January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

It’s January again. It’s another month to remind all of us that we need to continue to battle against the evil that is Human Trafficking. There are many rays in the prism of human trafficking – labor trafficking, sex trafficking, familial sex trafficking, child labor and sex trafficking, and more.

So much pain is being endured every day by so many people in our world. Let’s keep fighting! and please support survivors who have physically made it through their darkest days, but are still fighting to survive and thrive from the aftermath.

I know that I struggle with the concept of thriving. I’ll get there, but I couldn’t do it without the people in my life that support me every day. They will never know how much I need and appreciate them.

So I say from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Thank everyone who is in for the fight, and thank everyone who supports me and other survivors.

I appreciate you!

Best and be well,

Adira

Stop by these Local Bookstores that are carrying Teki and the Tricky Stranger!

I am so thankful that these local bookstores are carrying Teki and the Tricky Stranger now. If you’re able to purchase from them, it’s like buying double local!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Booksweet and Schuler Books in Ann Arbor

Fenton’s Open Book in Fenton

R&B Used Books in Grand Blanc

Book Bug and Kazoo Books in Kalamazoo

Hooked in Lansing

Schuler Books in Okemos

Author Event at Hooked in Lansing

I am so excited to be doing an Author event at Hooked in Lansing, MI, and I’m inviting everyone!

At the event, I will be doing a meet and greet, reading, and discussion on my book What They Couldn’t Take: A Memoir of Survival From Familial Sex Trafficking at 5pm on December 11th. Hooked is a delightful community-centered bookstore, café, and wine bar at 3142 E. Michigan Ave. Please join us for this free educational event to learn more about such an important subject directly from a survivor.

photos by Perfect Light

See you soon everyone!

Best and be well,

Adira

Sober At Last!

On February 28th I will be 2 years sober!

I am so thankful that I kept trying…. my many attempts before 2020 failed miserably. Who knew that I would be strong enough to keep on my path of sobriety during the craziness of a pandemic, but I did it! I’m so grateful for the support I received from rehab, my husband, my friends, and all of the Spirits that guide and protect me.

A pathway in Detroit’s urban jungle

I had been given drugs and alcohol by my traffickers starting when I was a pre-schooler, and it became a part of the sexual abuse I endured for the next ten years. I took the baton from them, and I never stopped using.

I’m still learning to truly feel feelings; to let my mind and body process emotions and situations that I would mask and drown out prior to this. It is definitely a process, but it is beyond worth it!

I’m a participant and a witness to my life now.

My path out of the fog of drug abuse has been muddy at times, rocky at times, and I’ve been slapped in the face with a branch or two, but I hope that my perseverance helps you know that if I can do it, you can definitely do it too!

After all, every moment is a chance for change, an occasion for growth, and an opportunity to love yourself.

Be safe, healthy, and well!

All my best,

Adira

Creating a Peaceful Moment

Taking a moment to invite peace into your day is such an imperative step to take in a journey of healing. We never know where this invitation will take us. It may bring us to a sense of quiet inside of ourselves. It may bring about the energy needed to get out of bed and start our day. Or, it may help clarify the first, second or third steps towards achieving a goal. It may feel like a warm blanket, or a cool breeze. We are all different. Just trust your truth and what feels good to you. No matter what, if we truly listen to what manifests, we can learn from it.

If this moment initially causes anxiety, please don’t give up. That anxiety is just teaching us that we may need to seek out additional steps to achieve the sense of ease we are trying to connect to. Just as every moment is different, the experiences that may come up in a search for peace can vary.

Remember to breathe. Inhale and exhale, and be present for that. Be present for the feelings that come up as you fill your front and back body with life-giving breath, and be conscious of what is expelled with the exhale. Before you know it… there is your moment… you’re listening to yourself!

No matter what, I always remind myself that EVERY BREATH is a CHANCE for GROWTH and REBIRTH, because every breath is a creation. It’s a chance to connect.

Just try it… you may be surprised at the connections you can make with yourself and your environment if you just create the space!

Have a wonderful week filled with peace!

Adira

It’s National Human Trafficking Prevention Month!

January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Even though it has passed, please continue to keep your eyes and ears open all year long.

Since 2010, January has been designated as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States in order to raise awareness on this issue. Now is the perfect time to share the importance of this issue with those around you, and to further educate ourselves… there is always more to learn!

I want to introduce you to one of the amazing organizations that combats child sex trafficking: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

NCMEC’s website is: www.missingkids.org, and their 24-hour hotline is: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). According to their website, their organization received more than 17,200 reports of possible child sex trafficking in 2021. These reports were regarding children in all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. They have amazing information, contacts, and resources that the public and survivors can all learn from and utilize. Thank you NCMEC!

Thank you and be well,

Adira