“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” e.e. cummings Last month I bruised a rib. I went for a sail on a gusty Friday evening to celebrate the end of the work week. A strong gust dumped me, flipping the boat with “her” sail filling with water in the choppyContinue reading “Grow Whole”
Category Archives: #survivor
Humor Heals
Laugh as much as possible, always laugh. It’s the sweetest thing one can do for oneself & one’s fellow human beings. Maya Angelou I haven’t laughed enough lately. I am taking things (too) seriously; work challenges and changes, friends going through tough things, children finding their way to independence. You know, life. Life, the sourceContinue reading “Humor Heals”
Integration
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”
Your Experience Matters
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Daily dose of encouragement 