Now, every time I witness a strong person, I want to know: What darkness did you conquer in your story? Mountains don’t rise without earthquakes. Katherine Mackenett Conversations at work have shifted dramatically. It may be pandemic reckoning, but I think it is more fundamental. I coach and consult in a global organization where integrationContinue reading “Integration”
Category Archives: ACEs
New Beginning
Every moment is a new beginning. Elie Wiesel, Author – Holocaust Survivor – Nobel Laureate The start of a new year can happen each day. Every moment that we connect to the world with equanimity we allow ourselves to begin again. Life lived in the long-shadow of trauma obscures the choice to begin again. AdverseContinue reading “New Beginning”
The “gods” within you
Trauma is hell on earth. Trauma resolved is a gift from the gods. ― Peter A. Levine, Clinical Psychologist, Author Living decades beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) does not automatically resolve the deep impact of trauma. I wish longevity alone removed the residue of trauma; that each passing day diminished patterns of self-doubt into oblivion.Continue reading “The “gods” within you”
Justice
Today, thoughts about what justice means for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE.) There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. Elie Wiesel, Holocaust Survivor, author, professor, activist, Nobel Peace Prize recipient I amContinue reading “Justice”
Persevere
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other. Walter Elliot, Scottish Politician Today, encouragement to continue your healing journey. I described being a survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse to a friend as feeling like I started the hundred meter dash a quarter of a mile behind the startContinue reading “Persevere”
Creativity
The creative adult is the child who survived. Ursula LeGuin Today, encouragement to make space for creativity in your life. Surviving Adverse Childhood Events (ACE) often diverts energy away from play and expression of creativity. As children, we receive messages that help us to see our strengths and natural talents. For children living through ACEContinue reading “Creativity”
Boundaries
Today, encouragement to set healthy boundaries. No is a complete sentence. Anne Lamont I remember reading early in my healing journey that adult survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse are more likely than others to be sexually promiscuous. The sense I made of this sobering statistic is that as abuse survivors we must learn that weContinue reading “Boundaries”
Kindness
Today encouragement to treat yourself and others with kindness. Recently, our dog, Finn, was attacked by another dog, which resulted in multiple puncture wounds to his face. Physically, he is fine. The wounds have healed. The stitches are out. Yet, we noticed in days immediately following the event, that our naturally exuberant doodle displayed reticenceContinue reading “Kindness”
Choice
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist, philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor. Today acknowledgment of the magnificent power of choice. By definition an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) is not a choice. ChildrenContinue reading “Choice”
Hi, I’m Beth, and I am a Survivor.
I’ve decided to move my voice out into the universe in hopes another survivor or friend of a survivor will find this daily dose of encouragement and share it so each of us can continue to heal, recover ourselves and discover magnificence that may be hidden by shame, fear, isolation or self-blame. Statistics indicate thatContinue reading “Hi, I’m Beth, and I am a Survivor.”
Daily dose of encouragement 