Introducing: Rowena Anne Sabetta

Once in a while, I like to spotlight talent. Introducing: Rowena Anne Sabetta

She is my amazing sister. Yes. She is my actual #sister. We have the same mom.

Rowena is kind. She is smart. She is important. I am re-posting this from Instagram, because it deserves more attention. I am not credited with the writing. Please check out the amazing photos from @womxnspowerproject on Instagram and let her know I sent you over there.

#repost from @womxnspowerproject (on Instagram)

Rowena, age 43, quit high school at 15, ‘formed friendships of survival’ with other kids and they together lived homeless and hopped freight trains across the country. She developed a heroin addiction and pregnant at 18, considered abortion, but she says ‘something in me screamed not this one, no. Don’t do this.’ Rowena's story is rich with moments of struggle and resilience, but she overcame substance abuse and raised a healthy and happy son, now 24. She is a loving mother and wife and friend to many; a talented creative writer and poet, song writer, musician and artist and by every measure has created a successful life as the Art Gallery Director of a community college. Rowena is simply a beautiful human who emanates so much love and light, without any effort. Her words on not being hard on ourselves are critical for all women walking every difficult path. 

"I realized a big part of the trauma that I carried around was feeling like I was either too much for people or not enough. When I was younger, I didn’t think that I would ever be able to go to college...ever be able to have a career. I didn’t think I would live past a certain age. I have learned to build confidence in myself, to trust myself, to trust my abilities. The conversation I have with myself is, ‘Rowena you are enough. And you are capable…’ I was a lot more capable than I gave myself credit for and I am pretty darn proud of myself.

I think women, young women especially, are very hard on themselves...To the young woman who is going through maybe an unplanned pregnancy; don’t be so hard on yourself; you’re human. This is a part of your past, whatever your decision is. To the young woman struggling with drug addiction; don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re human; this happens. There is help out there. You can get through this. To the young mother who is overwhelmed, underpaid, struggling to put food on the table for her baby and to better herself through education; don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing everything you can.”

I am and always will be, a work in progress.

I was afraid of allowing my past and my trauma to define who I could be.

I will be a source of light, compassion and inspiration." @rowenasabetta

#compassion #youiskindyouissmartyouisimportant #womenempowerment #unplannedpregnancy #drugaddiction #overcome #trauma #traumarecovery #workinprogress #dontbesohardonyourself #confidence #compassion