Stephanie Lahart's Blog - Posts Tagged "relationships"

I dedicate this passage to the disowned. I can only imagine your pain. Someone who you thought loved you pushed you away and no longer wants to have anything to do with you.

How could anyone disown you because you got pregnant at an early age? How could anyone disown you because you married somebody of a different race? How could anyone disown you because you didn’t go to the school or college that they wanted you to? How could anyone disown you because you came out and told them that you were gay or lesbian? How could anyone disown you because you didn’t live up to their expectations? How could anyone disown you because you decided to become a different religion than they are? How could anyone disown you because you decided to get piercing and tattoos on your body? How could anybody disown you because you made a horrible mistake and used drugs?

How could anyone disown you because you didn’t take the route that they wanted you to go? How could anyone disown you because you had a biracial child? How could anyone disown you because your best friend is mixed with another race that they’re not fond of? How could anyone disown you simply because they can’t control you? How could anyone disown you because you decided to tell the truth about all of the bad things that were going on in the family and they didn’t want to believe or accept it? How could anyone disown you because you weren’t “perfect” in their eyes? How could anyone disown you because you decided to tell the truth? How could anyone disown you because you allowed alcohol to take over your life?

Let’s face it! Everybody makes mistakes in their life and they sometimes wish that they could turn back the hands of time, but they can’t. If you say that you love somebody, you can’t make the choice to disown them because YOU have a problem with what they did. I’m sure that if you took a good look at yourself, you’re not “Mr. /Mrs. Perfect” either.

We don’t have a right to disown or stop loving somebody just because we don’t like what they did or said. It’s not that serious. Unconditional love means accepting people for who they are. Showing real love is not by being controlling.

How could any mother or father disown their child? Your children are YOUR seeds. Just what are you saying to your children when you disown them? “I love you, but only if I can control what you are, what you become, what you do, etc.” Shame on you! It’s wrong and there’s nothing you could say that would make it right. How does your own family disown you? Aren’t families supposed to stick together? We should be able to call on our families for support and love. Above all, if nobody else accepts us for who were are, our family should.

To the disowned, don’t feel guilty for what you did or what you said. You are your own person and you did nothing wrong. Nobody in this world is perfect. Not even the person or people who disowned you. Remember that they are the ones with the problem. I know that it may be very difficult dealing with the fact that you were disowned, but know this: You are somebody! You are somebody VERY special! Don’t be ashamed of who you are!
http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Life...

Until YOU get enough of what you’re going through, no matter what advice a person gives you, you’ll continue to go through the same thing.

Have you ever known somebody that says, “I’ve had ENOUGH,” BUT, days, weeks, or years later, you see them still putting up with the same crap. That’s because they didn’t really mean it when they said that they’ve had enough. They spoke it out of their mouth, but their heart was still in it. The truth of the matter is, sometimes the person has to go through the fire themselves in order to really learn a lesson.

There’s nothing like getting hurt until you reach a point where it breaks you down. There’s nothing like experiencing disappointment, until it’s looking you straight in the face. There’s nothing like being lied to by somebody you fully trusted, but now you recognize the truth. There’s nothing like helping somebody over and over again, just to be burned in the end.

Have you had enough yet? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? How much more are you willing to put up with? Is this just a waste of your time? You say that you’ve had enough of his/her cheating. But as soon as they sweet talk you, you’re right back in their arms, totally dismissing what they’ve done to you. You say you’re sick and tired of lending money. But as soon as someone shares their sob story with you, you’re at the bank or pulling out your wallet. You say that you’re sick and tired of EVERYTHING, but you keep finding yourself pulled back into your misery.

What is it going to take for you to be good to yourself? It’s one thing to be kind, but it’s another story when you allow people to start taking advantage of you and have you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. You’re up one minute, down the next, and being twisted in every direction. It’s time to put you first! The next time you say that you’ve had enough, mean it and stand on your word without wavering.
http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Life...

Are you “in love” with the one that you’re with, or did you settle? Many people are in relationships that they aren't fully committed to. On the outside, their relationship looks perfect, but on the inside, their heart belongs to somebody else.

My heart goes out to people that are in relationships and/or are married to someone because of status, family, money, etc. It must be torture to be with somebody physically, but mentally, you’re thinking of somebody else. Somebody that you TRULY wanted to be with, but you can’t.

Can you just be honest with yourself for a minute? You know that you still think about him/her. Deep down in your heart you would be with him/her if you could. You can’t and won’t get this person out of your mind. They will forever be in your heart. You sometimes fantasize about “what if.” This person was special to you, and still is. Nobody else knows your thoughts and feelings but you. You wouldn't dare speak of it to anyone.

The thought of him/her brings a smile to your face. You sometimes wish that you had the courage to do what you really wanted to do. But you’re so focused on what others will think of you.

What about YOU? Shouldn't you have the choice to be with who you want to be with? It amazes me how family can say that they love you and that they’re behind you, but if you go against the grain, they’re quick to disown you. Hmm…That’s some real food-for-thought for some of you reading this. Love is NOT controlling.

People should be able to love who they want to love. You can’t help who you fall in love with. Why should anybody have to suppress their feelings? It’s just not right.

I hope this passage helps someone out there. Be with who you want to be with. Your happiness matters. Don’t allow what others may think about you to influence your decisions. It’s YOUR life! Love, be happy, and enjoy life! We only get one life, so why waste it?

Stand up for yourself, be courageous, and most importantly of all, be truthful to yourself. Be with the one YOU love!

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http://lifetalkfortoday.podomatic.com

Listen and/or download on iTunes as well.
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Kings and Queens don’t compete against one another. They support, encourage, and help each other out to the best of their ability. They fully understand that they’re a team. His success is her success and her success is his success.

They build each other up, NEVER tear one another down. They choose their words wisely when they speak. They understand the power of words once spoken.

They love each other for who THEY are. Respecting one another’s uniqueness, flaws in all. They understand that nobody’s perfect.

They are faithful to one another. They wouldn’t dare entertain that kind of foolishness in their relationship. They both know what they have in each other, and no other man or woman could come between them, no matter what! Cheating is total disrespect! That’s not something that they’re willing to play with.

Kings and Queens complement each other very well. They make each other look good. When they step out, people can’t help but to take notice of their blessed union. Their love for one another is genuine and rare. The love that they share is simply beautiful!

The king respects his queen and the queen respects her king. Respect is a big deal! They understand that without it, there is no real relationship.

They are one! He feels her pain and she feels his pain. But together, they fight through it all. Giving up is NOT an option for them. They always rise above because they have each other. Together, they represent strength, courage, and wisdom. Their union is the real deal. Oh yes it is!

Communication is important to the both of them. It keeps their relationship healthy.

Their sex life is great! They don’t believe in withholding their love from one another. They don’t play childish games like that. Romance is NOT lacking in their relationship. No neglecting here! LOVE, LOVE, AND MORE LOVE.

They show their appreciation for one another because they understand the importance of doing so. Everybody wants to feel and know that they are appreciated. Everybody!

Never too busy for one another. They understand that “TIME” is valuable. They both understand that balancing work/life/school is of great importance. You should never be too busy for your loved ones.

Trust! Without it, any relationship is doomed. So with that being said, they are honest with one another, even if it hurts. They understand that lying to one another is just NOT worth it! It’s better to be upfront with each other because lying causes division and unwanted problems.

Neither one of them are selfish to a fault. They are both okay with compromising because they understand that you can’t expect to ALWAYS get your way. That’s just not fair to either one of them.

Kings and queens are NOT perfect by any means. They have their bad days too. And yes, they have disagreements just like everybody else, but they don’t stay mad at each other for long. They fully understand that anger, bitterness, and resentments lead to much greater problems. So they make sure that they communicate the problem once they’re both cooled off.

To have a love like this is unmatchable!

May all of you one day find YOUR king and YOUR queen.

What a BEAUTIFUL kind of love this is! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

Written By Author Stephanie Lahart 

You’re thinking to yourself: “I didn’t sign up for this shit!” Married, but feeling lonely. Married, but thinking about cheating. Married, but dealing with more than your fair share of everyday life situations. In your marriage vows, you promised to love your spouse for better or for worse, but sometimes it’s much easier said than done, right?

All marriages have their challenges, some bigger than others. For some odd reason, when we get married, we think that our lives are going to be this perfect union until reality shows us something different. In the midst of working, going to school, taking care of the kids, trying to please our spouses, and handling all of the responsibilities of home life, things can get extremely overwhelming AND sometimes we feel like we’ve lost all control. Unfortunately, when we experience pressure that we’re not used to, our attitude, behavior, and the way we think can be all over the place. Our emotions tend to get the best of us.

As humans, we can sometimes be selfish without even realizing that we’re doing it. It’s all about OUR wants and OUR needs. But have you ever stopped to think about what your spouse is going through, too? Although you’re married, you have to remember that you’re both individual people. You both have your own personal challenges and struggles. It’s life! Nobody’s exempt from issues.

Like reading a good fiction, romance novel, cheating takes you to a place where you feel fulfilled, even if it’s temporary. For that period of time you feel free! Free from the realities of the real world. That leads me to what I would like to talk about next.

Loneliness and Cheating in Your Relationship

So you’re feeling lonely, huh? I get it! Your spouse isn’t showing you the attention that you desire. Your spouse isn’t spending enough time with you. Your spouse doesn’t make love to you the way that they used to. Your spouse is SO busy that they miss out on the things that are TRULY important to you. Your spouse just doesn’t seem to be interested in you like they used to be. You just don’t feel appreciated, and communication is nonexistent. And when you DO try to talk, it just ends up in a heated argument over the smallest things.

With all of this “stuff” going on in your life, temptation is having its way with you. You’re tempted to do some things that you know aren’t right. But what the hell, right? You’re sick of this crap and you need a break from it all.

Let Me Ask You a Question

Have you even tried to communicate your feelings and thoughts to your spouse? Do they know what and how you’re feeling and/or thinking about? Listen, if you don’t communicate what you’re feeling, it’s not fair to your mate. It’s just not! If you want something from your mate, you have the responsibility to do your part. Open your mouth and speak up! You can’t expect your mate to know what’s going on in that mind of yours if you don’t say anything.

No matter how difficult or painful it may be, you have to talk about it. Communication can save a relationship from going down a road of pain, hurt, regret, anger, and betrayal. If you’re feeling lonely, communicate that to your partner. Set aside some quiet time where there won’t be any distractions. Make sure that you have their full attention, keep eye contact, and ensure that they fully understand the feelings that you’re experiencing. Don’t down play what you’re feeling. Your mate needs to know that you need more of them. Whether it is more time, sex, attention, etc… it needs to be brought to the table.

Seeking Comfort Elsewhere Won’t Solve Anything

Don’t get caught up! Temporary pleasure can turn out to be your worst nightmare. Don’t become a victim simply because you want to feel good for the moment. You may find yourself in a situation that you never saw coming. What you thought was temporary, is now YOUR secret. Irresponsible choices can cost you big time!

Think it Through

Could you REALLY live with yourself if you cheated on your partner?

Would it be worth losing the person that you know you love and care about? Would it be worth possibly losing your family? Would it be worth destroying his/her trust in you? Would it be worth having to start all over again with someone who doesn’t even compare to your current spouse? Would it be worth it to see those tears in his/her eyes? Would it be worth seeing the pain that you’ve caused on his/her face? Would it be worth it to destroy everything that you’ve both built together? Would it be worth it to break their heart over your selfishness and weakness? Would it be worth it to betray the man or woman that you promised to be faithful to? Or furthermore, would you be able to forgive yourself, if you gave your spouse an STD? Always remember this: When you decide to cheat, you’re taking a huge risk. A risk that could turn your life upside down.

Some things just aren’t worth it. Think! Think about what your choices could do to you, your partner, and maybe even your family. I encourage you to be mature enough to make the right choices. The wrong choices can literally ruin your life, and to me, ruining your life over a quick fix is just NOT worth it! Not at all.

Written By Author Stephanie Lahart

Emotionally abused. Physically abused. Financially abused. Being abused is what you’ve become accustomed to. You think to yourself “How did I let this go on so long? How did I allow this to happen to me? Why haven’t I spoken to anyone about what I’m going through? How did I even get here?” Your abusive relationship is slowly killing you on the inside. You’re at your breaking point. It’s time for you to think about YOU for a change because you deserve way better than what you’ve been putting up with. You don’t deserve this! You DO count. You ARE important. You DO mean a lot to your loved ones. They care for you. Trust me, they do. You don’t have to put up with this abuse anymore. Reach out for help and don’t feel ashamed to do so.

Genuine love isn’t supposed to be emotionally draining. Name calling isn’t okay. Stop making excuses for it. Making you feel less than is abuse. There’s no other way around that. You will be okay without him! He just makes you feel like you won’t. Think about what you were like before him. You had confidence! You felt great about yourself! You were outgoing and full of life! But look at you now. He’s broken you down little by little, just where he wants you to be. But enough is enough! You’ve got to get out of this mess. This is NOT your best life. This is no life at all.

He grabs on you, pushes and shoves you, holds you down on the bed and/or floor, punches you at times, just having his way with you when he wants to. He likes to toy around with you. Sweet and kind one minute, and then he’s right back at his evil ways. He demeans you as if you’re not worth anything. Your emotions are like a roller coaster. He has you up one minute, twisted the next minute, and then here comes the drop. He treats you like he owns you. As if you are a piece of property. Telling you what to do and controlling your every move. He’s NOT a nice person, so stop making excuses for him. You know what he’s like and you can’t change him. Don’t fool yourself!

He’s in control of the finances. He uses money against you. You have to ask him for everything. What he says goes. You don’t have any say so in the matter. You have money, but it’s like you don’t because he rules, and that’s that.

He’s taken your life away from you. You’re just being controlled. You choose to stay because you don’t want to feel ashamed and/or embarrassed of what others will say or think. You’ve been putting up with this hell for quite some time now. Pretending like you’re a happy couple. You’re a pro when it comes to putting on your happy face, wearing YOUR mask so flawlessly. You’ve put up a great front because nobody knows the hell that you’re going through but you and him. You have everybody fooled into thinking that you have a great relationship, but if they only knew that you’re just about to lose it. You’re holding on to a very thin string. You want out, but you don’t know how. You’re scared, confused, and nervous. And in a strange kind of way, you want to stay. You know the true him, but you make excuses for him and are torn as to what to do.

Instead of me TELLING you what to do, I’ll leave you with these inspirational quotes from me to you. Hopefully these positive quotes will give you the strength and courage that you need to leave your unfortunate and unhealthy relationship. Be brave!

Written by Stephanie Lahart
Author & Poet
Keepin’ it real is what I do. Writing without limits. Writing to impact, empower, educate, and change lives.

Inspirational & Motivational Quotes

“Encourage yourself, believe in yourself, and love yourself. Never doubt who you are.” – Stephanie Lahart

“Crying is NOT a weakness. Cry as much as you have to. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to let your tears flow. Crying is a natural part of life. We all have feelings and sometimes crying is all that we can do. Crying can help relieve the pain, hurt, disappointments, and all of the other things that life can throw our way. Know that it’s okay and know that you’re going to be okay as well. Wishing You: Peace of mind, Comfort, Happiness, Joy within and LOVE.” – Stephanie Lahart

“Say it out loud: I AM beautiful. I AM worthy. I AM somebody. I DO deserve to be loved. I DO deserve to be respected. I DO deserve happiness. I will no longer accept less-than what I know I deserve. I don’t deserve that. And I won’t accept it anymore. I know my self-worth! I deserve the very best!” – Stephanie Lahart

“Though I may feel weak right now, I know the strength that lives deep down inside of me. I will believe! I will have hope! And although my faith may be a little bit weary right now, I know I’ll make it through this. When I feel like I’m just about to give up, I somehow soar to the top. That’s because I’m a winner! It’s always a good idea to remind yourself of who YOU are. That’s perfectly okay!” – Stephanie Lahart

“Respect, Love, and Value yourself. Always remember to be good to yourself by taking care of yourself. Make yourself a priority and know that it’s okay. Don’t feel guilty for loving yourself, first! You’re just as important as anybody else. Remember that!” – Stephanie Lahart

“Tomorrow has not invited you yet, so LIVE for today! Tomorrow is near, yet so far away. Choose this day to smile, laugh, love unconditionally, and be happy within.” – Stephanie Lahart

“You are valuable! You are beautifully blessed just how you’re supposed to be. No matter what anybody else has told you, YOU rock!” – Stephanie Lahart

“Hello beautiful! Yes, YOU. Please realize just how special that you are. There’s no need for you to compare yourself to the next. You are unique, rare, and incomparable. You’re simply beautiful inside and out!” – Stephanie Lahart

“Self-worth. Self-love. Self-Esteem. Self-Motivation. Self-confidence. All of these things equal SELF-EMPOWERMENT. Always believe in yourself, even if nobody else does!” – Stephanie Lahart

“Dare to be bold and brave. Dare to believe that you can. Dare to live out your dreams. Dare to get out of your comfort zone. Dare to make positive changes in your life. Dare to live life without all of the extra drama and/or baggage. Dare to live your life fearlessly. Dare to TRULY live for once in your life!” – Stephanie Lahart 

A Woman’s number one relationship goal
Should be with herself first.
How a woman sees herself
Will set the standard of how she allows men to treat her.
She’s got to make herself a priority,
And know that it’s okay!

Women need NOT to be so easily
Flattered by what a man has,
But instead be flattered by his
Strength, courage, integrity, and character.
Be impressed by his ability to be
Honest, faithful, loving, and respectful.
Be impressed because he can
Communicate and openly express his feelings with you.

Be impressed because he’s got
Confidence,
Direction,
And purpose in his life.
Be impressed because he’s a
Quality man, NOT a handsome man.
His looks should be a bonus, NOT the main factor.

Don’t compromise yourself and stay in an unhealthy relationship that causes you hurt, pain, and disappointment.
You are worthy of genuine love, ladies!
Save your love for someone who TRULY
Deserves it, appreciates it, and wants it.
Don’t disrespect yourself by lowering your standards
And accepting his foul behavior…
You absolutely do NOT deserve to be treated like
You don’t matter… You DO matter.

Your happiness and well-being are important…
Protect it by always valuing who you are!

It takes a special King to love
His Queen properly…
To value her as the Woman she is
And NOT take advantage of her.

Don’t be in a rush, ladies…
You want a man that’s going to spoil you differently!

Be patient and wait on a man that spoils you with his
Love, honesty, and commitment.
His respect, honor, and appreciation.
His attentiveness.
His kindness, understanding, and genuine love.
You want a man that you can create memorable memories with.

Have confidence in yourself!
Love yourself, flaws and all!
Be kind to yourself!
See the best in yourself!
Celebrate yourself!
Know that you are worthy of authentic love!

Just say NO to
Dead-end, unhealthy, and toxic relationships.
You are a Queen!

Protect your heart.
Protect your smile.
Protect your happiness.
Protect your peace of mind.
Don’t destroy yourself over
A man’s foolishness.

Don’t get caught up
Simply because you’re
Bored, lonely, or
Lacking in self-esteem.

Know your worth, Queen…
Respect, love, and value yourself…
You matter!!!

Written by Stephanie Lahart! Black Female Author and Poet, Youth Motivational Speaker for At-Risk Teens, Teen Mentor, and Entrepreneur.

An enlightening and empowering passage for women and girls about online dating websites, chat rooms, dating apps, sex trafficking, and MORE.

Let’s talk about online dating websites! If you’re thinking about giving it a try, I want you to be aware and safe. Keep in mind that just because you come across a profile with a handsome picture and a captivating about me section doesn’t make this guy a great catch. You hear all the time how some women lucked up and found their boyfriend or husband, but that’s not the case for everyone. Please be mindful that not all men on there are genuine. You have some men that try to scam women. You have some men that are secretly married claiming that they’re single. You have some men that are dating another woman, but they’re going through a rough patch and are trying to see what’s out there. You have some men that are predators. And you also have some men searching for women that they can pimp out.

Also, please be mindful that fake profiles are VERY real. Anybody can sit behind a computer, search the computer, download attractive images, and write a great bio for themselves. Don’t be so easily flattered by what you see, because it can all be bogus. Until you speak with them on the phone or meet up with them in person… that’s if you feel comfortable enough to meet up, then you really don’t have a full picture of what this person is like. That’s why I strongly suggest that you not be in a rush! Take your time to feel him out over the phone before you meet him in person. And I’m not just talking about after one or two conversations, either. Remember: At the end of the day, he’s a stranger! Yes, he might come off as a great guy, but you just never know. Converse with him about various topics to get a good feel for who he is. I encourage you to be an attentive listener, too. People will often say things without realizing it. TIP! Really pay attention to what he likes to talk about? What do you hear?

Be mindful not to overtalk… What I mean by this is don’t be so eager to overshare too soon. Again, you don’t know just yet who you’re dealing with. Not to scare you… but serial killers, rapists, stalkers, and all other sorts of whack jobs are on dating websites, too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that are important to you. If they try to avoid your questions, get irritated with the questions that you’re asking, or if you detect any kind of attitude: Please do NOT ignore the signs. Meet up in a public place! Do not go to his home, nor should you invite him to your home for the first time meeting up. I don’t recommend that! Do not ignore your gut… Allow it to lead, guide, and PROTECT you. Please be mindful of all I’ve talked about when it comes to dating apps, too… The same goes!

Let’s talk briefly about chat rooms! Many people of all ages log into chat rooms for all sorts of reasons… To make new friends, build relationships, to vent, and of course, you guessed it, predators are on here, too. So, with that being said, be mindful of what kind and how much information you’re giving out. People from all over the world create these accounts, so you don’t know who you’re really chatting with. You may think you’re talking to this really awesome guy but, in actuality, he’s nothing that he’s portraying online. And please listen to me carefully if you’re a young adult woman reading this book… I don’t care how cool some of these guys or girls may seem, keep in mind that you’re on the internet, and it’s filled with people that want nothing more than to manipulate. They come off as nice, fun, outgoing, down-to-earth, trustworthy, great listeners, and everything else under the sun; but at the end of the day, underneath it all, some people are VERY deceitful. Don’t be manipulated by giving out your address or other personal information, period! I know a lot of young adults go on here to vent and get things off of their chest, but again, you don’t really know who you’re venting to. You could be offering up too much information that’ll put you in a vulnerable position.

If you’re chatting with somebody and they’re asking you detailed questions about yourself, your family, what school you go to, etc… STOP and think! If they ask you to sneak out and meet them, STOP and think! If they ask you to come to their home, but don’t let anybody else know… STOP and think! Being a young adult can be tough, but nothing will be worse than you never being seen or heard from again. Everybody online is NOT your friend.

Let’s talk about sex trafficking! Young girls and women ALL over the world are forced into sex trafficking every day. Please don’t think that it could never happen to you, because it could. That’s why I’m writing this passage to help keep you safe and aware!

There’s nothing wrong with going out having a good time, but if you enjoy going to clubs, bars, house parties, hanging out, etc… Keep in mind that everybody is NOT who they may seem to be. Even if your friends introduce you to somebody, don’t be so quick to take their word. Get to know people for yourself. Sex traffickers are EVERYWHERE… Both men and women. They blend in just like everybody else, because they are just like everybody else. They are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, students, coworkers, friends… And even people that hold very high positions. I know some of you are shocked to hear that women do this too, but they do. If you’re a runaway, you’re at-risk. If you’re in a group home or in the foster care system, you’re at-risk. If you’re a prostitute, you’re at-risk. If you have low self-esteem, you’re an easy target. They know you want to feel loved and wanted, so they’ll start the grooming process to gain your trust and respect. They know that most likely you’ve already suffered sexual, physical, and/or mental abuse. They know that a lot of girls and women have abandonment issues and no real support system. They know all of this! That’s why at first, they make you feel loved, special, and wanted, but it’s all a part of their plan.

And please understand this… It doesn’t just happen to the kind of girls and women that I’ve mentioned above! It happens to girls and women that just somehow got caught up and didn’t see or pay attention to the signs. It could also happen to any girl or woman who’s going about their daily activities. The mall, school, movie theaters, and other popular establishments are easy hunting grounds, too. It doesn’t matter what kind of family you come from, the type of life you’ve lived, or the choices you did or didn’t make. You could become a victim as well. Sex trafficking doesn’t discriminate!

Keep your eyes WIDE open… The internet is flooded with sex traffickers, too! It’s easy to hide behind a screen and search for their next victims. Again, don’t be so easily flattered! That “like” that you just got on your picture could be from a sex trafficker. That comment that just made you smile from ear to ear could be from a sex trafficker. That beautiful direct message that you just read could be from a sex trafficker. That friend request that you just accepted could be from a sex trafficker. That person you barely know who just invited you to a party could be a sex trafficker. That event that you’re SO excited to attend could be connected to a sex trafficker. That person that just followed you on all of your social media accounts could be a sex trafficker. The possibilities are endless!

Be mindful of men who seem too good to be true. Be mindful of girls or women that try to lure you into doing things that just don’t seem right. Be careful when you’re out and about having a good time; NEVER drink something that you didn’t see being made or didn’t open yourself. Be mindful of males and females that promise you a better life by going off with them. In this day and time, it pays to be mindful of every damn thing!

Sex trafficking is evil… No one should have to ever endure this kind of wickedness! I’m about to get graphic for a moment, but I need you to get it! I want you to understand the horrible things that people go through, and there’s nothing that they can do about once they’re taken. Note: Don’t forget that sex trafficking is a horrible thing that happens to boys and men as well, however, for the sake of consistency in this passage, I’ll be focusing on girls and women.

Girls and women are being beaten, drugged, and tortured if they don’t comply or if they don’t meet their so-called quota. Their bodies are no longer their own! They are made to do any and everything with their bodies, all for their trafficker’s love for money and power. There is plenty of money to be made, and by any means necessary, those girls’ and women’s bodies will be used and abused over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. Their vagina, anus, and mouth are abused daily for other people’s pleasure. Could you imagine this being YOUR truth? Lured or taken away just to be abused daily. Your every move is controlled. Imagine the cries and screams of other girls and women. Imagine listening to other girls and women being tortured. Imagine your body feeling exhausted and tired, but you’re still forced to perform. Imagine being on your period and still being forced to do the unthinkable. Imagine your body being tattooed with a name, slogan, saying, and/or design to show that you are someone’s property. That’s a way of showing their ownership of you… You’re branded like slaves. What do you think they’ll do to your body should you overdose, die of natural causes, or they decided to kill you? They’d get rid of your body like you’re trash!

Sex trafficking is real, and girls and women get lured, taken, or caught up all over the world. Please do your best to keep yourself safe! If you’re someone with young daughters, nieces, cousins, etc… Please talk to them about this, too… It’s imperative to educate them!

Sex trafficking is a VERY lucrative business, so you will always have predators on the lookout for fresh girls and women. With that being said, pay attention! If something doesn’t feel right, believe what you’re feeling. Be protective of yourself like your life depends on it, because it does! Look after yourself! Educate yourself! Be vigilant for yourself!

For the females reading this that may battling with low self-esteem, abuse issues, the feeling of emptiness, and yearning for love and attention… Don’t fall victim to these predators! You’ve been warned… No, they don’t really love you! No, they don’t really care for you! No, they’re NOT going to take care of you and give you a better life with all of the glitz and glam that they promised you! No, they’re NOT going to give you the world! No, they’re NOT going to help you get on your feet or get you an amazing job! The only traveling you’re going to be doing is to places where they can make money off of YOU. That’s right! Selling your body and doing whatever else they demand you to do. They will make all kinds of promises to get you to go off with them… DON’T DO IT… It’s a trap!

I’m going to bring this passage to an end by saying, “Encourage yourself, believe in yourself, and LOVE yourself. Never doubt who you are.” No matter how hopeless you may be feeling, YOU matter. I encourage you to reach out for help instead of going off with pimps and sex traffickers. There’s nothing good in this for you. Please believe that YOU count. Search the internet for legitimate help for people in your circumstances; search for shelters, programs, and organizations in your area. Speak up, and let someone you trust know what’s going on and that you need help. There is help… don’t be afraid to utilize it. You don’t have to be embarrassed or ashamed. Just get the help that you need! There are people who genuinely care for you, and their passion is to help you. Living a street life does NOT have to be your reality… Fight for YOU.

Written by Stephanie Lahart: Author & Poet

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Did you get value out of this passage? Buy my book: BEFORE YOU COMMIT. This is one of the passages from that book. Available on Amazon: eBook and Paperback