Johanna Alperin

We Choose to Thrive Johanna Alperin

This series is dedicated to those who have suffered abuse at the hand of someone who was supposed to love them and care for them. Often this means a family member. Not always though. We know that abuse is abuse, no matter where it comes from or what kind of abuse it is. Not just child abuse, abuse from domestic violence, abuse from siblings, relatives, father or mother, a family friend, or a complete stranger. Abuse can destroy. Abuse can color a person's world so drastically that life as they once knew it is forever changed. Our stories join the many that are already published, as we feel that together, our voices are meant to be heard. Our purpose is to provide encouragement and inspiration to those still in abusive situations, as well as those who are just now taking steps to walk away. Walking away takes a great deal of courage. It is scary and full of uncertainties. It is often said that it takes much more courage to walk away than it does to stay, simply because staying is familiar. Walking away is walking into the unknown. Even more than courage, is the determined decision to do what it takes to heal, to recover from the pain, the devastation to the body, the mind, the self-esteem is where these stories come to light. In each of these stories, a decision was made. As you will read in the pages of this book, the stories are as many, and as varied as the courageous women that chose to write and share them. They come from many different walks of life, even from different countries. Some are young, some are older. One story is of a 92-year-old woman who told her story for the very first time. There is one that shares a poem, her story of vicious and evil cyber-attacks that almost cost her life was not safe enough to share at this time. Healing is a process. It does not happen overnight, and often there are triggers that will take us by surprise and set us back a bit. This is normal. To have had the opportunity to get to know each of these women has been humbling and evoked deep respect for them and the journey they have chosen to be on. Many of the women that were in book one in this series, gained such courage from find speaking up and being heard that they are now actively helping others to take a stand. Today's world has a lot of publicity about these topics. It is not meant to get attention, nor, to have others feel sorry for us. These stories are shared to inspire others and to bring about sorely needed change in our world. We want to change the tide and create awareness that abuse is unacceptable. If you are reading this book today, we hope you will reach out for help if you are in need of help. We encourage you to reach out to any one of us for support. The beauty of this is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!