Behind Closed Doors
Amplifying women's untold stories
Where do all the UNTOLD stories go? I wondered about this a lot while I was on my early morning beach walk. The sky was raging, blanketing the horizon with bright shades of red and orange, the perfect backdrop for my heavy heart.
In the tapestry of life, there exists countless untold stories - narratives of resilience, courage and transformation - that often remain veiled in silence. These are the stories that, when shared, posses the potential to spark profound connections, to offer solace, and to ignite hope in the hearts of those who resonate with similar struggles.
In my journey hosting therapeutic journaling workshops and programs throughout 2023, I’ve encountered numerous extraordinary women, each carrying within them an untold tale. Most recently emotional tales of battling cancer’s relentless grip, navigating the treacherous waters of divorce, and enduring the harrowing horrors of domestic abuse. These women that I have met, all strong and remarkable in their own individual way, often find themselves trapped in the silence of their experiences, concealing their pain behind closed doors.
Yet, amidst these struggles I’ve witnessed the profound power that emerges when these untold stories find their voice. It’s in the act of courageously sharing these life changing experiences that the seeds of transformation are sown. It’s in the vulnerability of these narratives that hope finds its footing. And, all I can say is that it’s all so powerful. Harsh to listen to at times, but these stories needed to be told.
For it’s only when we dare to do hard things, to shed light on the shadows of our untold stories, that we pave the way for healing and change. These stories, though deeply personal, possess a universality that resonates with others walking a similar path. They serve as beacons of courage, guiding others through their own storms, showing that a brighter, healthier and safer life is indeed within reach. I can’t stress enough, how strongly I feel about this, especially over these past few days.
It’s with this conviction that I’ve embarked on a mission - a mission to amplify these untold stories, to lend a voice to the silenced narratives. I am striving to create a space where women can share their journeys, where their stories can serve as a ray of hope for those who find themselves navigating similar challenges.
I mentioned earlier that I have woken up with a heavy heart. Because I have a dear friend who is in need. I hope she is reading this now, no matter how horrendous and scary life seems right now, know that there is an army of amazing human beings, experts and professionals who are literally minutes away, many of whom are on stand by to offer you help and support through your living nightmare.
Domestic abuse does not take a day off. If you need support this Christmas, talk to Women’s Aid. You have the right to feel safe.
In this pursuit, I aim to break the deafening silence, to break down the walls of isolation and to help foster a community where every untold story holds the potential to spark change. I’m hoping by sharing one untold story one day at a time will inspire another woman to speak up, to seek help and to step onto a path of healing. Surely it’s in the collective power of story telling that we forge a path through empowerment, resilience and a shared journey towards a brighter tomorrow.
If any part of what I’ve written about resonates or has triggered you today, please don’t hesitate to connect with me. I’ll also leave a link to a couple of charities that are doing great work in supporting women that need urgent support. Together we are stronger.
Until the time
Take care & stay safe xx
https://www.womensaid.org.uk.
https://refuge.org.uk
