TRAVEL. ART. FOOD. ThereGoesSaraRose.com
Hello, fellow travel enthusiasts and nerdlings! I must share a personal experience that shook me to the core. I stopped sharing any personal content, all but disappeared from the internet, until recently. My perspective has changed and you deserve to know why. It is not a happy tale; It is a public record and I now must share it with you, the reader to clear the slate. I have gone through enough that I’ve learned being vulnerable is crucial to growth.
As a travel blogger, I’ve always cherished the freedom and excitement that comes with exploring new destinations. However, there are times when the unexpected happens, and our safety becomes the top priority. If you feel like you are ever in a similar situation get help, and find support here. In this blog post, I want to shed light on my encounter with someone who tried to scare me, stalk me, or even hurt me, and how it led me to prioritize my well-being over content creation.
The Disturbing Reality
Just like any other travel blogger, I’ve always strived to create captivating content and share my adventures in some form. However, in 2021, my journey took an unexpected turn. A family member of mine got very ill and required end-of-life care. I agreed to help.
In the middle of caretaking and content creation, I was receiving disturbing images, controlling messages, and death threats in separate social media DMs. I assumed this was Twitch viewer(s) being trolls, a common occurrence at the time. It was a distressing situation that went on for far too long.
It reached a point that required immediate action. The point was while I was live streaming in Los Angeles, this person began to message me in live chat. I noticed the difference in messages from the rest of the viewers and knew, “SO YOU ARE IN LA RIGHT NOW, ARE YOU?” and “I CAN SEE YOU,” eerily similar in tone to my social media trolls. As a new Twitch user, however, they made a crucial mistake. They accidentally created their Twitch username with their real name.
This was someone I knew.
This was my sick family member.
I knew this person was not capable of actually traveling to Los Angeles due to medical issues so I continued the rest of my trip. I tried to play tourist in between applying to jobs and collecting good content. Looking at myself through a photographer’s lens though, it was evident how the news affected this girl in the photos, still trying so hard. I was a shell of myself.
Prioritizing Safety
In the face of this alarming situation, I knew I had to take decisive steps to protect myself. My mental and physical well-being became my utmost concern. I tried to find out the reason for this disgusting behavior from this family member but now that the mask was off, the obsession and hate had no boundaries. The onslaught continued but became more personal. When they told me they tried to hire someone to hurt me, I reached out to the authorities. A detective was assigned and a case began. Months later, after self-representing in court, I successfully obtained a life-long restraining order in 2022. There is no guarantee a person like that will obey a restraining order, but they do lose access to firearms. It was a challenging decision, but one that was necessary for my safety and peace of mind.
The Interruption
As I embarked on this journey of waiting for the court system and the trial date, I had to put my travel and live stream content creation on hold. I was not ready to share the betrayal and the abusive patient/family behavior. I still have yet to wrap my head around what family can do to their blood. While it was a difficult decision, I knew that my well-being had to come first. It became a period of reflection, self-care, and regaining control over my life. I am immensely grateful for the support I received from my loved ones and the legal system, which played a vital role in ensuring my safety.
Moving Forward
After making some life changes, and getting the mental health support I needed, I am in a different mindset. Now that I have taken the necessary steps to protect myself, I am gradually getting back into content creation. However, this experience has taught me a valuable lesson: We cannot hide from our story while traveling or creating. We travel and create to understand life. Creation is a voice of authenticity not to be stifled. Prioritizing Mental Health and personal safety, even in the world of travel blogging, deserves all the time it takes. It’s crucial for all of us to be aware of our surroundings, trust our instincts, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during our adventures.
What YOU Can Do!
Stalking is a serious issue that can cause immense distress and fear. As a live streaming travel blogger, your personal information and whereabouts are more accessible to the public, making it crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself. If you find yourself being stalked or harassed, here’s what you can do:
1️⃣ Prioritize your safety: Your safety should always be the top priority. Trust your instincts and take any threats or concerning behaviors seriously. Reach out to your local law enforcement authorities to report the incidents and seek guidance on how to protect yourself.
2️⃣ Document evidence: Keep a detailed record of all stalking incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the events. Save any messages, emails, or social media interactions as evidence. This documentation will be invaluable when seeking legal protection.
3️⃣ Seek legal advice: Consult with a lawyer who specializes in stalking cases to understand your rights and legal options. They can guide you through the process of obtaining a restraining order, which can provide legal protection and establish boundaries between you and the stalker.
4️⃣ Strengthen security measures: Take steps to enhance your personal security. This may include adjusting your social media privacy settings, using pseudonyms, being cautious about sharing personal information, and considering additional security measures, such as installing surveillance cameras or alarm systems.
5️⃣ Seek support: Dealing with the aftermath of stalking can be emotionally challenging. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide understanding, empathy, and guidance. Consider seeking professional counseling to help you process the experience and regain a sense of security.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many resources are available to support you through this difficult time. By taking proactive steps, obtaining a restraining order, and prioritizing your safety, you can regain control over your life and continue pursuing your passion as a live-streaming travel blogger.
As I resume my blogging journey, I want to emphasize the significance of vulnerability. Stay strong, stay vigilant, and never hesitate to seek help when needed. Your safety and well-being matter above all else. It’s essential to be vigilant, trust your instincts, and take immediate action if you ever find yourself in a threatening situation. Remember, your well-being is paramount, and it’s okay to put content creation on hold to ensure your safety. Let’s continue exploring the world, but let’s do it with caution and a strong focus on personal security. Safe travels, my friends!
