Who do you know that would stay up hours, let alone days (4 to be exact) helping you to deal with your issues?

I had to share this because being someone that is an Advocate/Speaker for men survivors of sexual abuse I know it’s not enough to just give information out it’s about walking with Them on this journey to wholeness. For those seeking healing and therapy, I can tell you that it’s not pretty lol! I deal with imposter syndrome, and it’s been like the worst bully I’ve ever encountered in my life. Although I’ve been making progress and should be very proud of myself.. boom here comes that bully (imposter syndrome) telling me I don’t deserve to be whole or I don’t deserve to be Happy. I honestly started to believe it.

While in ATL for our Survivors Meet Up I was triggered by a convo we all had about not being afraid to share our journeys. I honestly felt like sht knowing that I keep putting others' happiness before mine because I felt like I didn’t deserve it. I was self-sabotaging myself my whole life.

Joevan sat across from me listening to me break down. He sat up and handed me a mirror. Asking me to look into it and speak to those things I needed to tell my family about.. speak into the mirror and tell myself what was it that I would do to practice self-love and heal from the brokenness I was hiding! Guys 4 am.. he stayed up affirming me, guiding me on what I should do to honor myself. I fought not to look in that mirror, knowing I felt this way plenty of times before... but the time 4 am arrived I could finally say to myself "I love you!” I was able to make that promise to myself that no matter what happened my healing would always come first. I could say more but it was hours worth of him pouring into My life.

Since then I’ve talked to a few of my family members. Though it wasn’t pleasant I can say It took bravery and confidence to express my emotions and feelings with them. That’s something I would have NEVER done if it wasn’t for Joe guiding me to do so. You’re an amazing friend and great at the work you do. Most in this field may have the credentials but not the heart that comes with it. He happens to have both that and a bunch of patience lol !! I have carried this into everything I do. I look at the video of myself every time I feel discouraged it reminds me to always be true to myself.

Thank you!!!!!!!