One surefire way to get me to exercise is to attach a worthy cause to an activity. I feel like I’ve been a member of Team AWBW since 2012 when I stumbled upon a flyer in a restaurant and it was love at first sight! I started by donating money then went on to attending Advocate Huddles, AWBW’s Survivors Art Circle (S.A.C) and fundraising events.

I have experienced so much personal growth as a result of creating art with the SAC. As a recipient of years of emotional (almost physical) abuse it was at SAC that I realized I had no idea how to love myself therefore I allowed other people to mistreat me. Their needs were always more important than mine. However, when I attend the monthly workshops, I am constantly amazed at the works of art we create. They are all different, all beautiful just like the women who make them. I would like to make a special shout out to Trini Nunez, the SAC Coordinator, for creating a very loving and safe place to heal. She has a very calming nature with a gentle way of connecting the sisterhood. The SAC experience has taught me to put as much love and care into myself as I have into the mandalas, masks and dream holders I’ve made. I proudly display them on social media and in my home. Whenever I gaze upon one of these treasures I am reminded that I too am a work of art and deserve to be treated with respect.

I love being a part of this family and I loved riding to raise money and awareness for the great work they are doing to help heal the pain of domestic violence.

In preparation for the Long Beach Marathon I joined a couple of cycling groups. Those rides are no joke! They motivate me to become a stronger, faster, more confident cyclist.
My I CAN WE CAN pledge is: I CAN ADD VALUE.