Today encouragement to forgive yourself. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. Mahatma Gandhi Survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) are often encouraged to forgive the perpatrators of their abuse, neglect and traumas endured, often with a promise that when we forgive those who harmedContinue reading “Forgiveness”
Category Archives: #surviving sexual abuse
Connect
Today, encouragement to connect with yourself. Many of us walk around living at a distance from our immediate experience. This is especially true for survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA.) These childhood traumas often result in hyper-vigilance and shame which pull a child out of the immediacy of what theyContinue reading “Connect”
Acceptance
Today, acceptance of what we cannot change. Early in my healing journey, I attended a 12-step program for survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. It was a revelation to sit among other survivors. In their stories, to understand that I truly was not alone, as I previously believed. Many draw solace from the serenity prayer: “God,Continue reading “Acceptance”
Visibility
Today, an acknowledgement of you sister and brother survivors! In the 1980’s when I started to search for any publication that reflected my experiences as a survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse, I ran into the brick wall of the unintended consequences of statistics. Since the greatest reporting of CSA at that time was male perpetratedContinue reading “Visibility”
Play
Today encouragement to play! As a child I was naturally trusting and curious. My imagination turned a path on our back hill into a major hiking trail. A backpack, pocket knife and canteen transformed me into an explorer. Adverse Childhood Experiences compromised my playfulness. The free spirit of play was replaced with a different existence;Continue reading “Play”
Peace
Today a reflection on inner peace. Many survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences carry critical voices in their minds that hound them causing distress and distraction. Mindfulness practices help quiet the inner din of negative, fear-based dialogue. Peace in mind creates space to notice beauty and connect with curiosity. Mindfulness starts with noticing your breath. TheContinue reading “Peace”
Hope
Today recognition of the miraculous power of hope. Surviving Adverse Childhood Experiences is an accomplishment. It requires a belief that, despite all evidence to the contrary, you are worthy; that somewhere beyond the abuse, you may experience joy and safe, healthy relationships. Survival requires perseverance through the paralyzing shame onward toward the faintest glimmer ofContinue reading “Hope”
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”
Stretch
Today a distinction between striving and stretching. In my 20s to overcome discomfort with heights, I learned to rock climb. The activity is rife with metaphors for growth, challenge, strength, flexibility and courage. I learned about perceived limits and moving beyond them. As I continue my healing journey from childhood sexual abuse the distinction betweenContinue reading “Stretch”
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”
Daily dose of encouragement 