Speaking
Fearlessly Always
Welcome to my blog!
This is the space where I share professional insights, personal stories, creative writing, and day-to-day reflections. My writing chronicles my living experiences and acts as a place where I can personally offer you professional expertise and best practice ideas.
I hope you will join my journey and stay in touch!
❤️
SUSIE 수지
If you want to stand out, you can talk shit about the folks who are forced to remain voiceless. They are the easiest ones to discuss. You know the ones. Well, […]
Research indicates that youth involved in the child welfare system have higher rates of suicide ideation and attempts than their peers. During Suicide Prevention Month, the National Center for Adoption […]
My recent keynote in St. Louis led to a quick interview by Voyage St. Louis magazine. Learn more about my journey, the work I’m doing right now, and how I […]
I used a bad word.
It will upset some.
The bad word shouldn't be read or said. But that doesn't stop it from existing.
My not saying the word doesn't make it less true. It doesn't change the fact that many have been taken for granted, tossed aside, or dismissed beyond the parts of them that were deemed useful. "We," the lived experience community, have sometimes outlived our use in professional spaces.
Delivered in Arkansas at a state peer (recovery/substance use prevention) conference on August 29, 2024. We need congruence, compelling approaches, and care on several levels. Sharing intimate details can be […]
I will never forget the established community leader who said, “That’s a waste of time. Everyone has tried it before you.” She looked at me like a young and inexperienced drifter, one who would be gone soon enough, on to something outside of community service.
I was nice to you, But then you followed me. Down each aisle, as I quietly perused The canned goods and dairy options. I saw you from the […]
The United States continues to be significantly impacted by suicide death despite years of attention, efforts and development. Death by suicide and attempts have increased over 30% since 2001 with pronounced increases among young children and people of color. Tremendous effort and insight across many government agencies has been put into a newly released National Strategy on Suicide Prevention and accompanying Federal Work Plan. Among the significant changes in this document compared with former Plans is extensive reference to people with lived experiences of suicide and a clear emphasis on equity and inclusion. In addition several contributing authors to the document are experts who also bring lived experience of suicide intensity and attempts.
Like many, I’ve been touched by suicide, and preventing this tragedy is something I’m dedicated to. Those who know me know this. Yet, I feel like I’m forced to prove […]
I was asked to write a blog for the new international resource the Lived Experience Advisory Directory. LEAD connects the Lived and Living Experience workforce with opportunity, knowledge, and support […]
To be honest, my experiences speaking were rather unpleasant the first several goes of it. I know I’ve said this recently, but it bears repeating. I mean, I spoke. People […]