, I was pummeled with questions. I couldn't believe it. The mostly female group could clearly relate to the trauma I had suffered as a teenager and wanted my advice on how to handle their own situations.
Afterwards, several girls approached me, purchased my book and asked me questions. The question I remember most was from a young man who had been listening intently during the past hour and a half. He asked me how he could defend himself against his girlfriend's controlling, manipulative behavior. I told him not to defend himself, but rather to be strong and tell her what he would put up with and what he wouldn't. If she didn't agree, he had only one choice. Walk away. He nodded solemnly.
I think about him and all the others in that class who are struggling in abusive relationships or worse. They all deserve to feel confident and worthy and yes, weightless.
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