“If you want to know where to find your contribution to the world, look at your wounds. When you learn how to heal them, teach others”
-Emily Maroutian
My Story
In April of 2020, I published a personal essay on social media detailing my relationship with sexual violence and emotional abuse as a woman in her early twenties. This essay began as a therapeutic journal entry and evolved into something greater than I ever could have imagined.
I would not have had the temerity to write and post my story on social media if it were not for the powerful words of other survivors before me who have come forward. The combined strength of these victims allowed me the permission that I’d rarely given myself to stand up and publicly acknowledge that what happened to me was unequivocally wrong.
Since posting my personal essay in April, my sister and I have been served with two civil complaints regarding defamation and slander. We have been trudging through litigation since August of 2020, and we’re still unsure if the end is in sight.
I’ve always been somewhat vocal about injustices, but this occurrence lit a fire underneath me. It inspired me to never stay silent in the face of oppression, especially as others try to discredit my truth. Since then, I’ve channeled my passion for writing into advocacy.
The symbol of the caterpillar’s transformation to a butterfly has always resonated with me; self-improvement is one of my biggest priorities in life.
My belief is that in order to create change on a societal level, we need to start with the support of the individual. Obviously, social change will require much more in the way of resources, but I feel the need to try to contribute to it in the few ways that I can.
As I was brainstorming ideas for this blog, I realized that just as the stories of other survivors helped me to find courage, my story could give another survivor the same spark. This is the main reason why I rarely keep things to myself anymore.
On my journey toward healing, which happened to officially begin during quarantine, I purchased a journal that I wrote in almost every day. I started journaling because I knew that it would be valuable for me to continuously process my emotions and reflect back to them as I attempted to outgrow toxicity. I’ve also loved writing since a young age and felt that I needed to bring it back into my life.
The symbol of the caterpillar’s transformation to a butterfly has always resonated with me; self-improvement is one of my biggest priorities in life. This metaphor became even more prevalent as I committed to constant reconstruction and renewal to find peace despite my circumstances.
It’s unfortunate, and said often, but every woman I know has a story like mine. And it’s not just women!”
Even if you don’t know it, I am positive that every single one of you has a relationship with violence and oppression. My intended purpose for this blog is to help victims to feel empowered in the way that is unique to their story. Whether you are a victim of emotional abuse, domestic violence, oppression, or a member of a marginalized community, I truly hope that my writing can offer you the resonance, strength and/or acceptance that you need.
But, my writing isn’t only for survivors. If you are interested in learning about advocacy, recovery or social justice, you’ll feel right at home here. My hope is that by sharing the raw and uncomfortable emotions faced throughout my healing journey, it will expose a new perspective to those of you who may not fully understand the best ways to show up for the victims in your life.
It’s unfortunate, and said often, but every woman I know has a story like mine. And it’s not just women! I’m optimistic that my stories, and the stories of all survivors shared on my page, will broaden minds and encourage compassion, understanding and ACTION.
So often survivors have had their experiences denied, trivialized, or distorted. Writing is an important avenue for healing because it gives you the opportunity to define your own reality.”
-Ellen Bass
Fun Facts
Hello there! My name is Alexandria. Thank you for stopping by to read a little bit about me.
I’m a blogger and advocate for Say It Loud Space (UK) and a freelance writer on Medium. I write about reflection, growth, and healing, and I adore critical analysis of media, culture, and feminist issues. To read more from me or get in touch you can access my portfolio on linktree.
While you’re here, I thought I’d take some time to introduce myself and share a few fun facts!
Three words that best define me? Introspective, anxious and genuine.
I am a New England native. I recently moved in to a cozy apartment with my boyfriend in the tiny town of Powell, Wyoming. We’re right next door to Yellowstone and Boysen State Park. The views here are like nothing I’ve ever seen before!
Favorite Ice cream flavor? Green tea ice cream is my new obsession, Haagen Dazs Cookie Dough, Talenti’s coffee, or Coldstone’s cheesecake. Toppings? Caramel sauce always, or Jimmies.
One food I could eat everyday for the rest of my life? Pasta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Women that inspire me: My Mom! My Sisters Amanda and Abigail, Roxane Gay, Sylvia Plathe, Maya Angelou, Viola Davis, Mariska Hargitay, Madonna, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Shakira, Serena Williams, Simone Biles…. I could go on forever!
Favorite board game? Monopoly, Sushi Go, Disney Villainous.
Favorite style icons? Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Lucy Lui, SJP, Rihanna, Zendaya.
I collect (hoard*) Vogue magazines, clothes, lipsticks and anything pink!
A book that everyone should read? ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, it’s also well worth it to watch her Ted Talk of the same name.
I am an Aquarius sun, ENFP-T, and Enneagram 4. I am also a personality test enthusiast! I’ve admittedly gone pretty deep into astrology as well. It seldom matters what theory or belief system it’s based on, I will consume all media related to personality or human behavior. I can’t get enough! It fascinates me!
Go to comfort-binge TV show? How to Get Away With Murder, Shark Tank, Good Girls, and Law and Order SVU!!
Go to for having a good laugh? Stand up from John Mulaney, Michelle Wolf, or Daniel Sloss. That or simply hanging out with my sisters and making fun of memories from our childhood.
I welcome respectful discussion and will happily respond to comments or emails as often as I can. Please know that I am not trying to speak for all survivors and can only answer questions based on my own feelings and experiences.
Eternal Metamorphosis 