Anna Rajmon's Blog

The strength of a woman is a force that transcends physical limitations, a power that lies in resilience, determination, and the capacity to endure and overcome challenges both extraordinary and mundane. Women have, for centuries, proven their ability to rise above adversity, yet too often, this strength is overlooked—not only by others but by women themselves. It is vital to acknowledge and celebrate this power, to reflect on what it means to be a woman and to recognise why self-respect is one of the most important gifts we can offer ourselves.

One of the most compelling examples of female strength comes from stories of women performing seemingly impossible feats in moments of crisis. Consider the documented cases of mothers who, fuelled by the surge of adrenaline known as “hysterical strength,” have lifted cars to rescue their trapped children. This is not a fictional trope; it is a scientific reality that underscores how a woman’s instinct to protect and nurture can unlock immense physical power. It’s not merely the act of lifting the car that stands out—it is the profound determination, the refusal to let circumstances dictate outcomes, that truly defines such moments.

The internet is full of similar examples. There are stories of women pulling loved ones from the wreckage of car accidents, surviving in extreme environments for days on sheer willpower, or facing life-threatening situations with courage that defies all odds. These stories resonate because they remind us of what lies within us: a deep, untapped reservoir of strength that often reveals itself in moments when it is most needed.

But it is not only in these dramatic, headline-grabbing moments that women show their strength. In truth, the most remarkable demonstrations of female resilience happen quietly, every single day. Women balance careers with caregiving, navigate societal pressures, and manage responsibilities that are often invisible to others. The mental and emotional labour that women bear is immense; it requires a constant juggling act, a near-superhuman ability to prioritise and persevere. Yet, because this strength is so routine, it is easy to take for granted—or worse, dismiss entirely.

For centuries, women have been conditioned to believe that they are the “weaker sex.” This notion has perpetuated cycles of self-doubt and undervaluation. But biology and psychology tell a different story. Women are equipped with extraordinary endurance, whether through the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth or the mental fortitude required to navigate a world that often demands more from them than from their male counterparts. It is this ability to endure, to rise above, and to adapt that makes the strength of a woman so unique.

And yet, despite this, women often fail to give themselves the respect they deserve. Too frequently, we downplay our achievements or compare ourselves unfavourably to others. Society’s standards—whether related to appearance, career success, or relationships—are harsh, and women are often held to impossible expectations. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a diminished sense of self-worth. Recognising this pattern is the first step toward breaking it; valuing ourselves, on our own terms, is an act of defiance and empowerment.

There is also an argument, often unspoken but deeply felt, that life might be easier as a man. Men are not subjected to the physical demands of menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They are less frequently judged for their appearance and often navigate career advancement without the burden of proving their capability at every step. However, the challenges women face—while undeniable—are also a source of profound strength. It is through these experiences that women develop empathy, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities are not just survival mechanisms; they are the building blocks of greatness.

To be a woman is to carry within oneself the power to transform pain into purpose, to find strength in vulnerability, and to achieve balance in chaos. It is not an easy path, and it is certainly not without its frustrations. Yet, it is a path that comes with its own unique rewards. Every woman has within her the capacity to inspire others—not only through extraordinary acts of heroism but through the quiet, steadfast way she meets the challenges of life head-on.


This strength deserves recognition—not only from society but, most importantly, from ourselves. Self-respect is not a luxury; it is a necessity. To respect ourselves means to honour our achievements, to celebrate our resilience, and to reject the narratives that tell us we are not enough. It is an act of rebellion, yes, but also an act of love.

Let us take pride in what it means to be a woman. Let us remind ourselves of the stories that prove our strength, whether they are tales of women lifting cars or simply the quiet, uncelebrated victories of everyday life. And let us never forget that our power lies not only in what we do but in who we are. For that alone is something to be proud of.

Ladies, please, let us be kind to one another and treat each other with respect. Each of us is fighting our own inner battles, wrestling with demons that others cannot see or even imagine. Let’s uplift and support one another, knowing that empathy and understanding are the strongest gifts we can give. Together, we can create a world where our shared strength becomes a beacon of hope and resilience for all.

May 2025 be a year where each of us discovers our inner strength and determination!

A year where we bravely face challenges while treating ourselves with the kindness and respect we deserve. I wish for you to find peace in your decisions, joy in the little things, and pride in who you are. Remember, your strength lies not only in what you accomplish but in simply being yourself. Wishing you health, happiness, and unwavering confidence in your abilities for the year ahead!


- Anna Rajmon

Many people live according to society’s expectations: a job, a great career, family, mortgage, therapist, Xanax, a lease on three cars – and the desperate attempt to be content with what they have. If you asked these people what they want to be “when they grow up,” many wouldn’t know how to answer. They’ve lost their dreams somewhere along the way, buried beneath layers of daily obligations and expectations. They waste their lives with a soul full of unhappiness, while their inner child, once brimming with enthusiasm and curiosity, is silenced deep within.

This life is considered normal: a job that doesn’t fulfil you, a family you care for out of duty. Week after week, caught in the endless cycle from Monday to Friday, and every Friday night spent in the pub to briefly forget. Saturday morning arrives with a hangover, Sunday with emptiness, and the cycle begins again on Monday. A beautiful house, expensive cars – never mind that you can’t afford them, as long as the neighbours think you can. This empty chase for a picture of happiness imposed upon us suffocates everything real.

Then, on the other side, we have words like “weird, strange, different, odd!” These are words that society uses to label artists of all kinds, from painters to writers. But why are they so “weird”? Is it because they refuse to give up what makes them feel alive? Or is it because they remember their childhood dreams and bring them to life every day?

Despite the hardships, tough moments, and uncertainties, they work tirelessly for what they want out of life. They firmly believe that each step, every small victory, brings them closer to their dreams. And that is their real wealth – the courage and determination to live life on their own terms, not according to the expectations of others.

So perhaps we shouldn’t see the word “weird” as something negative, but rather as a mark of authenticity. Being “weird” means being free, strong, authentic, and true to oneself, even if it means going against the tide.

We are “weird” because we love life – every detail, every small joy, every emotion. We revel in life’s tiny pleasures and face its struggles with openness and curiosity. We don’t restrict ourselves to rules that try to fit us into boxes; instead, we live “outside the box,” beyond the boundaries of what’s considered “normal.”

These are often souls, once broken, who aren’t afraid to awaken their inner child and let it cause a proper stir. These people are frequently met with labels like “strange,” “different,” “odd.” But why are they so “weird”?

Imagination and Creativity: Writers and artists tend to think “outside the box,” conjuring worlds, scenarios, and characters that don’t always align with ordinary reality. This kind of thinking can lead to behaviours or ideas that others might find unusual or eccentric. They bring such worlds to life on canvas, through music, or in the books we read or the films we watch.

Emotional Depth and Sensitivity: Creative people often connect deeply with emotions in order to express them in their work. This can make them more introspective, sensitive, or intense, which may seem peculiar to those who don’t experience emotions on such a profound level.

Unique Lifestyle: The creative process doesn’t adhere to a fixed schedule. Some artists work through the night, others create only under a full moon, and some have to climb to the top of a hill and wait for inspiration – even in the middle of the week. Many writers and artists have irregular routines, sleep patterns, or work habits. Their need for solitude, unusual working hours, or reliance on sudden inspiration sets them apart from more structured lifestyles.

Observation and Absorption: Artists have a unique talent for seeing things that others might miss. They can spend hours observing life and human behaviour, examining meanings and details. To others, they may seem “lost in their own world,” but the truth is, they’re more present in the world – both real and imagined – than most.

Rebellion Against Norms: Creative people don’t always conform to typical social rules and often challenge them. They create their own rules and aren’t afraid to push the boundaries of what’s “acceptable.” This can cause a stir, and people often see them as eccentric or peculiar.

Intellectual Curiosity: Artists are constantly seeking something new – they frequently explore subjects in depth, even those that might be uncomfortable, strange, or taboo. They aren’t afraid to delve into the mysteries of life, death, pain, or joy and analyse them, bringing them into the open in their rawest form. To others, this curiosity may appear odd if they’re exploring obscure topics or expressing things most people keep private.

Expressing Inner Worlds Outwardly: Artists share their innermost experiences publicly and aren’t afraid to express raw emotions in an unfiltered way. A painter might capture sorrow or joy so intensely that it moves the viewers to tears. For some, this openness can feel like a bit much.

But it’s precisely because of this “weirdness” that artists can create thought-provoking and deeply personal work that resonates with people on a different level – it reaches deep and stays in their hearts. Yes, they may come across as eccentric or unpredictable, but through their authenticity, they manage to touch those willing to dive into their world.


So perhaps being “weird” isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe it’s a gift – a gift of seeing the world differently and helping others see it from fresh perspectives. Because being “normal” might mean forgetting your dreams. Being “weird” means living them every day.

We have the choice to decide whether we want to be seen as “normal” by society or be true to ourselves. My mum always used to say, “Don’t mind what others think; they won’t pay for your bread.” It’s so true! We often try to impress people who don’t even matter – instead, we should impress ourselves. Why not strive to live by our dreams and find ourselves along the way? To pursue what fills us with passion, even if it means labels, sweat and tears, but with the knowledge that we’re on the right path.

I’m proud to be “different” and “weird” – and you should be too. What matters is happiness because life is simply too short for sadness!


-Anna Rajmon

When we are children, we take many things for granted. We have a home, a roof over our heads, food on the table, and someone to hold us when things get tough. But as we grow up and life brings us new experiences, we realise that not everything is given, and many things aren’t as they seem.



As a child, I had luck in misfortune. We didn’t have much – I wore clothes handed down from older siblings, and meals were made from whatever we had whenever we had something. Occasionally, we’d get a little treat, but we simply couldn’t afford to splurge. Winters were often harsh, and growing up in such conditions makes you tougher. It teaches you to appreciate what you have. Unfortunately, back then, I often blamed my mother for many things. I truly understood only when I had to live with her again as an adult.



It’s like reading the book "The Little Prince" as a child and then as an adult. Suddenly, things have an entirely different meaning.



Today, I see everything I didn’t see before. My mother is an absolutely amazing, strong, and fascinating woman, and I am incredibly lucky to have such a person in my life.



Not so long ago, I felt as if she wasn’t doing anything while I was trying so hard. But the problem wasn’t her – it was that I didn’t give her the chance. The strong, independent woman she raised me to be allowed her nothing. I was desperately trying to handle all my responsibilities at 120%: cooking, cleaning, being a great mother, a wonderful daughter, a friend, and a model employee. Alongside this, I was working on my writing projects, caring for two dogs who need walks at least twice a day, running, reading, horse riding, and attending my daughter’s school activities.



No one had the opportunity to help me because I wouldn’t let anyone. It was as if I didn’t realise there were only so many hours in a day. At the end of each day, I stood there, shattered and exhausted inside, yet smiling on the outside. I couldn’t admit, even to myself, that I couldn’t manage it all, that I was only human. Occasionally, I would complain to friends about how I was doing everything on my own and how my mum wasn’t able to lend a hand. But was I really on my own? Maybe it’s hard to lend a hand when someone doesn’t ask for help, and even appears to refuse it. It looked as if I could handle it all and was ‘perfect’.



But then certain changes came along—my ability to manage everything crumbled when my work projects began to require twice as much time. My mum was forced to stop working for health reasons.



Suddenly, the perfect world I had built collapsed. And my mother rose to the challenge in ways I hadn’t expected. She took on the cleaning, cooking, and many other duties. When I was too exhausted to get up in the morning, she took charge and got my daughter ready for school, just so I could have another thirty minutes of sleep. When she sees me glued to the computer, she brings food to my office and gently strokes my hair.



She is a magnificent woman!



After my father passed away, she was the brave one who tried to take care of everything. She has always been here for me, even if not always in the way I might have wanted or expected.



Despite her age and health issues, she helps me unconditionally, supports me, and is an absolutely extraordinary person in my life. I have learned to show her that I appreciate her. Every day, I kiss her, hug her, and tell her how much I love her! Every day, I am here for her, and I sincerely hope that I am and will be at least half as wonderful a mum as she is.



Sometimes, the problem lies within us, not others. How can people be there for us if we won’t let them?



Look at your mother, if you’re lucky enough to still have her. Love her and cherish her. One day, she won’t be here, and you will miss her deeply. She sacrificed so much for you, and much of it she’ll never admit because that’s what mothers do.



And you may not see eye to eye on everything, but try to see things from her perspective. Sometimes, a different approach makes all the difference.



If you have the chance, tell your parents how much they mean to you. They deserve to know that you love them and that they’re important to you.









-Anna Rajmon

“You find a man, fall in love, and you’ll be happy together. He should be someone who takes care of you and who provides for you financially.”
Anna Rajmon
But why would a woman need such a man? Why does everyone feel that a woman can’t take care of herself? No offence, gentlemen, but most of us are more hard-working, capable, and intelligent than the male population.

For many of us, this could be the romantic dream: a prince on a white horse, galloping towards you with the wind in his hair. But life isn’t a Jane Austen novel, and the reality is that if there is any prince on a white horse, he’s probably crawling on a sickly old turtle that’s lost its way six times. By the time he reaches you, you’ll be an old, sad lady with eight cats, and many men will have passed through your life in the meantime.

Men who, at first glance, seem like the perfect choice, but after a few months, you find out they’re liars, cheaters, narcissists, emotionally immature, or still tied to their mother’s apron strings. And if you’re really unlucky, it’ll be one man with all these qualities combined. Why is it still seen as necessary for a woman to have a partner, and if she’s single – by choice – there must be something wrong with her? If you’re without a partner for too long, you’re considered bitter, strange, like there’s something wrong with you. I’m almost surprised people don’t throw tomatoes at you while waving flaming torches. You’re nearly treated as if you’re a witch, while a single man is seen as a competent, intelligent individual who simply hasn’t been lucky enough to meet the right woman. It’s a bit unbalanced, isn’t it?

In any case, I believe none of us should be pressured into anything we don’t want. If there are women who feel they’ve found their “Mr Right,” then that's good for them, and that’s wonderful. Some relationships really do work. But if you’re like me, a woman who’s fed up with men and thinks that finding a normal one is an almost impossible task, and you’ve given up, that’s perfectly fine, too. Men occasionally fix things, and some of them are good in bed, but beyond that, they don’t serve much purpose. Most of the time, they stress us out, argue with us, and leave behind a trail of crumbs and dirty laundry wherever they go. They leave little trails like snails.

Sure, there might be a Mr Right out there somewhere, but isn’t it far better to focus on yourself in the meantime? If someone appears, that’s great, but we should let things come to us naturally. Dating sites are full of life’s veterans, who, at an age when most women already know what they want, are still trying to figure out what they actually expect from life. You’ll find profiles with things like “I’m fifty and still don’t know what I want” or “Looking for a serious relationship, but short-term is fine too.”

Do we really need this? In most cases, it’s like dating a child trapped in a man’s body. When we’re single, there are so many benefits, and we can achieve so much. Every woman can focus on herself. We live in the 21st century, and most of us know exactly what we want from life. There’s nothing wrong with being single. In fact, I believe it’s one of the strongest choices a woman can make. Being single isn’t a failure, but rather a conscious and brave decision.

Choosing not to follow the crowd, but to step out of it, is always highly valued – especially by the person who made that choice. Sometimes, fear of being alone keeps us trapped in this socially acceptable cage. However, most people in relationships are unhappy, and very few of those who are single by choice find themselves in the same situation. Those who choose to breathe their own air are usually the people who know exactly what they want from life and fully understand that they are not alone because they have themselves. And they can achieve great things if they put their mind to it. The most complex decisions in life are often the ones that bring us the greatest results, and self-love is a powerful thing. Many of us, after ending one relationship, look for “painkillers” in the form of another man, but remember, we attract what we are. If we are content with ourselves, strong and independent, it’s highly likely we will attract people with the same mindset, and we’ll send the energy vampires away before they even step into our world. Don’t be afraid to love yourself – it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. Self-love, in reasonable amounts, is healthy!

Women should focus on their own personal growth and stop caring about what everyone else thinks. The most important person is you, and no one but you should be responsible for your successes. Living up to society’s, friends’, or family’s expectations will only make you unhappy if it goes against your own beliefs.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Some of us may find happiness in a relationship with a man who will be our partner and support. But if we discover that true fulfilment comes from building a life on our own terms and values, that is an equally valid choice. Whether with a partner or without, the key is recognising our own worth.

So, let’s stop worrying about what society, family, or friends expect from us. The most important thing is our own convictions and decisions that lead us to a fulfilled life. We are strong, capable, and fully competent to shape our own destiny – whether someone is walking beside us or not.


- Anna Rajmon

Indifference and passivity from society do not merely ignore the problem; they may even be contributing to it.

They say that where there’s demand, there’s also supply, and that’s precisely how the market operates for anything you can imagine.

Logically, if everyone wants milk but farmers decide butter is the way forward, no one’s going to be too pleased.

Perhaps people could make do with some cream—the classic “better than nothing” compromise. But butter? You’re certainly not pouring that into your coffee unless you want to ruin your favourite drink for life. And that’s how it works with everything, even the sex industry.

If we shift from groceries to something a bit more “risqué,” the same rules apply, right? Disagree?

Sure, they’re not swapping butter for milk, but plenty of men are more than willing to overlook the fact that their “lady” has slightly larger feet and a deeper voice to fulfil their fantasies. Thailand? A prime example! Some men simply do not care.

Put simply, where there’s demand, there’s supply.

We all know it exists, that it’s happening. Countries pretend they’re bravely fighting against it—take Ireland, for example. But if they truly wanted to eradicate it, and if everyone was so outraged, why would they even allow escort websites to exist?

The financial benefits may seem apparent. Prostitutes may not always pay taxes, but when one spends over a thousand euros a week on hotels, it undeniably injects money into the economy. Yet behind these numbers lies a darker truth. Consider the fact that there are currently around a thousand sex workers on websites supporting escort services in Ireland. That’s a significant sum of money. Factor in travel expenses, food, and other essentials, and suddenly, we’re looking at a substantial bit of economic support.

But let’s get serious for a moment—how many of those women are being forced into providing sexual services?

We’re all selfish, and if it doesn’t affect us directly, we often ask ourselves: why should we care?

But what if it was your daughter, your sister, or your mother? Imagine some heartless individuals taking her away from your family one day.

The poor girl, confused and terrified, suddenly finds herself travelling with strangers to a foreign country where she doesn’t even understand the language.
They treat her brutally, cruelly, and with contempt. Before she knows it, she’s in some grim accommodation with a few other terrified girls, all being paraded in front of a bunch of chubby older men who force them to do unspeakable things.

At that moment, the girl realises she has no other choice.

She has to do it, even though she doesn’t know why. Several of those men touch her daily while she clings to the hope that one day she’ll get home, that someone will find her, that someone will rescue her. The man leaves satisfied, his conscience clear. He’ll make himself a cup of tea, read a book, relax, and watch some rugby. Some might even kiss their wife and hug their daughters. But what about the girl? She’s left behind, broken, full of pain and sadness, desperately hoping for a way out. Each man takes a piece of her soul with him until that small, innocent person eventually becomes an empty shell.

Yes, some of these girls are lucky enough to be rescued. But even those who make it out have their souls shattered into a thousand pieces, and that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. So, what is the true cost of ‘human touch’—the unseen price?

Is it just a few dozen euros, or is it much more? How can the men who use these services be sure the girl is doing it because she wants to and not because someone has forced her into it? With some of the girls, it’s obvious they are independent, and some might even love their ‘calling’. But what about those who only act that way, those under constant pressure, and those who have lost something within themselves long ago? What about the ones who need help?

Many newspaper articles discuss this topic, particularly in Irish papers, where we read countless accounts of women who are slaves in the 21st century.

There is a lot of discussion and writing but not enough action. Some people can do no more than highlight the issue; given their limited resources, that’s admirable.

However, those who could do more, often remain silent or ignore it entirely. How many of you are willing to accept that we live in a world where suffering is considered normal?

In my book, I wrote about men who ended up in places they never intended to visit—places that sell young or underage girls. Being a visitor to such a place in Ireland ties your hands. Many of those who find themselves there are wrestling with their conscience, unsure of what to do—if they even have one at all. Others simply don’t care.

Those who do struggle with it can’t report anything without fearing consequences for themselves. In their case, going to the Garda would be like stepping in front of a loaded gun.

So they keep it all to themselves, hoping someone else will fix the problem, while women, terrified to death, suffer behind closed doors.

Much of what I describe here is something I have detailed in my book, based on my own experiences. These words are not drawn from statistics or reports but from the reality I lived through. My experience is not an isolated case, and at the same time, it pales in comparison to what others endure.

If these services continue to exist, and no one plans to ban escort websites (which in Ireland is like preaching water and drinking wine), the question arises: shouldn’t the websites themselves take more significant steps when registering new girls or verifying profiles, instead of just having them take a photo with a sign and date? Many Irish escort websites provide space for various profiles. However, there are concerns that these websites, without rigorous verification of new accounts, they may inadvertently contribute to the exploitation of women, including victims of human trafficking.

These websites provide space for advertisements that often treat the human body as a product. While their practices may be legally acceptable, morally, they contribute to a system that normalises exploitation and suffering. Advertisements for escort services, which commodify human bodies, may be technically legal, but they also support the trade of women’s bodies, many of whom have no other choice. Even though these websites may operate within the law, they contribute to an environment where exploitation is normalised and becomes standard practice. This is undeniable!

They care about matching appearances to photos, but they disregard whether the woman on the other end of the internet genuinely wants to participate.

I find it rather sad, but money is money. In 2023, advertising on escort websites for one girl for seven days cost €137. If a girl (or her ‘owner’) also wants to add a TOP to the advertisement to make it visible to a larger audience, it’s a similar price. By calculating €274 per person each week and multiplying that by the number of girls on the websites, the site owners’ earnings could total approximately even over €220,000 weekly.

The amount, of course, depends on the number of available profiles and how many pay for visibility. Even if we conservatively estimate five hundred profiles with basic advertising and no top-ups, the earnings for the escort website would still amount to €68,500 per week.

Why would anyone care about the lives of others when they can drown their soul in dirty money, full of pain?

Every person who supports this situation—whether as a client, an agency, or in any other way—is also supporting the pain and suffering that hides behind doors most people wouldn’t dare to peek behind!




Anna RajmonELIS

Anna RajmonELIS“Why did you write this, and what do you hope to achieve?”

This question was recently asked by one of the closest people in my life. I didn’t have to think long about it; the soul knows what it wants, but words sometimes fail to express everything we feel. In my case, I rely more on the “writer’s quill” than on my mouth. I love the sound of the word compared to the modern “keyboard.”

Ideally, my answer would be to raise awareness of what is invisible to the eye and stop it. However, I’m not naive enough to believe that one book, one story, will stop the world’s oldest profession. It’s unrealistic to think we can change the world. The world itself is perfect; the problem lies with the people living in it. We can’t change anyone who isn’t willing to change; people must change themselves because they want to, not because someone else asks them to. Nevertheless, if I sparked something that could change even just one life, let alone more, that would be a huge success.

I know that “Elis” is full of bitter words that are difficult to accept, especially for those who disagree with its content. This story wasn’t written by you but by life itself. It’s important to realise that it was the hands of a broken soul, torn to pieces, that typed on that keyboard, drawing inspiration from vast life experiences, memories, pain, and joy.

She tried to show everything as she experienced it, consumed by emotions. Her soul screamed words that no one was supposed to hear, yet she decided to share them with the whole world.

That girl wasn’t angry, bitter, or seeking revenge; with the purest of intentions, she decided to highlight what’s important and what everyone should see.

She wanted to reveal the darker side of the world, hidden behind layers of deceit and lies.

I was afraid for far too long, and I am still ashamed today. But if I had chosen to listen to my fear, I would have stayed hidden forever, and no one would know how complicated things can be especially the invisible ones. Too few women talk about what happens to them, and it doesn’t even have to follow the path I took. Too few women share the things that hurt them, hiding behind shame and fear. They believe that if they lock it away inside and don’t talk about it, it will disappear, but they are wrong. It will never go away; it will never disappear, but they will be able to cope much better, or at least soothe the pain that torments them from within, if they talk about it.

Those who don’t want us to talk about our pain and suffering are the ones who bear a part of the blame. They are the ones who tormented us, and they are the ones who could be hurt if we speak. I don’t just want to speak; I want to scream. I want to scream to the whole world why people shouldn’t stay silent out of fear. I want to scream to the world why we shouldn’t remain quiet. Only those who profit from our silence, those who benefit from our suffering, stand to gain from it.

I think I’m not speaking only for myself when I say that it’s important to break this silent struggle and tear down the walls that society has built around us. Why do women feel ashamed when they’ve been hurt? Shouldn’t the one who hurt them be the one to feel shame? Why do so many people walk around us daily with charming smiles but black souls? Why do such individuals repeatedly commit terrible acts? Why does no one stop them?
Because those of us who should speak up remain silent!

My book focuses primarily on prostitution and pimping in Ireland, but I think it opens up many other topics. Public secrets that are kept hidden, things no one dares to expose. Do you think the authorities don’t know what’s happening in Ireland? That the Garda has no idea what’s happening to these girls? You are mistaken!

The app I mentioned in my book, the one designed to protect women who have chosen the path of escorting or have been forced into it, offers the possibility to share information about predators with the Garda directly. The authorities receive the phone number and a description of the incident.
But who cares about a nameless girl who was attacked and raped? She was asking for it, wasn’t she?

What can they do when the girl decides to sweep it under the rug and pretend it never happened, with just a tiny note in a nameless app: “This man is a terrifying attacker; he took my body, my soul, and now I have to hide my tears and paint another face with makeup, one that will help me smile at the many others I will meet.”

Hiding pain behind a smile is powerful, but only superficially. It took me a long time to realise that pretending nothing happened doesn’t make the pain go away. It will always be there; it will eat us alive from the inside. It will destroy us, wake us in the night, and haunt us during the day. It may disappear for a while and then return in a much more terrifying form.

There are things that should never happen to any human being, but unfortunately, they do, and more often than we think. They happen closer to us than we can imagine and affect us all more than we realise. Just because you don’t feel someone’s pain doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

A person is capable of enduring much and surviving through hell, but it never comes without consequences. We get used to everything. Prisoners become so accustomed to prison life that they’re unable to live in freedom and return to what they know. Girls who were sold like pieces of meat go back to what they know despite the suffering. Women who were beaten and raped return to abusive men.

Psychology often explains this phenomenon as the trauma cycle or learned helplessness. Victims can develop a dependency on their abuser or traumatic environment because, even though it harms them, it represents something familiar and “safer” than the unknown alternatives. Another factor is damaged self-esteem—victims often believe they don’t deserve a better life. This cycle may also include emotional manipulation, where the abuser gives the victim moments of love and recognition, making them stay or return to a toxic environment.

But what if it were your daughter, sister, or someone else you deeply care about? Just because someone is a stranger or unknown to you doesn’t mean they’re not suffering. Being in a hopeless situation doesn’t mean there’s no way out or that a better life isn’t waiting for you. Don’t let fear control you. Often, what we fear the most is exactly what we need to do. I was also afraid to publish Elis, but sometimes, you must overcome your fear so you no longer have to breathe the air of someone else’s making.


-Anna Rajmon

A heart shattered into a thousand pieces is considered one of the greatest pains a person can experience. Many studies confirm that during emotional distress, the same receptors are activated in the brain as when we feel physical pain. It’s fascinating that when we are betrayed by someone close to us, our brain perceives it as if we have broken a leg. Who among us hasn’t gone through this? You open up, trust, and become vulnerable in the most terrifying way – and then comes the stab. The person you trusted takes a knife and stabs you in the back.

Despite how much it hurts, these traumas strengthen us. They have something to offer, something to teach us, and ultimately, they make us stronger. That is unless you’re someone who longs for revenge. In that case, there’s no help for you – stop reading and go elsewhere. I’m planning an article titled “How to Get Revenge” on February 31st, 2025.

Revenge may tempt us because it gives us a sense of achieving justice, but the truth is that, in most cases, we only end up hurting ourselves. The satisfaction of getting even quickly fades, leaving us with an even greater sense of emptiness in the end.

When something like this happens to you, you tend to break down. You can’t believe that someone could do this to you. It’s usually the person around whom your entire world revolved and for whom you’d have been willing to breathe. Sad, isn’t it? But accept that not everyone is like you, and not everyone feels the way you do. The world is a beautiful yet cruel place where good people live alongside scoundrels rotten to the core. It’s like living in a comic book – you fight evil or become it. It all depends on which side you find yourself on.

After such suffering, when every breath you take is filled with the hope that this isn’t happening, you eventually come to terms with the fact that it really did happen – to you. And you move on. But the way you step forward matters!

If a partner has hurt you and you decide to cope with the pain by dating and seeking one-night stands, this is a common way of dealing with it. However, it’s also a way of proving to yourself that you don’t need that person anymore and that you still have what it takes – while sinking deeper into a single life. In the end, this usually leads to feelings of emptiness and guilt. And so it goes on – day by day, year by year – until suddenly you’re over fifty, and on your online dating profile, under the “What are you looking for?” section, it says “still figuring it out.”


Another option is to shut yourself off completely. After a phase of mourning, you take all the garbage that has piled up on you, crumple it up, and shove it deep into your soul, labelling it “highly toxic.” You start to believe that there’s no one out there who could ever interest you again because they’re all bastards with a strong desire to hurt you. Sure, nearly eight billion people on our round planet were born with one goal: to find you, destroy you, tarnish your name, and hurt you. That’s called paranoia.

So you reject all lucrative offers for dates because you’re scared stiff of what might happen if you open up again. Instead, you prefer to stay alone and isolated, feeding your ten cats every day, and while brushing their fur, you’ll discuss with them how unfair life is.

I understand that it hurts, perhaps more than anyone else, but we only have one life, so if you want to be happy and not feel like you’re running away from yourself, there’s a third option. And it requires immense courage, determination, and resilience – but it’s the healthiest option.

It’s said that we attract what we are, and this statement is about 70% true. In the remaining 30%, we attract some really bizarre individuals – people who want to inject their DNA into you, some questionable creatures, narcissists with low self-esteem, gold-diggers, manipulative liars, and so on. It’s as if there’s been an explosion of such malicious types, and suddenly they’re everywhere. Maybe deep down, you’re one of them, but most likely, they’ve somehow found their way into your life. To be honest, I recommend getting rid of them as quickly as possible. They won’t bring you anything good.

You are the only one with control over your life, happiness, suffering, dreams, desires, and everything life offers. You can either flounder in the mud or finally start living. Don’t let failures knock you to your knees. Blaming others won’t help either because ultimately, whether you want to or not, every evil and good situation in life gives you something. It all depends on how you approach and deal with it.

If you are happy and content with yourself, you will attract people with the same outlook and balance. It’s incredibly hard to achieve, but nothing is impossible with strong willpower and self-control.

It takes time to work through the pain, but it’s essential. This is called the Kubler-Ross model, and it involves five stages: denial – I’ve already mentioned that; anger – learn to work with it, throw things, start boxing, running, physical activity is a real helper in this stage; then bargaining – I call this the “what if” phase. You feel it’s your fault and that you could have changed things if you’d done something differently. But no, you couldn’t, and it’s probably not your fault anyway. It just happened. Depression is the penultimate stage. “Welcome; how long do you plan to stay?” It hurts, of course, but it will pass, and you’ll get through this stage until you finally reach acceptance. It doesn’t always happen in this order, but acceptance usually arrives in the end, even if you tend to slip back into previous stages. Everyone takes a different amount of time, but it’s better to go through it now than to bottle it up and have to deal with it later.
Explore what you enjoy, and try new things—reading, golf, horseback riding, learning, taking courses, sports activities, or social engagements. If you aren’t happy with yourself, you can’t expect someone else to be pleased with you. Give yourself permission to breathe your own air and live your own life. When the right time comes, you’ll attract the people you want in your life.

And yes, it would be naive to think that you’ll never again be gripped by thoughts of escape whenever your brain reminds you of horror-like conspiracy theories about “what could happen?” The fear of getting hurt is absolutely normal, and we all carry it within us. But if you don’t try, you don’t win. We live in a beautiful world, and it’s almost a miracle how everything works and that we can even be here. The fast-paced world created by humans often blinds us, and we fail to see what’s essential and magical. Appreciating the little things and finding joy in everyday wonders is a magic we should all embrace.

Almost everyone I know dreams of publishing their own book. We all feel like we have something inside us that we can offer—whether it’s memories, experiences, desires, or fears—we want to share it with the world and hope to find readers who will appreciate our story. For me, it was no different. I am eager to share with the world secrets that, while visible, are still shrouded in a mysterious veil of ignorance. Despite the fragility of my story, I decided to share it with the courage it demanded.

For a long time, I thought about writing a book about the horrific experience I endured in Ireland, but this idea lingered in my mind for too long. It seemed like it would remain just a shadow of what I wanted. The book's first pages came to life unexpectedly after a painful experience that shook me to my core. I’ve always loved words and the way we can use them. We are the only creatures capable of this. Isn’t that fascinating? Playing with letters, crafting them into sentences, and always searching for new formulations that better capture what I want to say—it’s like a miracle. After the experience I had been processing for so long, I sat down at my keyboard and began to write. Pain, anger, and other deep emotions surged through me, cloaked in sarcasm. The blank pages started to fill with words, and I couldn’t stop.

I wanted to write something so breathtakingly honest that it would touch even the most hardened hearts. There are many books on this topic—some are grim, and others portray stories from the world of prostitution as if it were something normal and acceptable. But what is acceptable about trading freedom for money? What is normal about using a human body as if it were an object? I didn’t want to promote something I didn’t agree with, and writing my story without a hint of humour might have made it feel melancholic, perhaps even leading readers to put the book down. And so, “Elis” gradually came into being—an unconventional story from the mysterious world of the Irish underworld. I enriched the book with illustrations to help readers visualise the described situations and to support their emotions. It was necessary to infuse the text with both humour and mystery. Day and night, I wrote down everything as I remembered it. I worked hard on the book, shedding sweat and tears so I could one day hold my creation in my hands.

Since it is a memoir, the book is very personal to me and closely tied to my history and soul. In my mind, I replayed my experiences. The pleasant ones brought a smile to my lips, while the painful ones tightened my throat and cut through me like a knife. Writing this book was not just a creative task for me but also a therapeutic process. Like most naive aspiring authors, I thought that the process would end with the publication of the book, and I could move on to another one, but I was mistaken. The work on the book itself was challenging, but getting it published was even more difficult.

I contacted countless traditional publishers, but only a few responded positively. However, before signing any contract, I hesitated. I was expected to sell four years of my life—my suffering, life traumas, happiness, and hopes—for a mere fraction of the sales revenue. I couldn’t allow that. After much deliberation, I rejected the offers and “played Russian roulette” with myself. I chose to publish my book on my own, without help, without experience, but with the hope that I could manage it and that people, out of the countless books available, would choose mine. This task, however, is more challenging than it might appear at first glance.

I spent hours immersed in information from the internet, studying other authors' experiences, reading terms and conditions, and one evening, I decided to publish my book on Amazon. For an inexperienced author, this can be a daunting path. As I tried to bring my book to life through the KDP platform, I encountered a team from Amazon offering their assistance. They required payments for services that seemed essential, such as proofreading, formatting, marketing, creating an audiobook, building a website, and managing social media. Through their persuasive communication, I lost thousands of dollars on never-fulfilled promises.

It is sad to see how the phenomenon of fraudsters who try to profit from the honest work of others is spreading. It’s as if a good heart and hard work were just illusions in this world. By the time I realised I had lost my money, it was too late, and I came to the harsh realisation that all the work I had paid for now rested on my shoulders. For the first time, I took on tasks I knew nothing about, discovering new challenges each day. I was improving my technical skills and knowledge in many areas. When something truly matters to you, you do everything to make it work and fight to the last breath for what you believe in.

Sometimes, the loss can also be a gain if we are able to see it from this perspective. The book took four long years to write, during which I went through unimaginable hell on earth—something that knocks you to your knees, down to the very bottom, and you rise slowly. Bound to the ground, you strive to reach for the light. You ask me what I’ve learned during my work. I’m afraid there’s no straightforward answer, at least not the one you might want. Perhaps you’re curious about how I improved my English skills, the obstacles I had to overcome to publish the book or about my newly acquired skills in technology or graphic design. Unfortunately, I might disappoint you.

I am genuinely proud of all the skills I gained or honed while working on my book. What gives me a true sense of pride, however, is that I learned to believe again, to love, and above all, to live. I discovered the true value of freedom, which is priceless and should be dearer to a person than anything else.






- Anna Rajmon