THE TIGER PATH

Today I am the best me I have ever been and committed to living my life extraordinarily. I have come a long way from wandering through the maze of confusion, drama, disease and suicide attempts which defined my existence for 35 years. After the unenviable struggle to survive incredible challenges, I realize they were all required and divinely ordered so that I would discover my passion. The profound shifts in my perceptions can be attributed to a willingness to become someone new and an everlasting faith in a higher power. I became a scientist, delving into my personal development as if I was an experiment in a petri dish. I also had, and still have, several brilliant guides. It has been incredible to take what were liabilities and make them my best assets.
__ My experiences and knowledge are priceless gifts for which I will be eternally grateful. It is an honor and a dream come true to share them publicly to, at the very least, elicit personal transformations and raise community consciousness. With that in mind, here are three of my most recent and cherished resources-each has rocked my world:
__ The Mythogenic SelfTM training program is a psycho-spiritual approach to personal development. It introduces a way of being in the world consciously, at your best, and relieves the deep longing for “more.” The training is organized around, among other things, Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as diagramed in his book, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” circa 1949. Please visit http://www.mythoself.com.
__ My life coach, Debie Friedman, has been instrumental in teaching me how to set goals, identify obstacles and create appropriate action steps. What was overwhelming is now organized and prioritized. Positive self-talk has also been an essential part of being coached. The value of reprogramming my brain has been immeasurable. Please visit http://www.lifecoachinstitute.com.
__ The Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women has become my “anchor” for information and education, for healing, support and opportunities with regard to my activism and advocacy. The affiliation makes it possible for me to flourish; without it, I flounder in the sea by myself. I serve on LACAAW’s Survivor Speakers’ Bureau and I have been trained by LACAAW’s staff to be a Violence Prevention Specialist (allowing me to educate children, teens and adults without identifying as a survivor). The services provided by the Commission are many and all are invaluable. Please visit http://www.lacaaw.org.
__ Learning about and participating in processes that refine me on a cellular level, while creating healthier responses to what life presents me, is nothing short of fabulously intriguing and tremendously successful. I am on the Tiger Path now, the path of wonderment and possibility. I hope that you will choose to walk on it with me even if for a short moment in time.
__ Whether personal growth is your goal or you want to be inspired and motivated, I am qualified to deliver a moving rendition. People have shared with me that my positive energy is contagious and personal power resides behind my eyes.

MY STORY - TRIUMPHS

__ Among other family dysfunctions, my only brother and I had an incest relationship for several years, beginning when I was 8 years old. I suffered emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually from the abuse, my complicity and silence. I kept the secret until it became unbearable-I was 33 years old and suicidal most of the time by then. Silence is dangerous - a real killer of the soul. I know from experience that I was as sick as my secret. Relationships suffered and my only marriage failed miserably. I purposefully did not have children for fear of repeating the family illnesses. Many years of psychiatry have helped me re-create an image of myself that is harmonious with who I want to be.
__ I was addicted to cigarettes, smoking a couple packs a day from the time I was 14 years old (the same year the incest ceased). On June 1st, 1992, I signed a contract with myself to create a nonsmoking environment. I never smoked again.
__ In 2004, I turned 16 years sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. I have sponsored many women during that time, always aspiring to be an example they could follow. I also celebrated 4 years in Al Anon. I have interpersonal skills I could have never honed without these 12-step programs.
__ In 1999 and again in 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, both found during routine mammograms. Treatment was extremely aggressive the first time. Bald was beautiful, albeit a bit chilly! I also could hardly remember my own name because of “chemo-brain.” The stress associated with having cancer, the treatment and the economic strain was a test of sheer endurance. The second occurrence was on the opposite side-a brand new cancer. I underwent a biopsy, a lumpectomy, and 7-1/2 weeks of radiation-no chemo thankfully.
__ Instead of focusing on what was wrong, I used my energy to fundraise for cancer research. The interaction with friends, family and the community was emotionally satisfying and financially rewarding. My efforts resulted in a $6,002 donation.
__ On August 27, 1992, I was brutally raped by a stranger who woke me up from a sound sleep. He robbed me of personal treasures and my soul. He was identified through DNA testing-the statute of limitations had already lapsed so he can never be prosecuted for his crimes against me. When I found out I could not prosecute, I proclaimed that I would do anything to change the way the system functioned. In February and June 2000 when new legislation was being introduced to change the statute and DNA laws, I went to Sacramento to testify. In January, 2001, a new law was passed and this story will never be repeated! Since then, I have been an activist for further legislation, advocated on behalf of survivors, and held in-home family discourses on the dynamics of abuse, rape and domestic violence. Speaking publicly is my prescription for “letting go” of what ails me and I heal more.

SERVICES

__ I translate my passion, knowledge and experience into tools, information and techniques which you utilize to become the best “possible” you to date. My unique approach includes audience participation, whether one-on-one or in a group (large or small), and the profound idea that transformations occur on a cellular level. Adventure down the Tiger Path to find the “you” you can count on, the “you” you have always wanted to be, the “you” you would create if you could. Explore your personal mythology, beliefs from which you operate in the world, restore and create perceptions that empower shifts in action, be “more” and even “more” than that. Please ask when these motivational, educational and inspirational materials can integrate into your awareness soon.
__ I am a scientist, I am an explorer, I am an adventurer, I am a healing soul - and so are you. Find out how to celebrate all the facets that make you “you.” Call now for more information.

AFFILIATIONS

Survivor Speakers’ Bureau: LACAAW
Violence Prevention Specialist: LACAAW
(Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women)
Steering Committee Member: LAC-SAC
(L.A. County Sexual Assault Coordinating Council)

JERI ELSTER: Generative Communicator, Motivational Speaker, Activist/Advocate

Call 310.645.9248, the TigerPath Team, now to schedule Jeri Elster for an interactive, uplifting and creative appearance. Individually or as part of a group, everyone can benefit from a visit with Jeri Elster. Healing, focused family discourse sessions are also available. Contact may also be made by e-mailing: ChangeLaws@aol.com.