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Speaking for the SISTAZ Reaching out Org. 2005
Subject: Domestic Violence
Recognizing the Signs
Download Raqui's Domestic
Violence
How to see the Warning Signs Work Sheet
Speaking for the SISTAZ Reaching out Org. 2006
Subject:
Grief, Bereavement and Depression
Download Raqui's Loss of a loved
one & depression guides
Grief, Bereavement and Depression Information Guide
Death
of a Loved One - How to Help - How to Deal
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The
Speaker I was one of
those children who talked way to much. My mother said
I sounded to old for my years. I made to much sense at a
young age, and I ended up being treated as an adult because
of my physical size and mannerism.
I have
always been able to look at many views and see someone's
path. Not my path but there path. I am not
sure how I am able to do it but I often see why people do
things, why there surroundings are as they are, and
what they have to do to make it a more happier situation.
While I lived through many problems in my lifetime and have
fought constantly for a better outcome. I have still
been the victim of many predators. Hard times seemed
to be in my live from the day I was born.
From
a teen others have seen me as a natural speaker. I
have been told I can captivate others with my stories and
natural humor even in a situation that is not humorous.
I was able to use life and facts around me to make a
presentation that was true and helpful. Now I am
making it a point to work with other organizations for the
common good. While some say speaking can be a scary
thing for me speaking is the truest form of expression.
Others can see and feel your pain. They can hold on to
your words and facial expressions. They can merge with
you while you tell your story. They can be you for
that moment while you embrace them.
Subjects I Like to Speak About
I started speaking when I
was a Teenager. Standing in front of new students to
the Delaware Valley Job Corps campus. I spoke about the many
gangs we had. How many people had been hurt and how in
the end none of the gang members will feed your hungry child
or visit you when you hurt, in a wheel chair or dead.
No one will help your children and family then. From there I
went toward speaking to others and giving advice.
Speaking to younger and older women. Speaking to
friends and giving counsel. Now I am moving forward
and speaking on behalf of many different issues.
Either in public, In my support groups, or one on one.
Domestic Violence
So very near to me Domestic Violence was in my life from the
moment I was born until I stopped the cycle of picking the
wrong men at age 22. Seeing my father be violent yet
loving him because he was good to me. Seeing him later
do the same to me when I took over the role of mother to my
siblings. All the while I keep picking the wrong men
who abused me. Standing up to my father was one step. Seeing
him change in some ways another. But the biggest step was
realizing the warning signs of an abuser. Speaking on
behalf of Domestic Violence makes a big impact.
Showing that size doesn't matter and Domestic Violence is
control of the mind. Becoming submitted and put
under control. When you are captured and violated
mentally, spiritually and then finally physically.
Helping women to realize the warning signs. The
different ways to pick up the signals that can determine if
your potential mate might become abusive. This is why
I speak.
Childhood
experiences
Living a childhood in which I saw abuse. Later being
in the middle of a divorce. Pulled back and forth for years.
Being the outsider while dad had a new family and life.
Wondering why I was never as good as my older siblings from
my mothers first marriage. Then wondering why with my
fathers second family I was looked at as the stranger.
Being the Fat girl on the playground. How many other
childhood experience can a kid go through with out support
and a someone giving them encouragement. I like to
speak to parents about these instances because many time we
don't even realize the small things we do that make a big
impact during childhood. We are not perfect parents
but sometimes we just need a different view to understand
our children.
Body
Love
Loving your body no matter what size can be a difficult
thing in this society. Our society has decided what
perfection is and less than 1% of the population of the
world fit into that category with out dieting and being on
drugs. Women and men need to learn love of the body
and themselves. Loving all the differences and
beautiful things that make us different. In this day
and age size acceptance or lack there of is important.
To love your body and others with out judgment. To
appreciate the differences instead of trying to make an
acceptable mold is what I try to speak about.
Empowerment
Empowerment is not just about size. While yes, size
empowerment and acceptance is something I will speak about,
Empowerment in general is very important. Realizing
that as a person you are in control of you life. If
something is not right, what are you going to do about it.
If your life is unsatisfactory what are you going to do to
improve it. If your letting negative people or
circumstances into your life. How can you prevent
yourself from doing so again. People just seem
to bump around in life wondering why bad things happen or
why there life is not like they want it. Learning to take
control is a key in becoming a happier person and living a
fulfilling life.
All in all speaking in all forums makes me feel good and i
will continue to do so as long as I am helping others. |
