You are not alone, #metoo.

This week I’m in Tulum, Mexico leading a retreat with my one-on-one Mentorship Lab clients. We are reconnecting to our visions, stepping into the light to be more visible, and using our voices to share a message bigger than ourselves.

One thing that I know for sure is when women come together to use their voices, it ignites awareness and change.

Over the past few weeks women from various backgrounds and industries all over the country have posted #metoo to raise awareness of sexual assault. Harassment? #metoo. Abuse? #metoo. Silenced by our assaulters? #metoo.

In just a 24 hour period, over 12 million women shared their ME TOO stories on Facebook and I was one of them. Here’s what I shared…

Me too.

• I’ve been kicked out of a car late at night in the middle of nowhere for not “complying.”
• I’ve had the weight of a big, buff man on top of me keep insisting when I said, “no, please stop” over and over.
• I’ve had my butt grabbed by strangers in night clubs.
• I’ve had married men make uncomfortable advances at me in the workplace. Instead of speaking up, I was more concerned with not wanting to destroy their marriage or for them to lose their job because that would be “my fault.”
• From the age of 11, I’ve constantly been approached by overage men. As a young growing girl, I saw it as a compliment. “He thinks I look older than I am. How cool.” Distorted views of being a female – not knowing what to do with that kind of attention.

One thing, I have practiced is teaching my daughter from toddler to now age ten is how to use words and her voice to identify her body parts.

I have taught her the exact sentences and action steps to take when she is feeling uncomfortable or violated.

I have shared scenarios that can happen with strangers, with peers, and with adults she trusts. We role play and practice using those words before she leaves our sight.

We have taught her to trust her own intuition and body wisdom if she doesn’t feel comfortable to hug someone.

I know it’s not guaranteed protection, but it’s a start.

I stand with women, men, and children who did not have the words, or the choice, or felt safe enough to use their voice.

We see you. We love you.

You are worthy.

#metoo

Thank you for being a witness to my story. As visionary leaders, let’s continue to use our voices to create change in the world.

Warm hugs,