“It was only when I began to write in my diary to push that memory into the farthest part of my

mind that my metamorphosis gradually, like sand in an hourglass, came. Writing became a

therapeutic offering to myself as I chipped away at those parts of my life that were so confusing,

so ugly, so unkind.”

I understand I cannot control my familial circumstances. I was adopted into a household of Christianity and emotional abuse. Black womanhood and toxic masculinity. Enmeshment and unavailability. Nor can I undo my family environment where I was rooted in Black superwoman strength and performance under all circumstances. And I definitely cannot forget the ways in which I was raised to be a “good girl”, obey, be nice, and one day, get married.

My pregnancy experience gave me insight into the cold and unfeeling approach that doctors often take towards the female body. It comes as no surprise that Black women are experiencing fibroids and unnecessary hysterectomies (removing the uterus) at alarming rates. I wanted to reclaim my body.

SBG had the honor of speaking to Amamda Dookie, Founder of Heal Her Heart, a non-profit organization committed to empowering women who have experienced trauma to share their stories and continue the work towards their journey of healing.