Are You A Thriver?

A THRIVER  is a person that was once a victim of abuse but now thrives throughout all aspects of life. We become the voice for the voiceless * We are role models in our communities * We are destine to follow are dreams * We empower and encourage others * We know the importance of self-care and therapy. Most importantly we are not defined by our traumatic experiences.

I AM A THRIVER of 7 years of verbal and emotional abuse. I witnessed several abuses from such an early age and escaping it seemed inevitable. From the time that I can recall my understanding of a man. All I thought is that; I don’t really want one. From visually seeing sexual and physical abuse at a young age, my view of relationships was screwed. You don't know, what you don't know, and is everyone's household this way?

I decide to keep the legacy of abuse going because who was I to end the cycle? Put on the brave face & mask and face his demons head on. Well, I am no one's savior, but thank God my Savior found me, and made a way of escape; physically first and then in my heart so I would not go back down that same path. Once I release not only who I was but also my thoughts that held me captive, it was then I found joy. Like the kind of joy where it does not matter the external things going on, you will still have that JOY, it’s the kind of peace that you can't measure the magnitude, but those who have experienced it understands. It's that smile I saw on others and knew that it was not fake or temporal, but just didn't understand how to obtain it. Until NOW! I got it ya'll, and I never want to give it away.

Career-wise, I have worked for over 16 years with the Department of Workforce Development, currently serving as the District Director for Job Service.  I am grateful for where I am presently in life; looking forward to where I am going because guess what...

I AM A THRIVER,  Laneice McGee