What is Affirmation of Life Day?
On May 17, 2009, our founder Stephanie was raped by a robber in her home. It remains the hardest day that she has ever had to live through.
Affirmation of Life Day begins
Faced with the anniversary of the worst day of her life, one that she still hadn’t fully recovered from, Stephanie decided to change the narrative. One May 17th was terrible. So now every other May 17th has to be fucking awesome in order to raise the general karma and goodness of the day. Affirmation of Life Day was born.
Celebrations
Stephanie continues to celebrate her Affirmation of Life Day (AOLD) every year. The exact scale and activities of the day are up to each person and each year. Stephanie has celebrated by doing good deeds for strangers, by having a spa day, by waking up in the Sahara, and 11 other activities.
AOLD Army
As Stephanie opened up about her experience as a rape victim (or, survivor), people were inspired to change the narrative about their rock bottom days. The AOLD Army continues to grow as more people take back emotional control over their days.
What people are saying about us
It would be an understatement to say that the perspective shift I experienced when I embraced the idea of Affirmation Of Life Day was life changing. Stephanie is an inspiration, a warrior, and I am also extremely fortunate to call her my friend. What she is doing could change the world if people stopped and listened.
Stephanie was a coworker. Until we shared our stories. With no shame. Because we had rediscovered our worth. Now we have a real connection. It still isn't easy, but as you can see, she knows how to transform trauma.
You know someone abused or assaulted. You do. Please reach out to them and suggest Stephanie's AOLD mission.
Affirmation of Life day helped change the perspective of going from victim to survivor and supporting that internal strength we all forget we have sometimes. You helped me remember mine. The knowledge that I can do what I want and even if no one else believes in me doesn't mean I can't believe in myself is how I managed to pedal my bicycle across Route 66 in 22 days and prove all the doubters and naysayers wrong. That strength came from within me, but the fire was lit by Stephanie and her incredible strength that inspired me. It is fair to say that mental and emotional shift saved a big part of me and I owe you for that forever.