Hi. I'm Matatea. I was born and raised on the island of Tahiti.

Abandonment used to be the central theme of my story, influencing how I loved, lived, and led my life. Whether real or imagined, it colored my relationships, decisions, and overall outlook on life.

But this narrative isn't mine alone; it's a shared experience among all my family, ancestors, and island community. Many of us have grappled with various forms of self-abandonment, often stemming from the enduring impact of colonialism, leading us to disconnect from our authenticity and overlook our own agency in shaping our lives.

At 17, I took a leap and left Tahiti with a one-way ticket, in search of my truth. Though uncertain of what that entailed, simply voicing it ignited a sense of purpose within.

That moment marked the first time I prioritized myself, a commitment I've sought to uphold ever since.

My journey to healing from the internalized impacts of my personal, family, and colonial history has been about honoring myself, whether in monumental decisions or daily choices.