It’s Time For A Wilderness Re-Charge

“Wilderness – where humans are visitors that do not remain.” Next week I’ll be back in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park for our annual family camping trip. I am in need of a full re-charge and the Wilderness + Lake Superior + Family should be the perfect thing. I get so attached to my […]

A Shelter in The Time Of Storm

I hear these words and in my mind I hear the hymn we used to sing in church. It also reminds me of The Family Center that has helped give me a voice. And I am reminded that I am never ever alone. Jesus is my Shelter in the Time of Storm. He has been […]

Katie Butterfly Is – Words From My Advocate

I created a special box to put self care items in, or things to make me smile and remember how great I’m doing. My advocate had a few words to describe me and I wanted to share them with you. And apparently I am very determined because she listed it twice. ♥ Katie Butterfly is… […]

Show Me How Big Your Brave Is

SURVIVOR LOVE LETTER TO MYSELF. Dear Katie, You’re not broken or damaged, you are just a little bit bruised. Bruises heal. You are proof of it. You spent years going through hell with your mental illnesses, your self harming and your attempted suicides. The scars healed, and you lived. For some reason you were put […]

New Year, New Challenge. The Jar Challenge

It’s the new year and all we hear about are those New Years resolutions. Losing weight. New relationship. No chocolate. Going to bed earlier. Etc etc etc. I think those are great, especially if done for the right reasons. I do plan on shedding some weight and trying to eat better. And choosing other healthier […]

I Am Resilient 

I’ve been asked to participate in #thehellolovelyproject I have been thinking for awhile now and I am going with the word resilient to describe myself. It was the word given to me at my 8th grade graduation by my teacher. In simple words: life tends to knock me down, but like a Tigger I usually […]

Being An Advocate How You Can Is Okay

So, my heart has wanted to do more for victims of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. I really wanted to be an on the scene victim advocate, and I even met with someone today to potentionally do a trial run of it. But, my heart has been heavy. I don’t feel I am emotionally ready. […]

Joyful Heart Foundation Revolution Gala

Tonight is the Joyful Heart Foundation JoyfulRevolution Gala and even though I cannot be there in person, my heart is full of joy. This foundation and Mariska Hargitay helped give me the strength to speak up, tell my story and be heard. Although I would still love to meet her and tell her this in […]

MHAM: Katie’s Story

I was introduced to the horrifying world of depression, anxiety, and the constant need to self harm at the age of 14. I just turned 28. I have come so far and I am able to work part time again. But, what a lot of people don’t realize is that most of the time, the little bit I’m out living a “normal” life, it can take all the strength I can muster and when I go home, all I want to do is be at home away from the world and work on my self care so I can go out and do it again.

Beth’s Story

“Life was hard growing up. The first people you learn to trust are your family but when they betray you in a horrible way nothing feels like it can ever be ok. This is my life. I was born in the 80s when technology first started happening. Kids at school were excited about computers and […]