#kindness – Daily dose of encouragement

Potential & Promise

I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. Maya Angelou Everyday brings with it potential and promise.

Today, reflection on the uniqueness of each survivor’s experience. We live in a time when Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) like Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) are researched and better understood. I find this validating of my childhood experiences. It is reassuring, in a strange but confirmatory way, to read a research paper that identifies the physicalContinue reading “Your Experience Matters”

I’m still learning…

“Ancora imparo.” Michelangelo The Michelangelo quote above is said to have been his last words as he departed this realm at in 1564 at the age of 88. It’s not important to me if the attribution is accurate, though I am inspired by the image. Ancora imparo (I am still learning) is an invitation ….Continue reading “I’m still learning…”

Comfort

“Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.”― Naya Rivera Recently I comforted my sister in a way that I now need to comfort myself. You may be able to relate to the scenario in your own life. I took onContinue reading “Comfort”

Again

A failure is not always a mistake. It may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying. B.F. Skinner, American Psychologist Today, encouragement to continue your healing journey. As an adult survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse at times I feel discouraged that I am not furtherContinue reading “Again”

We are not alone.

Today thoughts about other survivors. As a child and well into my 20s, I kept the secret of sexual abuse buried deep inside me. I believed I was alone. In this way, childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a perfect crime. The victim takes on the shame and guilt of the abuser, and protects the secretContinue reading “We are not alone.”

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”