Tracie blogs about everything from her beautiful family and home schooling her sweet girl to taking a stand against violence and abuse on her blog, From Tracie. Her journey is both startling and inspirational, join her for the ride…
How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to start?
In 2006, I had some friends who were blogging, and they encouraged me to try it. My family went through a lot of changes at the end of that year, and I wasn’t able to keep up with it.
In 2009 I found myself back online, and on Facebook. Facebook kept telling me my status updates were too long, and I realized I needed space to share my thoughts – that was the moment I felt my blog calling me home, and I have been doing it ever since.
You use your platform to strongly advocate against child abuse, has this work helped you heal?
Absolutely! Writing and advocating have been two of the most powerful tools for healing I have experienced. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure what the reaction would be when I shared my story. The support I received touched my heart in deep places, and encouraged me to keep going. That led me to advocacy, and last year I began managing the monthly Blog Against Child Abuse. Being able to support other survivors as they speak out, and share their stories and healing journeys has been such a blessing to me. In this, I have seen something beautiful come out of the pain of a childhood full of abuse.
What advice can you give other women who struggle with abuse?
The first thing I would advise is to get connected with a counselor or therapist. You can call the RAINN Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE, to get a referral to someone in your area, if you don’t know where to go.
Write and speak out your story…and then…keep doing it! Every time you speak out about the abuse that you survived, and every time that you write and allow yourself to deal with the feelings and pain – you take back some of your power.
Blogging is a great way to do this, and there is a huge, supportive community of survivors online. If you are not in the place where you feel comfortable or safe sharing your story on your own blog, or with people you know in real life, that is fine. There are groups sites, like Band Back Together, where you can share your story anonymously. Healing is a journey, and each step is important.
In what ways have you benefited from blogging?
In a lot of ways, blogging gave me back my voice, and it has helped to give me courage. It unlocked a passion for writing that I didn’t realize was hiding deep inside.
Blogging connected me with a great community, and I have experienced the magic of “blogging friends” becoming real life friends. I have also gotten the chance to work with some great brands and businesses, and bring in extra money for my family, which has been a huge blessing.
What’s next for you?
I have two major goals for the next year with my blogging – move to self-hosted wordpress, and attend at least one blogging conference (it would be my first!).
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What an amazingly uplifting attitude! Certainly puts things in perspective. I can’t wait to go dig into her blog!!
LBDDiaries recently posted..The Closer I Get To Him
Twitter: SweetMJ
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What an awesome blog. I work as a victim advocate and its inspiring to see others being an advocate.
Michael recently posted..I Will Show You a Hand Gesture.
Twitter: TinaLaneBlogs
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I know Tracie. Visit her often. Happy to see her featured here today.
Talkin’ Chick Flicks at my place. I bet you have never seen this flicks. And they are fantastic.
(FL) Girl with a New Life recently posted..Chick Flicks to Rent: RentChickFlicks.Com
Twitter: BoonieSooze
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I love that Tracie has taken the pain in her life and is turning it into something beautiful.
Susan in the Boonies recently posted..New Lightbox Feature
Twitter: breezy_living
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She is definitely strong and I’m glad to see she is able to smile, but most importantly find a bit of hope despite the abuse she suffered.
Happy SITS day!
Brianna recently posted..Hacked
Tracie is an inspiration…and I absolutely LOVE her passion!! Happy SITS day
ThePharMA recently posted..Meet The Flintstones?
While her story is a painful one, her strength, and how she has turned it to such good works, makes me happy and hopeful! Yay for Tracie!
Leah Rubin recently posted..Back to Back
Ugh, somehow my little jokey blog seems so, um, little. And jokey.
in bed with married women recently posted..Ooooh, Sears, You Naughty Little Store, You
Congrats on your feature day today Tracie. How wonderful that you use blogging as a platform to speak out against child abuse. I’m looking forward to visiting your blog.
Jen {at} take2mommy recently posted..SheStreams Conference Prep
What a strong mind and determination! Worthy of Admiration.
Saras recently posted..Bubbles
Twitter: SaidKristin
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Congratulations on your SITS day! Writing and blogging is indeed therapeutic – I’m glad it;s allowed you find your voice.
i think it’s phenomenal that you use your voice and platform to advocate for victims rights and to help their voices be heard! a true inspiration! ♥
Michelle recently posted..Around Austin: ACL 2011 recap
Twitter: Omgyummyblog
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Inspirational and funny at the same time. A great combination!
OMG! Yummy recently posted..‘Baking with Dorie’ iPad App and Great Grains Muffins
What an uplifting attitude of joy in overcoming such pain. I love how she reaches out to others who may have had the same experience.
Beautiful soul and great feature!
Angelia Sims recently posted..California Girls
Great blog! Glad you are sharing your story and healing. Keep it up!
happy SITS day!
all three of us recently posted..We made the Travel site
On my way to check her out!
Mrs. H recently posted..Weekend In Rearview
Looking forward to checking out your blog…congrats on the feature!
Mary Lauren @ My 3 Little Birds recently posted..Blame It On Mercury Retrograde
You are doing such important work!
Jennie B recently posted..A Visit to the ER (Part 2)
Twitter: almostsinglemom
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Happy SITS day!
almostsinglemom recently posted..Some witty title about asthma I guess
What a great story. Turning my life around from pain is also what caused me to start blogging. It is truely a blessing to be able to write & share.
hi hi hi hi hi hi hi! I think I am making a comeback at this who blogging thing!
♥ theMRS.
the MRS. recently posted..Life in the US: Observations of Dating culture
Tracie, you are amazing!!! Keep blogging, and Happy SITs day!!
It’s so nice to see women taking a stand against violence and abuse. Awesome! Happy SITs day!
Catie recently posted..My Birth Experiences
Very cool! I love women who stand up for other women!
Teresa recently posted..Mono Cooper
Twitter: themomstandard
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Sometimes the pain we feel we can’t survive in actuality makes us thrive. I know this to be the fact for my situation. Writing about it is like creating a shooting star. Continue to shine Tracie!
KimD recently posted..Speech Mom is the New Soccer Mom
Nice to meet you Tracie! I’m a believer in blogging for a purpose, so I’m sure we’ll get along beautifully.
Aubrey Anne recently posted..Bravery in blogging
What a cute family and a great blog! Keep up the good work! Happy SITS day!
sara826 recently posted..Sweet Sundays: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Tracie, taking your story and what is such a very painful, private and emotional experience and using it to inspire and motivate other women to not only use their voice but to also advocate for themselves and their families is truly inspiring. Congratulations on your SITs day you so deserve the awareness and support.
Shannon from ‘Mynewfavoriteday’ recently posted..Where do you call home? Literally and metaphorically?
It’s so great to see blogs like this
Kimberly recently posted..Getting Crafty: Mummy Lights
Such a strong woman! I love it
Looking forward to seeing the inspiration she has on her blog.
Krystina recently posted..Dear Motivation…
What an amazing woman! And wonderful blog
KnottedFingers recently posted..Grief’s Rolling Tides – Mourning a Child
An incredible reason to begin blogging and a wonderful resource for others. Look forward to having a look at her blog.
Life In A Pink Fibro recently posted..The joy of text
That’s AWESOME! I’m so glad you’re raising your voice.
Serene recently posted..Guest post: Remembering Lupe
Twitter: sheswrite
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Wow. How serendipitous that this is today’s SITSgirl. I was just talking yesterday about social media and advocacy. I’m going to bookmark you and while I’m in the middle of a few projects right now, you’ll be hearing from me!
Keep up the great work!!
She’sWrite recently posted..The First Day of School, An Interview and The Police
She sounds like an amazing woman! She’s using her blog for such a great purpose.
The Literary Lioness recently posted..Book Review: Following Atticus by Tom Ryan
congrats on your SITS day Tracie!! I’m already a follower – love reading your posts!
wm
Working Mommy recently posted..{Wordless Wednesday – Wrastlin’ Around}
Happy SITS day, girl! What a wonderful blog you have: love that it helps you while it helps others. Keep up the fantastic work!
michelle @ this little light recently posted..DJ Got Me Fallin’ in Love Again
Twitter: Mrsourna
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So far everything is lovely and inspirational. Planning to read more. Happy SITS day!
Stephanie @ Our Marriage Adventure recently posted..Apples and Moonshine
Happy SITS day!
http://semperwifey.blogspot.com
Semper Wifey recently posted..Military Monday Returns…
Oh man, I was gone yesterday and I’m so mad I missed this!
It is so great to see a homeschooling mom featured. I love getting tips from other moms!
I am so moved by Traci’s stand against child abuse! What a beautiful advocate of something so ugly.
Jamie G recently posted..Dreadlocks Update Month 4
Twitter: kg_photography
says:
What a great blog! I’m excited to have found this post. I don’t have children and find it amazing the options that are available to parents when it comes to educating their children. I love learning why people have made the choice to homeschool – this was unheard of when I was a child. Now it’s become so very common and a great choice for some.
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Kimberly Gauthier Photography recently posted..VioVio Photo Book Review – A Fantastic and Affordable Gift Idea
Tracie has a great blog. Congrats on your SITS day Tracie!
Lady Jennie recently posted..Honey-Mustard Pumpkin Soup
Twitter: heather_artiste
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Fun blog!
Heather recently posted..Bare Escentuals Ready Shadows – Dream Sequence
What a remarkable woman. This Ozark Farm Chick enjoyed poppin’ in to say ‘howdy’!!! Great read sweetie!!!
Ya’ll have a beautifully blessed weekend straight from the happy hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa!!!
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