I do identify as a survivor, I self identify as a survivor advocate. Because not only am I a survivor, I talk about it. For me, it was a revelation to go from victim to survivor. It happened for me in prison because I was tired of feeling hurt. 

And I said, you know what, I'm done. I'm done feeling hurt and wounded. I kind of remembered that I am my father's daughter, you know? How the fuck am I sitting here crying? I need to be fighting. I need to show them my fangs and my claws and, and fight. And I started fighting mentally, and advocating for myself.

 I've been home now 15 years, but I was in prison 17. 

And as far as reclaiming myself, that came in my 40s  when I just started feeling more comfortable in my own skin. And I kind of just stopped being selfless and realized it was okay to be a little selfish.

I speak as someone who has lost everything and come back from it. I speak as someone who  is empowered by the pain that I've endured.  I speak as someone who gets love from giving love. 

I speak as someone who feeds the stray cats in my neighborhood and leaves dog food out too, just in case. 

I speak as someone who just wants to bring peace and comfort to those around me.