Speaking at Women Conferences has always been a highlight for me. Venessa Abrams, CEO of Self-Discovery:Pain, Positioning and Purpose, and myself travel to Baltimore, MD., Jackson, MS. & Gary, IN., igniting an emotional fire in the hearts of women at various community center, about our personal journey with mental illness, depression and hope. Yes, I have an undergrad Psychology B.A. from University of North Florida but my greatest education in the field of mental illness has been experiencing the suicidial episodes of my mother.
Zoom conferences have become popular for family, friends and businesses. This may sound funny but all my events have been put in quarantine. Like most poets, I feel things deeply. I walk around the room getting to know the audience before each conference. As I share my story, I watch their reaction and know exactly which poem motives them. Human interaction is so important. It’s that one-on-one time with a grieving wife that wants to know how she can forgive her abuser, that I can’t get on a Zoom call. I can’t hug a tearful mother as she tries to understand why her son just doesn’t want to live. Due to these reason, all my conference events are on quarantine/locked down. 2021 will be the year for bigger events and more opportunities to help. Stay tuned. Hope is on the way!!!