Unshaken Strength: Marilyn’s Story of Survival and Self-Worth
What makes you a Beautiful Disaster?
I’m a survivor.
Why do you identify with the Beautiful Disaster brand?
The brand shows you that no matter what you go through, you will survive — and that you are not alone.
Tell us your Beautiful Disaster story:
My story started when I was 3 years old and my stepdad entered our lives. I remember being so happy to have new family members — an aunt, uncle, and three new cousins. There’s a lot I blocked out those first few years, but I do remember trying to tell my mom what both my stepdad and uncle were doing in “secret.” She told me to stop telling stories and to quit talking about things I didn’t understand. Looking back, that should have been a red flag — I was five years old and definitely shouldn’t have known about "what goes on with adults."
My younger sister was born when I was six and a half. As she got older, I just thought, she can’t go through this too. So I stopped fighting for myself, hoping they would leave her alone. If I noticed them looking at her, I would step in to take the attention off her.
My mom and dad separated when I was nine, but we were still sent to visit for summer vacations. The abuse continued. I kept accepting it to keep my sister safe. This went on until I was about sixteen — the summer my dad died. The abuse still happened that summer, and one day, my aunt walked in and caught my uncle in the act. She saw it with her own eyes — but decided it was my fault. She packed up all my belongings, put them on the porch, called my mom to pick me up, and told her I had been "stealing." I was no longer welcome in her home. I never told her the truth, even to this day.
I learned from a very early age to depend only on myself — and that I could take care of myself through anything.
As a teen, I acted out by drinking. I wasn’t into drugs or smoking, thankfully, but I did nearly die from alcohol poisoning at a school event. I was revived and sent back home. What saved me was having my son at 18. He was, and still is, the best thing to happen to me. He gave me purpose. He gave me a reason to stay strong.
From the age of three until sixteen, I endured abuse by two separate family members. I tried to tell someone when I was five, but was dismissed. I had nowhere to turn. The abuse ended when my dad passed and I no longer had to go to my aunt and uncle’s house. I learned to survive — and to only depend on myself.
Today, I share my story with others who are struggling with their own inner demons. I tell them: no matter what happens in life, you are strong enough, you are good enough, and you are beautiful — even in your disaster.
What happened for you to turn it around?
I stopped being ashamed and realized it was not my fault. I forgave myself for letting it go on so long. And most importantly, I started helping others by sharing my story.
Name 3 things you’ve done to move closer to happiness:
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I stopped being ashamed and realized it was not my fault.
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I forgave myself.
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I share my story with others to remind them they’re not alone — and they can survive and thrive.
What is your favorite Beautiful Disaster collection, past or present, and why?
Hating Me.
Wolves.
Hope.
Because they each speak to strength, resilience, and survival.