I started out as a bewildered traveler when I embarked on my journey of healing from childhood trauma in August 2022. I had no idea what it would involve. There was no map and only a vague impression of my destination. Let’s just say I took the meandering, scenic route. I didn’t understand what healing […]
Tag: sexual assault
From Ashamed to Empowered: Surviving the Shame Spiral
(TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual Assault) Experiencing a shame spiral after being raped in my mid-30s was a harrowing ordeal. The perpetrator was calculated—he knew how to manipulate and hurt me, leaving bruises hidden under my clothes, except for the handprints on my neck. Afterward, in a daze of fear and confusion, I managed to gather my […]
The Stories We Tell Ourselves Wield Astounding Power In Our Life
Trigger Warning: This story addresses childhood sexual abuse. Stories profoundly influence us, including the stories we tell ourselves. They shape our thoughts, actions, and world. As we go through our days, we construct narratives about our interactions, what we see on the news, and about ourselves. We tell tales about our past, present, and imagined […]
Books as Mirrors, Windows, & Sliding Glass Doors Inspired Healing
Trigger warning: This story references sexual abuse as a child. I was unaware of the concept of books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors until I was in my Master of Education program. Understanding the idea that we need to see ourselves represented in literature helped me view my childhood and young adult life […]
A Single Story Narrative Protected The Woman Who Molested Me
Mrs. Smith is a pseudonym. “A woman wouldn’t molest a girl,” the officer scoffed, tossing down his pad and pen. “And Mrs. Smith? She’s married. Has a husband and sons. Why are you making up these accusations?” He believed the single story of who a predator is. I stared at the officer in disbelief. Once […]
My Mom Unbelievably Set up the Loss of My Virginity
This resilient story is about how my mother pressured me to lose my virginity because she thought I was too old to still be a virgin. Losing one’s virginity should be something they decide to do on their own when the time is right. Not something they feel pressured to do by others. It also […]