ERICA'S STORY
What does freedom mean to you?
Freedom means happiness, serenity, joyful living. Living without regrets.
Why did you pursue the Women in Freedom Photoshoot?
Ever since my divorce I’ve been living with this sense of “what if?”. What if I hadn’t gotten divorced? What if I had never even gotten married? What if I never moved to Florida? What if….? What if…? What if….? I was done living my life like that. So many of my friends and family said that I was doing so well after my divorce but I didn’t feel like I was so I thought this photo shoot would show me what others saw that I was not seeing and it did!
Share a bit about your personal story and where you are today. In what ways have you stepped into your freedom recently?
I moved to Florida a little over 7 years ago, completely alone! I was 28 years old, newly single and looking for a change, looking for happiness. The problem with all this is I was 28 and single and in a Haitian household that’s unacceptable. I should be married or at least getting married and thinking of babies very soon afterwards. This is when I met my ex husband and long story short, we were engaged 6 months later and married about 9 months after that. All in efforts to please my parents, my family and to “keep up” with all my friends/peers. Very quickly into the marriage I realized I was not happy but I thought I can’t disappoint I need to make this work. Well 2.5 years later I realized that happiness I had been in search for was no where in sight anymore and I decided I needed to fix that. I got a divorce and sought out therapy, and started living my life for me and not my parents. Took some time but today I have finally found that happiness I for so long was in need of/deserved and I cannot wait to see what more life has in store for me.
How has this experience shaped the way you see yourself?
This experience has allowed me to view myself in the eyes of others. I have been told so many times how resilient I am, how confident I come off, how self-fulfilled I must be but to me I never personally felt any of those things. Yet this journey has proved to me that I really am those things and it’s a wonderful feeling to see that. Maybe it was self doubt that I didn’t feel those things or see them when I looked in the mirror, maybe it was fear, but those photos proved to me when I’ve been hearing for so long and allowed me to finally accept that I am confident and strong and doing great!
How has this life of freedom had a positive impact on you?
Living in freedom has allowed me to confidently seek out what truly makes me happy, not what’s going to make others happy. I have met an amazing man who has taught me what real love is and how to really love someone else unapologetically. My relationship with my parents has blossomed into something I never thought I could have with them. I look forward to what more is to come and I know I will accept this life journey has it is, wholeheartedly.
What was the most meaningful aspect of this photoshoot to you?
Who knew photos could show a person their true self. When we sat down to do the reveal I almost didn’t believe that it was me on that screen. The photo shoot was an eye opening moment that allowed me to accept who I was and what I wanted in life without guilt.
How do you plan to hold onto this feeling of unique freedom?
The only way to continue this not just feeling of freedom but actual being free is to constantly remind myself what I had to do to get here and never forget that.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you for bringing your vision of women in freedom to fruition and also for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful community. You have truly created something special with this and only someone so incredible could bring this experience to life as you have.
INTERESTED IN SHARING YOUR STORY?
APPLY NOW FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED.