Free to Thrive

The Global Center for Women and Justice recently received a special package in the mail. When I opened it up, I found a spiral bound book titled, “Free to Thrive”. Inside the booklet was a heart drawn with the words, “Live Free”, signed Harmony. I had the pleasure of reading through this guide which is curriculum designed to “empower you to live your best life”. This curriculum is written by Harmony Dust Grillo, a survivor of pimp-controlled exploitation. Harmony is a UCLA honor student who founded Treasures in 2003 to equip and empower women in the sex industry and survivors of trafficking to live healthy, flourishing lives. She has provided training for the Department of Justice and the FBI and has helped launch outreach efforts in 120 cities worldwide. Her detailed story can be found in her memoir, “Scars and Stilettos”.

Survivor-developed, trauma-informed curriculum is hard to come by so Harmony developed this resource to help those who have faced insurmountable odds. Finding a pathway out of the sex industry is just the first step. What follows is the hard work of rebuilding so that young women and girls can have healthy restorative relationships and pursue their dreams. This curriculum points to resiliency as the key to a thriving life. Throughout the text are exercises and actionable items to assist in transforming the self-concept, building healthy boundaries, and daring to dream big because we are all created with a purpose.

What struck me most about this curriculum, specifically designed for those involved in the sex industry or women and girls who have experienced exploitation and trafficking, is that this is so applicable to anyone who has been a part of an unhealthy relationship and needs help in moving past their past. This curriculum is a dose of encouragement from a friend to deepen and sharpen your resiliency. It is a shot in the arm to not only reassure that one can survive but they are designed for a purpose, and they are free to thrive. I highly recommend this curriculum written by someone brave to help others heal from their past and rebuild their lives. It is a powerful tool that provides a thorough and compassionate pathway to self-discovery and personal growth.

For more information on Treasures or to obtain a copy of this curriculum (shipping is free with code FREETOTHRIVE), please visit: iamatreasure.com