Your Stories

Stories have the power to connect people in ways statistics and headlines cannot. Many of the experiences people carry — trauma, survival, addiction, healing, and personal transformation — are often lived quietly and rarely spoken about openly.

Josephine: Rolling Rocks
She thought it meant something. The connection. The attention. The way he looked at her. But when he disappeared, all that was left were questions she couldn’t answer. Josephine: Rolling Rocks is about the moment you realize not everything that feels real… actually is.
Josephine: The Bike
For the first time, Josephine realized the bike made her afraid. At first, it made sense. Everyone needs something to hold onto. Something to steady them while they learn. But she was supposed to grow, right? So she got on the bike. She rode.She fell.She got hurt. She cried. And like everyone else, she was… Read more: Josephine: The Bike
Josephine and the Pancake
Nice and fluffy.Tastes good.Hard to mess up.Can be shaped into anything.You can eat pancakes any time, day or night. That was growing up. The masks were pancakes, floating around, spinning like saucers. Perfect. Easy. Expected. But the moment one broke—just one—everything collapsed. What once looked soft and perfect turned soggy. Sticky. Heavy. Don’t speak.Sit straight.Don’t… Read more: Josephine and the Pancake
Josephine: The Hurricane
Growing up, her voice filled the room like something alive. It could start as a laugh, loud and spinning, like a tornado warning you didn’t take seriously until it was too late. Then it would shift, quieter, more controlled, like a moth buzzing in your face. Annoying. Persistent. Impossible to ignore. You wanted to swat… Read more: Josephine: The Hurricane
Josephine: Blankets, Ashes, and Time
In 1978, none of the later chaos had happened yet. No picket fence dreams.No men.No mother in Florida. I was born in Portland, Oregon, into a life that was already unraveling. That’s where the ashes began. As a baby, I was left alone for three days. In a crib. The police eventually found me wrapped… Read more: Josephine: Blankets, Ashes, and Time
Josephine: Back from the Ashes (Introduction)
Sometimes I pretend my life is wickedly perfect.You know the picture: green grass, a white picket fence, everything calm and safe. Then I wake up in a motel next to a man I technically know but somehow don’t. A man who has already managed to make me feel small, spend my money, and question things… Read more: Josephine: Back from the Ashes (Introduction)

This space exists so those stories can be shared.

Some stories may be difficult. Others may reflect growth, recovery, or moments of clarity that changed someone’s life. Every story represents a human experience that deserves to be acknowledged.

All stories published here are shared anonymously and edited when necessary to remove identifying details. Names, locations, and other personal information may be changed to protect the privacy and safety of the individuals involved.

The goal is not to expose people or relive harm, but to create understanding and remind others that they are not alone in what they have experienced.

Story Topics May Include

Stories shared here may explore experiences such as:

• surviving abuse or trauma

• addiction and recovery

• stigma and social challenges

• personal healing journeys

• moments of resilience and transformation

Each story represents one person’s perspective and lived experience.

Want to Share Your Story?

If you would like to contribute a story to this space, you can submit it anonymously.

Before submitting, please make sure:

• names are changed

• identifying locations are removed

• workplaces, schools, or specific details are not included

Stories may be lightly edited to protect anonymity and ensure clarity before publication.

You can share your story here:

Thank you for your bravery.

Your story is safe with me.

Alias

Story Title

Story

What best describes your experience?

I confirm that my submission does not include real names or identifying details.

I have changed names and removed details such as locations, workplaces, schools, or dates that could identify individuals.

I understand that my story may be lightly edited for clarity, safety, or anonymity before publication.

I understand that my story may be published on Auntie M’s Advocacy Project website and other future publications.

I confirm that I am submitting this story voluntarily and have the right to share it.

I understand that once published, my story may remain part of the public archive of the project.

Before You Submit
Please avoid including identifying details such as full names, exact locations, workplaces, schools, or specific dates.
Stories may be edited to protect privacy and ensure anonymity.
This platform exists to share experiences safely and respectfully.

I understand that submissions involving safety, immigration, government-related harm, or current risk may be delayed before publication to protect privacy.

I understand that this platform shares personal stories but does not provide medical, legal, or mental health advice.

Note: All submissions are given of free choice at the time of hitting submit.
You relinquish all personal connections when submitting your story.