After seeing The Recorder call me a local hero in an article about the upcoming premiere of Naptown Narratives, I had to come back to this post and add my thoughts…

I never set out to save anyone but myself. I chose to embark on my recovery journey purely from a state of survival. Self preservation has been my top priority since the moment I realized that wasn’t nobody coming to save me (or folks who look like me, think like me, and struggle like me).

I wanted a better, more purposeful life than what I was surviving. And I wanted my mom to be off the streets. That’s it. And since I didn’t see what we needed, I decided to start somewhere and just started creating spaces that reflected what I (and many of my peers) said was wanted and necessary for better quality of life.

The community and ministry that came with choosing to recover from multiple addictions and bipolar disorder have always been bigger than me. While I originally wished to not be centered when I started MRCI, and have always led with the collective in mind, I’ve embraced the significance of my own narrative.

Can you believe that I knew being honest about my struggles with my mental health and the vice grip that addiction had on me would lead to this?!

Growing up, I loved to read, write, and tell stories. This was curbed to some extent when I heard stories used synonymously with lies. Yet, whenever I heard stories about my Aunt J and cousin Kamau, I was instantly inspired again.

It wasn’t until my late 20s, when I started my recovery journey, that I was inspired to consider storytelling as a part of my career by presenting with NAMI’s In Our Own Voice.

Now in my 30s, I’ve connected to the art scene here in the city and have been inspired by the work of Murdock, Januarie York, Joseph Green, Tricia Hersey, and others here in Nap and across the country.

Finding (attracting) my tribe has been necessary for me to build the village I need as a grown-up who chooses to adult. Especially in fully accepting myself as an artist and embracing the art of storytelling through essays, speeches, poetry, blogging, podcasting, and other mediums.

There are not enough words for the love I have for my village. Y’all have always and continue to see me, love me, raise me, care for me, hold me accountable, and nurture me into the shero I am today.

My appreciation is beyond measure for The Indianapolis Recorder, WISH-TV 8, Mirror Indy, Circle City Storytellers, Loving Life Productions LLC, Life In Indy, G4Unlimited, Glory Girl Productions, and all who have or will support the sharing of my story and my ministry.

Until next time…

I love you.

I see you.

And I believe in you too.

Much love and gratitude to my sis, Nyla for this beautiful send-off I have adopted.

Like what you’ve read? Leave a comment below and let me know what resonated with you.

I create content and share my life experiences to inspire others to tap into their intrinsic power and turn their pain into purpose. As long as I am blessed to be alive, I will be a blessing to others.

Support the work I do through MRCI.

For more content and conversation join my community on Patreon.

Edited 09/18/2024

Promo Blurb:

Every story has a profound impact on the movement of a city. Tasha Marie's story is one to watch. From her work and advocacy for recovery and mental health to her journey of purpose in the world's largest small city. Join us for the Season 4 premiere of Naptown Narratives, the groundbreaking docuseries celebrating the culture of Indianapolis by amplifying Black storytellers. 

Naptown Narratives Season 4 Premiere September 28, 2024 

Kan-Kan Cinema 

VIP reception 6:30pm show starts at 7:30pm 

General Admission is FREE with registration.

VIP ticket ($55) includes a special performance by Januarie York, catering, and more! 

Created in partnership with Circle City Storytellers 

Produced by Loving Life Productions LLC 

Sponsored by Life In Indy

Live Event partner G4Unlimited 

Tickets available now!