Friend, dog mom, girlfriend, mentor, coach, director, athlete. I believe in speaking your truth, helping others and being intentional in creating a healthy mind in a healthy body. As a child I was athletic,determined and lonely. Now, I'd say I'm energetic, resilient and empathetic. I'm an extrovert with social anxiety. My special gift is inspiring others - making them laugh and feel cared for. I use my experiences to help others. I grew up in a really abusive household. I was dangled by a second story window and over railings. My dad literally tried to murder me multiple times. I wasn't safe but I stayed to protect a mother who didn't care if I lived or died - she told me daily that she hated me. Eventually I left and struggled on and off with homelessness throughout my teens and early 20s. I went to college with no family and no support system. I worked 80 hour weeks on top of full time school. I got really sick and felt really alone. I felt like telling people what I was going through would only scare them away. Eventually I opened up. I learned that I wasn't the only one and that sharing my experiences could help others. I took a chance and decided to tell this one guy my full story- we've been together almost 7 years now. I learned that the right people may not always understand, but they will listen and they will stay. It may take a while to find those people, but its worth it. Sometimes I worry that I'm not fun or interesting enough. I worry that in being open about my struggles people will just see me as broken - I know that isn't true, though. At times I get so wrapped up in my future goals that I forget about what I do have and what it took me to get here. When I do stop and look back on it all, It's pretty cool. I'm always showing up and putting myself into spaces that are out of my comfort zone. I'm Alex and I'm proud of how far I've come. I'm proud of my drive and resiliency.