From Victim to Business Owner…What’s your story?

I am a survivor of Domestic Violence. I say that first, because I  don’t want you to think that your past will decide your future. Allow me to  share a short version of my story,  and I would love to hear your story as well!

 I was married to my abuser for two years and the abuse was  severe; physical, emotional and
mental. My abuser was the pastor of my church and a respected  member of the community. Abuse was not something others were going to believe  and when it was brought to their attention they didn’t.

 On some days I was allowed one meal and one bathroom break. If I was  allowed to go to work that was the best day until I noticed that time  was 5pm and it was time to go home. I did not see my family for two years and
while I was allowed to talk them on the phone it was never without a listening  ear on the other end.

The day I left, I had a seven-year old and a three-month old preemie  that had just been discharged from the hospital. I left while my abuser was  asleep after he had kept me up all night and trying to have me committed to a mental
hospital of all things. Finally at 5am he went to sleep, I crept  downstairs and told my oldest daughter to pick on favorite toy to take on road  trip.

 I literally stood at the front door for 30 minutes crying before I decided to  open it. The car I had at the time had no insurance, no tag, no registration the  front wheel came off when you drove over 50 and it only held $3.00 worth of gas
at time.

I had my purse, three diapers, a can of milk and a car sit. The closes people  I knew were over an hour away. I had no money to get to where I need to go and  no one to help get me there.

I remember running to the car and just driving –until I was pulled over two  miles later by a State  Trooper after I told him my story he let me go on my  way.

Needless to say I pressed charges and after not being able to find an  attorney to represent me I learned the laws for the state I was in and I  represented myself.

It was then I realized that I was stronger than I had ever imagined. It was  my first step to finding the real me and it set me on my path of helping  others.

So here we are 9 years later, I have helped many women and men along the way  either through speaking about domestic violence or  helping them become business owners or start nonprofits.

What is your story? I urge you to not let your past or your situation hold  you back.

 Don’t let your fear decide your destiny

 I would love to hear your story or perhaps help you discover your story.  Please leave your comments below and I will respond or if you prefer email me at  janmetra@waddellconsult.com.

 I look forward to hearing your story!
 
As always if you of anyone who is abused please follow the safe way to help.  Below is the link to the National Domestic Violence  Hotline.

1-800-799-SAFE
 http://http://www.thehotline.org