It's been a few minutes since hitting publish and I'm sitting here with a lot more feelings than I could ever describe... for you see, a few years back I'd promised myself I'd *never* speak to anyone else about what I survived ("maybe when I was old and wrinkly, and it'd become a thing of my past", I'd told myself)... for I could see the pain in people's faces when I shared my story.
I simply wasn't ready for my relationship with the world to change.
Now I know different. Now I know that a part of me was lying to myself that I wasn't still living in fear and shame of what had happened to me.
But as I sit here now, the one prevailing feeling is freedom.
I feel like I'm actually finally free, free of a captivity that was imposed on me by another human a long time ago (the truth really does set you free).
So allow me to re-introduce myself: Hi, I'm Paola and I'm a survivor.
Thank you for reading me. Thank you for holding space for me all these years (you know who you are)
But if you've any jokes in you, they're welcome right about now. I think you'll find that I'm the first person to laugh at the absurdity of it all (Shakespeare really did teach us that the best comedy arises from tragedy). Thanks for being here!
You've certainly been to hell and back, there is a light shining at the end of the tunnel and it sounds like you are making your way through. Stay strong friend!
I forgot to say, I actually fell for that commenter last week but deleted what I wrote as it was late at night and I rambled a bit senselessly. Interesting!
I…. sigh. It’s been two hours since I read your post and I’m still at a loss of words. I’ve a feeling you’re much braver than most of us can imagine ❤️
I am so sorry for what you have been through…but no pity…I know also these difficulties make us stronger and better.
I have been grateful through the years of following you, for the recipes you created and shared. I have had to navigate care for several chronically sick children, with autoimmune conditions, your recipes were a help when I needed them.
Thank you!
I have always enjoyed the glimpses into your life, I find it delightful to hear stories from the person behind the recipes!
Hey Paola! I have struggled with following your story here but think I understand the gist of it. Geez. Anyway just wanted you to know that over the years when I was looking for help in finding foods that helped me in my journey I found your recipes helping on so many occasions. I respected you for facing (and sharing) your own challenges with such bravery and still finding time to share your recipes with us! Thank you!
I’ve had to deal with some heavy deception done by a close family member to my family and it took almost everything I had to try to make it right legally but after many many years and $$$ it changed nothing and I was exhausted. Anyway, I again respect you for continuing in your battle to get to the bottom of this “thing” that has threatened you and your well being. Continue to brave it out Paola! I’m sure there are many more like me who (try to) follow your story and are supporting you. Regards, Kathy
I am sorry I've gone about it in a confusing manner Kathleen, but thank you for taking the time to try and understand the gist of it all (I believe today it became a bit clearer). I suppose all i can say there is that it's a developing situation, and I actually want to limit that part of the story now.
And I'm really sorry to hear you've been through a deceptive situation too, it really does leave you exhausted (well put).
I feel like I'm reading a really twisted mental thriller. You have me hanging on the edge of my seat...especially as I was looking at the actions in the log-book for your posts. CrAzY!!!!!!! Like SUPER compulsive behavior, opening the post every hour and checking the comments...hmmmmm fishy. Keep documenting and keeping on your toes. She sounds like a crafty one. hugs Paola!
Wow! Big hugs. I’ve enjoyed your posts and emails. You’ve brought great education and delicious foods. Life brings us the good and the bad which makes us stronger and fierce. Look forward to your next adventure!
I was struck by your story. I never would have thought I could read such a story in this category. I wouldn't wish anyone to go through the kind of suffering you went through, but I'm really inspired by the way you hold on, no matter what, and go forward. And especially the way you connect it all to the Harry Potter universe is just magical. I wish you all the best!🔮
Thank you for putting these things to the proverbial pen. I’ve dealt with similar things in my life. When you said, ‘Ennegram 1— deal with it’ I laughed. We have that in common. There is some great wisdom you shared with all of us.
I subscribed the other day upfront and have enjoyed sharing your blog with my other creative friends and colleagues.
Paola have you ever seen on TikTok a woman who explains sociopathy? Kanika? She talks about going for months, creating fake accounts, all to destroy a person's ego? She says how she goes on dating profiles, to their work, etc. I went through something similar once and I thought I was going crazy... had to move states once I realized :/
Hi.
It's been a few minutes since hitting publish and I'm sitting here with a lot more feelings than I could ever describe... for you see, a few years back I'd promised myself I'd *never* speak to anyone else about what I survived ("maybe when I was old and wrinkly, and it'd become a thing of my past", I'd told myself)... for I could see the pain in people's faces when I shared my story.
I simply wasn't ready for my relationship with the world to change.
Now I know different. Now I know that a part of me was lying to myself that I wasn't still living in fear and shame of what had happened to me.
But as I sit here now, the one prevailing feeling is freedom.
I feel like I'm actually finally free, free of a captivity that was imposed on me by another human a long time ago (the truth really does set you free).
So allow me to re-introduce myself: Hi, I'm Paola and I'm a survivor.
Thank you for reading me. Thank you for holding space for me all these years (you know who you are)
xo! Paola
❤️
I’m all out of jokes for this one. Much love Paola, I cannot imagine what I’d do in your position.
Thank you Matt.
But if you've any jokes in you, they're welcome right about now. I think you'll find that I'm the first person to laugh at the absurdity of it all (Shakespeare really did teach us that the best comedy arises from tragedy). Thanks for being here!
Maybe next time, but no jokes today as I’ve grasped the severity of the situation. You’re a brave one
I completely agree with you.
You've certainly been to hell and back, there is a light shining at the end of the tunnel and it sounds like you are making your way through. Stay strong friend!
Thank you for the lovely comment and sentiment Momsy!
Smart move on the financials, her answer should tell you everything.
And I... I'm speechless, and I am sorry you're in this position. I can't even imagine.
I forgot to say, I actually fell for that commenter last week but deleted what I wrote as it was late at night and I rambled a bit senselessly. Interesting!
I actually remember your comment, you gave me some food for thought ;)
Thanks for reading me, and for being here
I could never pity you Miss Paola, you’re too brave for that. Thank you for showing me a spell or two ;)
Thank you Jenn, I appreciate that ;)
I…. sigh. It’s been two hours since I read your post and I’m still at a loss of words. I’ve a feeling you’re much braver than most of us can imagine ❤️
You're right. Such strong people energize other people, and it makes me glad to have them in difficult times for us.
I am so sorry for what you have been through…but no pity…I know also these difficulties make us stronger and better.
I have been grateful through the years of following you, for the recipes you created and shared. I have had to navigate care for several chronically sick children, with autoimmune conditions, your recipes were a help when I needed them.
Thank you!
I have always enjoyed the glimpses into your life, I find it delightful to hear stories from the person behind the recipes!
Hey Paola! I have struggled with following your story here but think I understand the gist of it. Geez. Anyway just wanted you to know that over the years when I was looking for help in finding foods that helped me in my journey I found your recipes helping on so many occasions. I respected you for facing (and sharing) your own challenges with such bravery and still finding time to share your recipes with us! Thank you!
I’ve had to deal with some heavy deception done by a close family member to my family and it took almost everything I had to try to make it right legally but after many many years and $$$ it changed nothing and I was exhausted. Anyway, I again respect you for continuing in your battle to get to the bottom of this “thing” that has threatened you and your well being. Continue to brave it out Paola! I’m sure there are many more like me who (try to) follow your story and are supporting you. Regards, Kathy
I am sorry I've gone about it in a confusing manner Kathleen, but thank you for taking the time to try and understand the gist of it all (I believe today it became a bit clearer). I suppose all i can say there is that it's a developing situation, and I actually want to limit that part of the story now.
And I'm really sorry to hear you've been through a deceptive situation too, it really does leave you exhausted (well put).
Thank you for being here– I appreciate you.
I feel like I'm reading a really twisted mental thriller. You have me hanging on the edge of my seat...especially as I was looking at the actions in the log-book for your posts. CrAzY!!!!!!! Like SUPER compulsive behavior, opening the post every hour and checking the comments...hmmmmm fishy. Keep documenting and keeping on your toes. She sounds like a crafty one. hugs Paola!
I couldn’t read it all. Shades of my 30+ years of marriage to my X.
Sorry for what you have been going through.I cook with your recipes most of the time. You are the best.Waiting t enjoy your new ones.
Marta de Plaza
Wow! Big hugs. I’ve enjoyed your posts and emails. You’ve brought great education and delicious foods. Life brings us the good and the bad which makes us stronger and fierce. Look forward to your next adventure!
I’ve been a fan of yours for a while now & I have some choice words for people like that. I really looked forward to getting your emails
I was struck by your story. I never would have thought I could read such a story in this category. I wouldn't wish anyone to go through the kind of suffering you went through, but I'm really inspired by the way you hold on, no matter what, and go forward. And especially the way you connect it all to the Harry Potter universe is just magical. I wish you all the best!🔮
Paola,
Thank you for putting these things to the proverbial pen. I’ve dealt with similar things in my life. When you said, ‘Ennegram 1— deal with it’ I laughed. We have that in common. There is some great wisdom you shared with all of us.
I subscribed the other day upfront and have enjoyed sharing your blog with my other creative friends and colleagues.
May the Light of Jesus bless you,
Paola have you ever seen on TikTok a woman who explains sociopathy? Kanika? She talks about going for months, creating fake accounts, all to destroy a person's ego? She says how she goes on dating profiles, to their work, etc. I went through something similar once and I thought I was going crazy... had to move states once I realized :/