To the One, For the One
Donation protected
Shame keeps us in silence and prevents us from fully healing from our traumas.
Background:
My background, which I believe has prepared and qualified me for this project, is that of a survivor of many life experiences and traumas. I have a degree in Sociology, a knack for seeing people in their heartache, and a gift for listening empathetically. Due to my own life experiences, I have spent many years studying trauma, shame, resiliency, and emotional first aid. I believe in the healing power of stories... the power of sharing one's story and the power in hearing another's story. I have had the blessing of experiencing this for myself and my desire, now, is to bring that opportunity to other women.
I've been told that one person can't change the world, so why bother? I don't buy that. One person can change the world FOR one person, who in turn affects another and on and on. That is my goal.
Goal:
I am traveling to women to collect their stories of heartache, perserverance, hope, struggle, and more. I need to do these in person, rather than collecting submitted stories, because sharing face to face is more powerful and has a greater capacity for busting shame. These women are working through betrayal trauma and many are doing so in silence. Their stories will then be shared by me with respect to various confidentiality requests. I will be sharing stories via social media (think 'Humans of New York'), as well as publishing a book about the stories. As women are able to share their stories, and have their stories shared, they will have the opportunity for the connecting experience of 'me too', giving meaning to their struggle in providing a service to the next person who is able to benefit from their story. So it is that I go TO THE ONE, FOR THE ONE.... Because that ONE matters so very much, and needs to feel it.
Funds raised will go toward the following:
- Travel expenses. Women have offered their homes for me to stay in, but gas quickly adds up when there are over 50 women all over the United States. Some are even outside the contingent states and need to feel that they are worth the effort and their story is valuable as well. I am keeping expenses as low as possible so that I am able to reach more women.
- Vulnerability Hangover Kits. This project isn't about simply gathering something for me to share or benefit from. Rather, it is about that sacred act of holding space and releasing the painful grip of shame. I understand that the experience of sharing these difficult parts of you often results in what is termed a vulnerability hangover. This holds especially true if the person has not previously shared their story, or not in its entirety. I will be providing women with items to help them through the vulnerability hangover they will likely feel after sharing their story with me. I welcome donations of items for these kits. Email therealhala at gmail dot com for coordinating.
Additional information and help for betrayal trauma can be found HERE.
Every little bit matters. Thank you so much for contributing!
Background:
My background, which I believe has prepared and qualified me for this project, is that of a survivor of many life experiences and traumas. I have a degree in Sociology, a knack for seeing people in their heartache, and a gift for listening empathetically. Due to my own life experiences, I have spent many years studying trauma, shame, resiliency, and emotional first aid. I believe in the healing power of stories... the power of sharing one's story and the power in hearing another's story. I have had the blessing of experiencing this for myself and my desire, now, is to bring that opportunity to other women.
I've been told that one person can't change the world, so why bother? I don't buy that. One person can change the world FOR one person, who in turn affects another and on and on. That is my goal.
Goal:
I am traveling to women to collect their stories of heartache, perserverance, hope, struggle, and more. I need to do these in person, rather than collecting submitted stories, because sharing face to face is more powerful and has a greater capacity for busting shame. These women are working through betrayal trauma and many are doing so in silence. Their stories will then be shared by me with respect to various confidentiality requests. I will be sharing stories via social media (think 'Humans of New York'), as well as publishing a book about the stories. As women are able to share their stories, and have their stories shared, they will have the opportunity for the connecting experience of 'me too', giving meaning to their struggle in providing a service to the next person who is able to benefit from their story. So it is that I go TO THE ONE, FOR THE ONE.... Because that ONE matters so very much, and needs to feel it.
Funds raised will go toward the following:
- Travel expenses. Women have offered their homes for me to stay in, but gas quickly adds up when there are over 50 women all over the United States. Some are even outside the contingent states and need to feel that they are worth the effort and their story is valuable as well. I am keeping expenses as low as possible so that I am able to reach more women.
- Vulnerability Hangover Kits. This project isn't about simply gathering something for me to share or benefit from. Rather, it is about that sacred act of holding space and releasing the painful grip of shame. I understand that the experience of sharing these difficult parts of you often results in what is termed a vulnerability hangover. This holds especially true if the person has not previously shared their story, or not in its entirety. I will be providing women with items to help them through the vulnerability hangover they will likely feel after sharing their story with me. I welcome donations of items for these kits. Email therealhala at gmail dot com for coordinating.
Additional information and help for betrayal trauma can be found HERE.
Every little bit matters. Thank you so much for contributing!
Organizer
Heather Alger Worthen
Organizer
Las Vegas, NV
