Dear Ella,

As we approach August and the anticipation of a new school year, our theme for this month's Compass is hopes and dreams. This time of year embodies forward momentum, new beginnings, and the excitement of what lies ahead.

Hopes and dreams are vital for all of us. They are the sparks that ignite our passions and the compass that guides us toward a fulfilling life. Unfortunately, many of us, especially those who have endured abuse, often lose sight of our dreams. The weight of our past can make us feel unworthy of hope and hesitant

to dream again.

However, it is essential to remember that we all deserve to dream and to hope. Our dreams are not just fleeting thoughts but essential elements of our humanity. They are what drive us to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

This August, we are excited to launch the 'Climbing Kilimanjaro' fundraiser, led by our inspiring community member, Rebecca. Just as she did in 2022 when she climbed to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Rebecca is once again pushing her limits and raising money for our cause along the way. This climb is not just a fundraiser; it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Rebecca, demonstrating to us all the power and possibility of daring to dream.

Rebecca's journey is a testament to the resilience and strength within us all. It reminds us that no matter where we start, we can reach extraordinary heights. Her determination and courage inspire us to embrace our own hopes and dreams, regardless of the challenges we face.

Dreams and hope should not be reserved only for the privileged; they belong to all of us. Regardless of our circumstances, backgrounds, or where we are in the world, we all have the right to dream. Parents across the globe dream of a better future for their children, and we all deserve to live in a world free from oppression and war, where the possibility of hopes and dreams can flourish. It is important for us to use our collective voice for the voiceless and to always push for liberation for all. We are not free untill we are all free.

In these times of global uncertainty, it is our dreams that keep us connected and moving forward. They remind us of our shared humanity and our collective potential to create a better world. Here is to embracing our hopes and dreams this August and supporting one another in the pursuit of our passions.

Much Love, 

Ella Hicks is a seasoned trauma and mindfulness coach dedicated to guiding women from all around the world on their healing journeys. As a survivor of domestic violence, she deeply understands the complexities of the healing process. As the founder of Rebel Thriver, she uses her expertise to serve as a guide and sounding board for women working to overcome the aftermath of abuse, empowering them to embrace a brighter future.

* If you would like to work with Ella individually or in a small group, reach out to her here: ella@ellahicks.com

Climbing Kilimanjaro: September 2024

Hiking to Heal:

Hope and a Dream Realized 

By Rebecca Papillons Et Abielles

The dream was so vivid—I was there. It wasn’t just a dream; it felt as though I had lived it, successfully reaching a place I once thought was lost to me.



When I awoke, I felt a hope that was real and tangible, awakening every cell in my body. My soul was speaking to me in a language I recognized for the first time. It was powerful, compelling, exhilarating. The long, arduous journey to Everest Base Camp had become a reality in my mind. I blinked and returned to the present, finding myself on the bed in my friends' house. It was July 2020, and just a month earlier, I had fled from my abusive, now ex-husband. Technically homeless, I was living with my dearest friends, where I stayed for six months until I found a place of my own.

The universe intervened at a pivotal moment, plucking me out of a toxic life that had lasted 23 years. As I sat on the bed that day, the hope coursing through my veins ignited my hunger for life. I felt compelled to respond to the calling of my soul. I began searching for travel companies that could turn my hopes and dreams into reality. It didn’t take long to find what I was looking for. Had I tried to explain what had just happened to me, I doubt I could have found the right words. How could I make it make sense to someone else? But I trusted this spiritual feeling, my soul's calling, and booked a trek to Everest Base Camp—even though I had never done any serious hiking in my life. I couldn’t see the full path ahead, but I knew I could trust this feeling, which brought with it an incredible sense of hope. I had never experienced anything like this before. So, I did something I had never done before—I took a leap of faith and booked the trip for 2022. Thus began my journey of transformation.

I’ve always loved the mountains, feeling a divine and majestic presence when among them. Years ago, I dreamt of Everest and being at Base Camp. I was inspired by the late, great Alison Hargreaves, a remarkable mountaineer who awakened my own hopes and dreams of what could be possible in life, especially since she came from Derbyshire, like me. Why didn’t I take up hiking before? Perhaps it wasn’t part of my journey then. Maybe I needed to experience other life events to arrive at this point now. Maybe I wasn’t ready. I didn’t believe in myself at that time. The truth is, I’m still finding my way on this healing journey. The pieces are still falling into place. Each step reveals what is necessary, teaching me to have more faith in myself along the way. My journey is entwined with the invisible threads of hopes and dreams.

I bought my first pair of hiking boots and asked a good friend, who has spent her life hiking, to take me out on a walk or two, which turned into many. I had two years to prepare. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, only that I knew I would. Such was the trust I had in my soul's calling. It was tough to begin with, especially since I have a knee disorder that can cause a lot of pain. But I had my vivid dream and unshakeable hope, which propelled me forward. I could barely manage three miles at first. Weeks and months passed, with more goals reached and more miles hiked. Renewed confidence mixed with joy, tears, doubts, pain, and setbacks. Eventually, I could go out on solo hikes with confidence—something unthinkable just a couple of years earlier. I was going through one of the most traumatic times of my life, and hiking saved me. It gave me something to focus on, a distraction from all that I was facing. I didn’t realize it then, but I was evolving into a better, stronger, independent version of myself. By 2022, I was ready to hike my dream into reality.

On October 21, 2022, my dream of reaching Everest Base Camp became a reality. In that moment of fulfilling my dream, having held onto this beautiful thing called hope, I realized that anything is possible. Never, ever give up on your dreams or the hope that one day you will see them flourish. If you can dream it, you have within you the ability to turn it into reality. I truly believe that anything is possible if you want it badly enough. I did, and it changed my life.

On April 8, 2024, I successfully fulfilled another dream: I reached Annapurna Base Camp, supported by two very special people, one of whom is a Guinness World Record Holder—but that’s a story for another time. Now, I’m preparing to fulfill my latest dream, hoping to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2024 when I fly out to Tanzania, Africa.

Hold onto your hopes and dreams, even when they may not seem possible right now. I had to wait decades to see mine reach fruition. Remember, it’s never too late. Always have hope and never stop dreaming, because dreams really can come true!





Join us in the Village!

Our private online community, The Village, is a dream come true for many women—a safe place to heal, and it's free for all. As survivors, finding a truly safe space where everyone speaks the same language of healing and support is rare.

The Village is an oasis in the often inauthentic world of social media. Women from all over the globe come together in The Village to learn, heal, find support, and build a vibrant, empowering community.

The Collective Voice of my Village Silenced My Abuser

By Tia

For a long time, I lived under the shadow of my abuser's voice. Their words sought to define, break, and silence me, leaving me feeling powerless and voiceless.

Then, something incredible happened—I found my village. Rebel Thriver became my sanctuary. It's not a physical place, but a network of people who

saw beyond my pain and fear. They became my friends, family, and mentors, extending their hands and hearts when I needed it most.

My village's voice silenced my abuser's voice. It spoke through late-night

messages when I couldn’t sleep, through words that reminded me of my worth, and through unwavering support during my darkest days. They spoke in the

language of love, acceptance, and strength.

They reminded me that I am not defined by my past, but by the courage I

show each day. Their voices, united in support, drowned out the negativity

and fear. With every kind word, they helped me reclaim my voice and my life.

Today, I proudly define myself not as a victim, but as a survivor. I am here because my village believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Their collective voice brought me hope, guiding me out of the shadows and into the light.

To anyone feeling alone: know this—you are not. Your village is out there, ready to support you, lift you up, and remind you of your incredible strength. Their voice will always be louder than your abuser’s, and together, we can overcome anything.

As a long-time member of Rebel Thriver, I've experienced firsthand the

profound impact of this community. When I first joined, I was searching for support, understanding, and belonging. What I found was so much more.

Rebel Thriver is a lifeline for so many. It's a place where we share our stories, struggles, and triumphs without fear of judgment. The support from fellow members has been invaluable, helping me navigate difficult times and celebrate successes.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Rebel Thriver is its ability to unite people from all walks of life. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we are bonded by shared experiences and mutual support. This sense of community has been a source of strength and hope for me and many others.

However, maintaining this vital community requires resources. We rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our community thriving. Your financial support will help us continue providing a safe and supportive space for all who need it. It will enable us to organize events, offer resources, and ensure no one faces their challenges alone.

Please consider making a donation to Rebel Thriver. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in the lives of many. Together, we can ensure that this community remains a beacon of hope and support.

Thank you for your generosity and for believing in the power of community.



Coconut Watermelon Breeze Water

Compliments of Ella Hicks

This is such a refreshing sip on a hot summer day. You just can't go wrong with watermelon. Sweet with no added sugar.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed chilled watermelon
• 1 cup coconut water
• Squeeze of fresh lime
• Ice
• Sprig of mint

Throw it all in a blender & blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Unbroken

By: Brenda Loza

 In the depths of sorrow, where tears fell like rain

 A flower of hope, began to bloom again

 Its petals of strength, slowly started to unfold

 A symbol of resilience, young and old

 Your heart, once heavy, now begins to mend

 The pieces of pain, start to come to an end

 The weight of your burden, slowly starts to lift

 As you rise up, and learn to shift

 The darkness that tried, to break your stride

 Could not crush your spirit, could not take your pride

 You stood tall and strong, through every stormy night

 And emerged into dawn, with a heart full of light

 You are unbroken, a warrior true and bright

 A shining star, that shines with all your might

 Your story of hope, a guiding light on the way

 For others to follow, through their darkest day.

Wildflowers: A Season of Growth

Like the lotus flower that is born out of mud, we must honor the darkest parts of ourselves, and the most painful of our life’s experiences, because they are what allows us to birth, our most beautiful self. -Debbie Ford



Sisters, I am inviting you to join me on a profound journey of rediscovery and reclamation. In a world where women often feel lost and disconnected, it’s time to reconnect with the resilience of our lineages, and the wisdom of all of our grandmothers? This is our moment to reclaim our birthrights, and all that has been overshadowed by centuries of patriarchy.

Are you ready to embark on this sacred journey? Isn't it time for you to rediscover yourself and honor the powerful legacy of your beloved foremothers? Together, let’s unearth and reclaim all that is rightfully ours and embrace the fullness of our being.

I'd love for you to join me!

Hope: The Affect and Effect of Trauma By: Jacqui Fox

Hope is the belief in the possibility of a positive future, providing motivation and resilience in the face of challenges. Hope is often affected by trauma because traumatic experiences can profoundly impact our psychological and emotional state. Here are some key reasons why trauma can diminish hope:

1. Disruption of Safety and Stability: Trauma often involves events that threaten our safety and stability. This disruption can lead to a pervasive sense of insecurity, making it difficult to envision a safe and positive future.

2. Erosion of Trust: Traumatic experiences, especially those involving betrayal or abuse by trusted individuals, can severely damage our ability to trust others. This erosion of trust can extend to a loss of trust in the future and a loss in the belief that positive outcomes are possible.

3. Overwhelming Negative Emotions: Trauma often triggers intense and overwhelming emotions such as fear, sadness, anger, and helplessness. These emotions can overshadow positive feelings and make it challenging to maintain hope.

4. Altered Self-Perception: Trauma can negatively impact our self-esteem and self-worth. Feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy can arise, leading to a diminished belief in our ability to overcome challenges and achieve desired outcomes.

5. Cognitive Changes: Trauma can alter cognitive processes, leading to negative thinking patterns such as catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, and a heightened sense of vulnerability. These cognitive changes can make it difficult to envision a hopeful future.

6. Physical and Mental Exhaustion: The stress and anxiety associated with trauma can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. This exhaustion can deplete the energy and motivation needed to sustain hope and pursue future goals.

7. Isolation and Loneliness: Trauma can result in social withdrawal and isolation, cutting us off from supportive relationships that could help foster hope. Loneliness can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair.

8. Loss of Control: Traumatic events often involve a loss of control over our environment and circumstances. This loss of control can lead to a sense of powerlessness, making it difficult to believe that we can influence our future positively.

Understanding these effects highlights the importance of addressing and healing from trauma to restore a sense of hope and possibility.

Hopes and dreams are vital in trauma recovery for several reasons:

 1. Restoration of Purpose: Trauma often disrupts our sense of purpose and direction. Hopes and dreams can help us rediscover a sense of meaning and set goals for the future, providing motivation to move forward.

 2. Positive Outlook: Cultivating hopes and dreams fosters a positive mindset, which can counterbalance the negative thoughts and emotions associated with trauma. This positivity is crucial for mental and emotional healing.

 3. Coping Mechanism: Focusing on future aspirations can serve as a healthy coping mechanism. It shifts attention from past traumatic events to future possibilities, helping us to manage stress and anxiety.

 4. Resilience Building: Hopes and dreams encourage resilience by promoting a belief in the possibility of a better future. This belief can help us persist through difficult times and setbacks during our recovery journey.

 5. Identity Reconstruction: Trauma can alter our self-perception and identity. Hopes and dreams can assist in rebuilding a sense of self, as we envision and work towards becoming the person we aspire to be.

6. Social Connection: Sharing hopes and dreams with others can strengthen social bonds. Supportive relationships are crucial in trauma recovery, and discussing future aspirations can create a sense of community and shared purpose.

7. Empowerment: Setting and pursuing personal goals empowers us, giving us a sense of control over our lives. This empowerment is essential in countering the helplessness that often accompanies trauma.

By nurturing hopes and dreams, we can navigate the complex process of trauma recovery with a renewed sense of purpose, resilience, and optimism.

Affirmations to support positive mental health:

 1. I am worthy of love and respect.

 2. I am capable of achieving my goals.

 3. I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life.

 4. I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.

 5. I deserve to take time for myself and prioritize my well-being.

 6. I am strong and resilient in the face of challenges.

 7. I trust myself to make the right decisions.

 8. I am grateful for the good in my life and open to receiving more.

 9. I am deserving of happiness and peace.

10. I am enough just as I am.



Intentions focused on positive mental health:

1. Practice Daily Gratitude: Start each day by acknowledging three things you are grateful for. This practice can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.

2. Prioritize Self-Care: Set aside time each week for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as reading, exercising, or taking a relaxing bath.

3. Limit Screen Time: Reduce time spent on electronic devices, especially social media, to prevent information overload and promote a healthier mental state.

4. Connect with Others: Make an effort to reach out to friends or family members regularly, fostering strong and supportive relationships.

5. Engage in Mindfulness or Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes each day to mindfulness practices or meditation to reduce stress and increase emotional resilience.

6. Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small achievements to maintain motivation and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

7. Stay Physically Active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, as exercise is known to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

8. Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to ensure your body and mind are well-rested and rejuvenated.

9. Nurture Creativity: Engage in creative activities, such as drawing, writing, or playing an instrument, to express yourself and foster a sense of accomplishment.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor for support.



Photo: Valerie White

As we journey together, may hope light our path and inspire us to embrace each day with renewed strength and purpose. Remember, even in the darkest times, the promise of a brighter tomorrow is always within reach. Keep your heart wide open to hope, and let it guide you toward the beautiful possibilities that await.

Please remember that Rebel Thriver is a nonprofit organization. We need your help to continue the life saving work that we do 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We simply cannot offer the support that we do without your donations, which by the way, are tax deductible. Please consider becoming a lifeline to the women of our community, and thank you in advance for your support.

See you in September!



"We're all just walking each other home." - Ram Dass