Hey Soul-Sister,
I am Alisha Sommer, wife to my husband, and mommy to my 3 babes. I drink coffee and wine. I love fresh-baked bread, laying in the sun, and the smell of the sea. I am sensitive but strong. I believe that almost any ill can be cured with a good hug.
Sometimes, when I think about the beauty of the human race, my eyes water. In between dishes and diapers I write, write, write and try to connect with as many people I can. I scribble poetry on the back of napkins and sometimes in the palm of my hand.
A nomad my entire life, I’m ready to settle down and build my community (virtual and real). I know that I am you, and you are me, and we are they, and that makes us.
Seven years ago, bulimia and a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder left me feeling dead. Marriage and children (and the lessons that come with such responsibilities) brought me back to life.
I am obsessed with truth – both mine and yours – and how sharing it helps set us free. I understand the power of words; that if we change our words, we can change our lives. I’m on a mission to discover the words and the stories that are keeping me (and you) stuck and transforming them into stories that heal and propel me (and you) toward greatness. I dig deep, find the truths and the stories in my soul that need to be told.
So if you will allow me, I would like to take this time that Jenn has so graciously given me to spend with you here to really connect with you. To dream with you. To inspire you. Let’s encourage one another to explore our truths and live them.
Let’s share the stories in our souls.
Share with me at my blog.
Chat with me on Twitter.
Or just email me to say hi.
Can’t wait to meet you.
Storytelling from the soul
It was always dark when I arrived. The fluorescent cross illuminated the parking lot and I heard sirens coming from the other side of Paseo. Each morning I nodded to the security guard and took the elevator up to the 9th floor where I was greeted by the nurses and promptly handed a hospital gown for my daily weigh-in.
Group sessions started after every breakfast on the eating disorder unit. We took turns reading an affirmation and then the counselor held space for us to talk about whatever was on our minds. Sometimes I heard jokes. Sometimes all I heard was the clacking of knitting needles. Sometimes all I heard was silence and pain of stories left untold.
I remember the morning I watched Clara’s* hands as they danced, the needles poked the air, and the yarn curled around her fingers. She looked pale that day (malnourished), thin black hair pulled into a ponytail. And on that morning she decided to speak. She told her story – a painful one – of violation and shamed-induced silence. She told of how she named names but that her words fell on deaf ears. So she ate them.
(Or did they eat her?)
If there was to be only one thing I learned in the treatment program, it was that the only way to heal was through speaking your truth and sharing your struggles. I realized that by writing down my stories and telling them to others, I released myself from the burden of those unspoken words. Those stories no longer held me back. They no longer held power over me. With that newly found freedom I let myself breathe again, dream again, write again, live again.
That is my wish for you: to dig down deep, explore your soul, and tell the stories that need to be told.
You just might save your life.
*name changed to protect her privacy
Oh my god, this stirs my soul. I completely agree with you about storytelling and healing… My life purpose is wrapped up in this. Lovely to meet you here.
Rain, so happy to have met you and look forward to sharing more with you and learning about your work!
Wow…just Wow! Thank you.
Lynne, you are so welcome <3
As always, your words are so inspiring to me. Always, always, always keep writing them down.
That means so much to me Judy. Thank you!! And don’t worry, I will.
Alisha… I do so love how you put words together… I am so glad you are not in that dark place anymore.
Thank you, Tracey. I’m so glad too! <3
Alisha thank you for sharing. I also had an eating disorder & was diagnosed with BP2 about 6 years ago. I agree of the importance of sharing our stories, not only for healing, but also to raise awareness, decrease stigma, and demonstrate the possibility for wellness within Bipolar. Blessings and more, Jenn.
Yes, yes! We definitely need to decrease the stigma associated with both of these disorders. The more we share, the more we can encourage others to share and there is a lot of healing that can be done when there’s solidarity. So glad you are doing well. <3
Over and over again you leave me in awe. I’m so glad to know you.
Too sweet, Melisa. Thank you! So glad to know you too.
I love your writing – it inspires me to write too. Thank you x
Yay Julie! Please go write! And, when ready, share. We need your voice too. <3
You know how I adore you. Love that you are here weaving stories for us.
So glad to be able to share with you and the tribe. Thanks for helping to pave my way and give me the courage and inspiration to do so. Xs and Os to you!
Alisha, this is very moving. As someone who struggles with obesity I particularly love these words: “if we change our words, we can change our lives.” Very true. Very powerful. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Kerstin. So glad my words touched you. And it’s very true: we can change our lives with such a simple act.
Alisha,
I have been thinking about your piece since I read it yesterday. It has stirred something deep within me and I wanted to thank you for being who you are and for your honesty. One of the things I struggle with is sharing about is my eating disorder as I still tend to feel shame around it, even though I have been in recovery for over 9 years. I needed to read what you wrote yesterday, it was my life line. Thank you!
Stephanie, you just made me get all teary. There is no shame. With practice it gets easier and easier to share. What I keep finding out is that there are so many other women like me and you. The more we realize we aren’t alone, the easier it can be to keep straight on the path of recovery.
Alisha this touches my soul. So glad to see you share in this way! While eating disorders can affect women of any color, it’s refreshing to see a black woman talk so openly about it. I too have personally experienced an eating disorder and it’s so healing when more of us tell our stories.
Thank you Shelley. More women of color do need to speak up. I think there is this perception in the black community that eating disorders are something for white women only. But as you said, eating disorders affect women of every color (and come in many different forms) so it’s so healing for us to share our experiences.
Alisha, you write in a style that is rich and real and reminiscent of Maya Angelou. A vibe of greatness can be felt. Words can be omnipotent and I tell stories with my artwork – everyone has such a personal story to tell and victories to celebrate
Wow, Stacey, thank you so much! She is one of my writing idols so to be compared to her is the highest compliment.
I love that you use artwork to tell stories. We don’t have to just use words. Stories are told through art, adornment, dance, music…
can’t believe I’m just getting around to seeing this, but I am LOVING you and your presence here and your incredible talent, as well as the commonalities of our stories – and heart. Thank you for your brilliance and truth! From one truth-lover to another. xoxo
Awww thank you Sunni! So happy to get to know you too. <3