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”
Category Archives: #surviving sexual abuse
Learning
Learning new things is easy when there is no unlearning involved. Edgar Schein Today, recognition that we sometimes need to unlearn before we can learn. Survivors of Adverse Childhood Events (ACE) receive distorted messages of how they can expect to be treated by others. Abused and neglected children often live with toxic stress. Without aContinue reading “Learning”
Growth
Today, encouragement to grow to be your whole self. Growth is the only evidence of life. John Henry Newman, 19th century English theologian I’ve been noticing the beautiful growth of spring here in New Engalnd. Flowers blossom, tadpoles emerge from strands of eggs, and the brown of winter is replaced by glorious greenery in theContinue reading “Growth”
Solitude
Today, encouragement to distinguish healthy solitude from isolation. Solitude vivifies, isolation kills. Joseph Roux Shame. Like a weed it strangles positive thoughts and emotions. For children who experience Adverse Childhood Events (ACE), like Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), shame becomes the defining emotion. Shame creates a sense of isolation. The shame experienced by a child livingContinue reading “Solitude”
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”
Journey
Today, recognition of the friends and partners, who provide a safe haven to heal. Recovering from Childhood Sexual Abuse is a long and continuing journey. As I reflect on my recovery, I recognize that although I physically survived, invisible injuries persist. Among the deepest wound is the compromised ability to trust and love. I amContinue reading “Journey”
Courage to Heal
Today, recognition that healing takes courage. With each new day there is an opportunity to reclaim another piece of the self that was injured. Within me the broken places are where compassion thrives. Where can you sow compassion today? How might you share your courage today?
Enjoyment
Today, encouragement to notice moments of enjoyment. Survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) often live in a state of chronic stress. This is one of the pysiological responses to ACE and CSA trauma. This stress response continues with detrimental health effects. Simple pleasures of childhood are replaced by fear andContinue reading “Enjoyment”
Shine
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that receives it. Edith Wharton Today, encouragement to shine your unique light into the world. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Childhood Sexual Abuse threaten to extinguish a child’s spirit. The natural curiosity and trust of children is replaced with vigilance and fear.Continue reading “Shine”
Daily dose of encouragement 