Rather than rewrite this as a blog post, I’ll just let my tweets tell the story:
Big thanks to @nympsam & @playgroundconf for hosting me, this was a cathartic moment for me & I feel stronger after this. #pgconfto
— Nikki Thomas (@MsNikkiThomas) November 15, 2015
Timmins & #pgconfto have shown me that I'm a better speaker when I allow myself to be honest & vulnerable, & not rely so much on bravado.
— Nikki Thomas (@MsNikkiThomas) November 16, 2015
The past 2 1/2 yrs were so hard, w/my brother's suicide & father's cancer death. Very hard to resolve w/my public image of defiant activist.
— Nikki Thomas (@MsNikkiThomas) November 16, 2015
Overwhelming burnout, watched my passion for love & sex disappear in front of my eyes. Didn't give myself time to breathe, grieve & recover.
— Nikki Thomas (@MsNikkiThomas) November 16, 2015
Fear of the future, fear of what's to come, fear of how my choices would hurt those I loved most dominated my thoughts until 6 months ago.
— Nikki Thomas (@MsNikkiThomas) November 16, 2015
But out of fear grows courage; today, I feel I've come out on the other side. I'm emboldened, encouraged, & excited for what comes next.
— Nikki Thomas (@MsNikkiThomas) November 16, 2015
Passions can be regained. Fears can be overcome. Self-care can get you through burnout, and stave it off before it hits you again.
— Nikki Thomas (@MsNikkiThomas) November 16, 2015
Thanks to @playgroundconf for creating a safe space for me to share these things. Tomorrow already looks brighter. 🌈🌄☺
— Nikki Thomas (@MsNikkiThomas) November 16, 2015
It feels good to be excited for the future again, instead of ruminating on what’s been lost and dwelling on the past. Onward and upward.