02/24/2024
***HELLO WORLD!*** I'm finally breaking my silence after over 2 years of absence from posting on social media, on my birthday...
My name is Jodi R. Netzer, though some of you might know me as “Sparkle” or “Sparkles.” I’ll share with you all more about my journey of loss, trauma, and eventual healing with lessons learned and gifts to share. For now, here’s a brief part of my “backstory to hero story,” with an invitation…
I come from a diverse background as a life/business coach, artist, event coordinator, advocate for social and environmental issues, and community builder. I've created many innovative collaborative projects such as The Water Festival in Tucson for 4 years and an edible art gala and grassroots circus, participated in many events such as the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and conferences, been asked to audition for America’s Got Talent, ran an entrepreneurs group, was developing a multi-faceted startup company, and much more. I’m a creative catalyst and synergizer of people, ideas, and opportunities.
However, my life took a turn when I met my then-fiancé in 2015. What started as a hopeful partnership slowly evolved into an abusive relationship. I had been persuaded by him to assist him in his complex legal matters. I knew nothing about law at the time, but he needed help to edit and research documents. He taught me some of what he learned in law school, but I am substantially self-taught. Like a frog in heating water, I became essentially an indentured servant, isolated and overwhelmed, working 10-24 hours per day, 7 days a week, for a small stipend and a contract to receive a substantial commission from litigation proceeds worth many millions of dollars.
The sudden death of my fiancé after his surgery in 2021 left me grappling with grief and managing 11 legal matters without an attorney, taking a toll on me physically and emotionally. I was facing malicious prosecution as retaliation and obstruction of justice by the ‘injustice’ system. During the 9 years since meeting my fiancé, there was no positive conclusion of all the litigation and my finances were drained. The experience has been a slow death by 10,000 paper cuts.
Though facing intense adversity, I reopened my heart and met my partner Gene, and entered into a delightful, loving relationship. I was finding a path to let go of the past and look forward into the future. It was like a rebirth from low self-worth/self-esteem to rising like a Phoenix through the ashes. This was a turning point into a positive shift in my life.
I am now acknowledging the trauma I endured, and crediting the support of loved ones and great friends (especially Gene, Elliott, Herman, and Dana), plus my powerful healing modalities, for helping me emerge from darkness. I'm grateful for the opportunity to refocus my energies on my passions and life purpose of creating a happier, healthier, and more sustainable world.
That's why I'm announcing and inviting you—with great gusto!—to my 49th birthday event with a Creative Improvisational Dance workshop and birthday/community/Peace Fair party (link in comments below)!
Thank you for your support. I feel my journey is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of community in overcoming adversity and realigning with passions and purpose. Stay tuned for more inspiring social media posts and fun/meaningful collaborative opportunities to make a positive impact in our lives and the world…
