This week I escaped to the mountains. I ended up being solo and it allowed me time to to do some deep visioning for the future. To rethink my relationships with the the legal system, the FBI, and federal prosecutors. To ask myself hard questions and dig deep in a way I haven’t before. To be honest, In a way I don’t think I was ready to do before this. This week I had the space to read two books I haven’t ever had the capacity for: @bowdlermichelle’s book “Is Rape A Crime?” has sat on my desk since it came out, but I just couldn’t do it. This week I devoured it. Michelle’s story made me feel seen in a way I can’t describe. She writes about systemic and institutional betrayal like she’s inside my brain. But what I needed most was to read a story so similar to mine. There are parts of my story I don’t talk about often, or ever, and I feel like Michelle gave me permission to start saying certain things out loud. The other book I finally started (but haven’t yet finished) is @smashfizzle’s. Years ago I saw my beloved @glynnismacnicol ask Ashley on stage about storytelling, the power of our stories, and telling stories that include others and how she navigates that. I’ve held those answers so close. Storytelling, especially as a survivor, is something I honor and I am grateful for Ashley. This trip was hard, it pushed me, I pushed me. And I made some true life changing decisions. My biggest takeaway, and I know I say it a lot but it’s more true every single day, survivors of sexual violence are beautiful. We are so powerful. And when we share our stories, when we speak our truth, we create more magic. Dear survivors: I fucking love you. Unconditionally. Ps: this was all possible because of the generosity of @chaplain_mba! 💛✨ I will forever be working to pay this forward.