Exploring Life & Business with Tara Alston of Yet Still I Stand

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Alston.

Hi Tara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a survivor of trauma, experienced both as a child and as an adult. As you can imagine, that has required me to be very intentional with my healing. I do not believe that healing is a destination but instead a lifelong journey. The process has included removing myself from unhealthy situations, people, and defense mechanisms that no longer align with where I am currently at in my healing journey. So often, we find that our passions are birthed through the pain that we have endured. That has been the case for me. I am passionate about creating safe communities for those experiencing hardships/traumas/challenges; providing opportunities, resources and tools for healing and growth; and empowering people to build the lives that they desire and were created to live.

I obtained degrees in Human Resource Management and Social Psychology. I have volunteered to serve those who have experienced domestic abuse, child abuse, rape and human trafficking. I am the Anti-Human Trafficking Program Administrator for the Ohio Department of Transportation, leading training and awareness efforts and the Empowerment Through Employment Program, which provides job opportunities to survivors of human trafficking. I have authored the award-winning book, Yet Still I Stand, in which I share my story and provide encouragement, tips, and resources to those who may be experiencing abuse, trauma, or other hardships or even to those who may be supporting someone who is. I am the Founder/Owner of Yet Still I Stand, through which I share my personal story at local, national, and international events to empower and uplift others, while providing resources to those who may be suffering in silence. I also provide one-on-one coaching/consultation, group workshops, and formal training on trauma-related issues, as well as subjects pertaining to healing, growth, resilience, and trauma-informed leadership. I have recently had the opportunity to start serving as the Founding Board President of 3D Living, a nonprofit dedicated to providing hope and balance in individuals and families by providing resources, safety, education, awareness, connection, and evidence-based mental health interventions to promote opportunities of healing forward for generations to come. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk with those who are in every stage of their journey of triumph over trauma.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t consider any part of my life a smooth road. My childhood abuse began when I was 5 years old and continued until I left. I left home at 17 years old and quickly went from abuse to abuse. I met the man who became my first husband at 17 and endured every form of abuse again. I eventually successfully left with my two sons, who were one and two years old. There is a lot more to this story, but I want to focus on some of the struggles.

As you can imagine, there were many struggles along the way. One struggle that often comes with experiencing complex trauma is that a healthy sense of identity has not had the opportunity to be formed. So, you don’t even know a lot about your likes, dislikes, dreams, etc. Some healing is needed to break off what others attached to you as your identity so that you can really explore things in a healthy way. Healing could also be considered a struggle. Healing is messy. It is not linear. You will feel as though you are moving forward in a good direction of healing and then something comes up that makes you feel like you have taken a couple of steps backwards. It is part of the process. You can’t get discouraged. Healing is lifelong, and things are peeled back in layers. Healing takes place and life continues to happen, revealing another layer that needs healing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Yet Still I Stand?
I am honored to walk alongside those who are going through hard things. We often feel so isolated as we are in the midst of these types of experiences, and having the support and community that we all need is so incredibly important while we make decisions and start our healing journeys. There are many tools and resources available that we do not know about when we are starting our journeys. I connect individuals to helpful tools and resources and strive to be a consistent support.

Having had so many personal experiences of abuse and trauma has also provided me with an understanding of the resources that are lacking. This helps me with searching for resources that may not be as prevalent.

I participate in speaking engagements that allow me the opportunity to share my story with the goal of providing hope for those who may be suffering in silence. I also conduct training sessions and workshops to raise awareness about trauma, healing, leadership, etc.

You are not what you have been through. Your identity is not based on how others have treated you. Regardless of what you have been through, healing is here for you.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love to collaborate with others to support those who are on their healing journeys. No ONE can do it all. It literally takes a village. We each can bring something valuable to others. I believe it is important for us to connect with one another so that we know what is offered by others. Then, in times of need, we already have the relationships built and know where to find the resources. So, let’s get to know one another and see how we can come together to support those in need!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yetstillistand.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yetstillistand
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19X2ioMDyr/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-alston-578b75178