Survivor, Thriver, Librarian
PERSONALLY: I’m a survivor and thriver after long-term domestic abuse.
Once upon a time I was in a relationship for a ridiculously too long time, and my half of life was stuck and not moving forward. Know why? Because I was in a bad (coughabusivecough) relationship and (thanks to complicated childhood experiences!) I was not equipped with any sort of tool kit to identify or deal with the situation I was in (spoiler: narcissistic abuse).
My private life was a dumpster fire: while his life grew to look like we had it all, life behind closed doors was a chaotic clusterf*ck train-wreck smorgasbord of abuse. The emotional abuse left me feeling not only partly responsible for the mess our relationship was, but trapped.
We tried couples counseling. Five different times.
As obviously bad as my situation was, “Just leave” is not the snap-your-fingers solution outsiders think it is. I had nothing to call my own beyond a cat, a car, a basic job I couldn’t support myself alone with, and a lot of baggage from years of emotional abuse and threats.
My saving grace? (Besides LOADS of therapy, personal work, and my weird sense of humor?) Working in a library. I had access to resources and a safe-space to read and research to better understand my situation and discover strategies for coping. It also helped that (most of) my professional life was the total opposite of life at home: supportive and empowering.
October 2021 marked my 5-year milestone of getting out. And life has been unbelievably amazing since then.
PROFESSIONALLY: I’m an MLIS-weilding Certified Professional Librarian with a career spanning 15+ years from shelver all the way up to running a library as a Director. My Bachelors is in Education (teaching). Along the way I’ve also built (or helped to run) several businesses, so I’ve worn a lot of professional hats.
“EVELYN: Look, I... I may not be an explorer or an adventurer, or a treasure-seeker or a gunfighter, Mr. O’Connell, but I am proud of what I am.
RICK: And what is that?
EVELYN: I... am a librarian.”
WHAT THIS POWER COMBO MEANS FOR YOU:
As a librarian, I do my research! Before I share anything with you, I’ve already either experienced or tried it first hand, or looked into it and vetted that it is relevant and worth your time - because YOUR time, brain power, and energy are better spent on more important things (like yourself and your life).
As someone who has worked in public service all those years, I’m comfortable with people: of all ages, walks of life, and a wide variety of backgrounds. I enjoy meeting people where they’re at and figuring out how I can best be helpful for their situation.
ALLOW ME TO HELP MAKE YOUR JOURNEY A LITTLE EASIER. I’ll be real with you: while not a therapist or psychologist (sorry: working with 11 therapists and an assortment of theories does NOT get you an honorary certification!), I AM an expert in my own journey: I know what it is to live in a storm behind closed doors, to survive it day to day physically, mentally, and emotionally… and I know what it takes to heal and rebuild your life into something INCREDIBLE.
So what’s your adventure?
Trying to shake loose from a toxic frenemy?
Struggling under a bad boss?
Navigating an unhealthy complicated family situation?
In the trenches of a relationship that’s not so hot (unless you label it as a battlezone)?
…or otherwise feeling stuck in patterns that feel toxic?
YOU have what it takes to turn it all around. YOU are a BADASS, and the determination and grit that got you this far is exactly what you need for the work ahead to become more confident to heal and rebuild your life into something you LOVE and DESERVE.
I would LOVE to help and support you through that and make that journey easier.
All those things holding you back? Lovey, prepare to launch yourself forward.
WE are Strong Female Characters.
Cheers,
Jess