TWO everyday Mount Gambier women will step outside their comfort zones next week as they share their deeply personal stories about how they have stepped through the shadows of loss and pain into the light of truth, joy and happiness.
Di Chambers and Kathleen Donhardt will share their struggles, vulnerability and healing with others in an inspirational night to remember.
Hoping to help and provide hope for those who may be feeling misunderstood, unhappy, unheard, unfulfilled or unloved, Stepping Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an event not to be missed.
“We know a lot of people in our community are suffering from the same aspects of loss and trauma as us and we just want to get up there and get it out there and make it okay for people to realise that what they are going through is tough, but it doesn’t need to rule their lives,” Ms Chambers said.
“Our stories will uncover some of the strategies we have used to overcome our hurdles and we hope someone can pick up on that and use it in their own lives – that is really the benefit that we are wanting to give out to people.
“I have wanted to help women and other people for a long time and the only way I could do that through my experiences is to talk about them.”
Ms Donhardt said she wanted to get out and expose topics deemed “socially unacceptable” such as domestic violence.
“I want to create and start a platform that says it is okay for us to talk about this, so the people who are the victims are not the ones who continue to carry the shame for those who are uncomfortable to talk about it,” she said.
“It is about making it okay whatever is happening to us or we are going through, we can talk about that and network together – sometimes just knowing that we can get through it was enough for some people.”
Mindful of the plethora of young people who have lost their lives from car accidents and other tragic events throughout the city, Ms Chambers said it is easy for people to get stuck in a negative mindset.
“There are a lot of families going through grief and heartache – if people are not careful they get trapped and bogged in and it becomes their life,” she said.
“I know there will be a lot of people out there wondering how can they get on with their lives and move forward?
“How can they work through the pain and mental stress and trauma of these tragic events?
“I’m hoping through my story people will see a light and think ‘wow I can get through this’.
“It is possible to re-build yourself and that is what we are here to do – to grow and learn.”
Stepping out of the Shadows and Into the Light will take place on June 8 at Commodore on the Park from 7pm.
Tickets are $9 and can be purchased at www.ticketbo.com.au/steppingout or by contacting Di on 0417 803 396 or Kathleen on 0410 327 234.
All profits made on the night will go to the Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service.
