Shonda’s Survivor Story Highlighted in Stunning Lingerie
By ELLEN LEWIS
Sculptress
Our next Survivor Story focuses on Shonda Taylor, a 47-year-old woman living in Chicago, Illinois. Working as a Bus Operator for the City of Chicago as well as managing a home-based travel business, she tells us “By the grace of God, I made it out!”
Elomi
As a three-time survivor, Shonda’s life journey has been anchored in chaos. The eldest of 7 children born to teenage parents she made the best out of her life. A naturally kindhearted woman, Shonda lived under the illusion that if she was supportive of her “man” despite his abusive behavior, she would find love. Minimalizing her own self-worth, she repeated the pattern in three separate relationships until she finally hit rock-bottom.
Fit Fully Yours
It started with a high-school boyfriend of 5 years, who cheated on her and had another woman’s baby. Still, she stayed trying to make things right, to ‘win’ his love back. Even when he beat her up in front of his friends, she stuck around. It was not until he pulled a gun that she saw the handwriting on the wall.
The second relationship resulted from a pregnancy and lasted 13 years including a marriage. Once again alcoholism and cheating played a major role.
Anita
It was her third encounter, a 7-year stint and a second marriage that finally pushed Shonda over the edge. Preparing for a long-awaited trip, he came home drunk, went crazy, and attacked her. Even after she had him arrested, she let him back in. Nothing changed even though he was in a mandated court program. Her child was witnessing this, and she knew it wasn’t ok. That was the ‘ah ha’ moment. She began to question why this kept happening. Why was she getting involved with these men who treat her like a queen and then, once married, the wolf in sheep’s clothing would emerge. She attempted to go to a shelter, but they would not accept her daughter. After 30 days of total insomnia and a nervous breakdown, in 2022 she decided to take action. She recognized during her hospitalization that she could not be good for anyone else if she was not willing to be good to herself. She entered TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*) treatment for depression and now works with a psychiatrist regularly.
Sculptress
Shonda did not suffer in silence. She was lucky enough to have support from family members and friends. She was able to confide in them. But it was only when she found the courage to seek professional help that she was able to find her way forward.
Fit Fully Yours
Shonda says the decision to do the hard work has been vital to her recovery and has made her stronger. “I knew I had to go through the process to succeed.” She is determined not to allow the past to dictate her future. She is a naturally vivacious woman, optimistic and happy referring to herself as an “overcomer” instead of a survivor. Her statement to me: “God gives you beauty from the ashes!” This lingerie photoshoot proves her point.
Thanks to Fit Fully Yours, Sculptress, Anita and Elomi Lingerie for your ongoing support.
*Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is an FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) when other treatments, such as medication and therapy, have not been effective.
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