Welcome to WISH. Let me tell you a little bit about me.

I am not a psychologist, a doctor or a therapist.

I am a musician, a vocalist, and a writer.

I was once the Manager of the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, Ontario.

I am a former counsellor with the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre.

I am a daughter, a friend, a sister, a soul.

I am a rape survivor.

I first came up with the idea for WISH about three years ago. I know from my own journey the incredible restorative power of creative expression on the human spirit. I have said many times that writing lyrics and music saved my life, and that is the truth. There is great power in art to heal wounded souls. WISH (Women Inspiring Strength & Healing) is about those of us who have suffered the unspeakable damage of sexual assault using the majesty and energy of words and music to lift our voices and heal our wounds. It's about using artistic means to express all that comes with the aftermath of rape and to find a soft place to land inside of ourselves and each other. Words In Song Heal... or at the very least, they help.

In this blog I will share poems, songs and thoughts that helped me walk the road from victim to victor, and give you the chance if you wish to share music and writings that have helped you or someone you know. I encourage you to contribute pieces that are self-penned, but they do not have to be. I can say from my own experience though that singing in whatever voice you were blessed with, putting pen to paper, experiencing music without inhibition and banging on a piano or the nearest makeshift drum can be cathartic beyond measure. If you've written a poem, a letter or a song that empowered you and gave you a voice, feel free to share it. WISH isn't about being a great poet or singer or writer. There is no judgement here, only appreciation. Post some prose, or lyrics, or a link to an audio file. Anything musical and/or literary is fine - poetry is welcome. Words that flow from an open heart always have an internal melody.

The creative voice is a powerful voice, and a group of them inspiring each other is a wondrous force. It is my hope that WISH will be a place where women can achieve two aims simultaneously: to uplift and support each other through artistic avenues, and to discover, tap into and nurture a beauty of expression some may not even have known they were capable of. We all have creativity within us, and its capacity for healing is extraordinary. So are you.

Peace&Love, Tanisha.

CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE TO WISH. (Submissions will be published within 48 hours. If you'd simply like to leave a comment about this entry, click on the Comments link below.)