Words of Encouragement from adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Life passes us by in a flash, sometimes we have to hold on tight.
Never be afraid to be here, and never be afraid to know who you are.
Take time to look at all the wonderful things, keep going, moving forwards, onwards and upwards.
Keep smiling. Keep being imperfectly perfect.
One day this will all just be a dream.
Anonymous
I have most definitely been changed by what has happened to me and the childhood that I experienced, but I refuse to be reduced by it.
Today is an opportunity for all of us to build the tomorrow that we want.
We must remember always that what what they did to us was not our fault, it was done to us.
I always hoped that one day I would be brave enough to tell my story of the journey I have experienced to try and overcome what I went through.
I hope that one day it will be someone else’s survival guide.
I am not my Past.
I am not less than, I am Enough.
It doesn’t matter who I used to be, all that matters is who I am now.
Remember..
We are beautiful because we know our own darkness and still that alone can never stop us from finding our light.
OUR STORY HAS POWER
Jo x
It may take time before you will begin to see signs of improvement and start to get better.
And that’s ok.
All the feelings you are experiencing are ok.
You are Worthy of being Loved
Through the darkest of my days and years I never thought I was worthy of being loved or treated with respect. I was used to being treated like rubbish as that’s how my past made me feel, until one day I met a man I would fall in love with and have a happy family life, full of laughter, bright memories and happiness.
Nothing like what my life was like. I have now after 11 years opened up to my partner fully who has been amazing and so supportive and protective. He has made me realise I am worthy of being loved, cared for and having a loving family.
He always knew that I suffered but now that I have had the strength to be completely open he has been amazing.
Thanks to him I have the happy family that I have always longed for and wanted, and all my darkest of days are outweighed by all the happiness and love from my own little family.
I know now that I am worthy of love and happiness and no matter what, those dark memories can never take that away.
My family, My life, My happiness.
Everyone is worthy of happiness and love, don’t ever let your dark days take that away from you.
I did for long enough and now I am so happy in my little family.
Leanne
Dear Fellow Survivor, recovery is complicated…
I know that it often feels like we are getting worse.
We are confused, scared, feel worthless and guilty and hate ourselves. We spend most of our time being unkind, cruel and spiteful to ourselves.
As Survivors we are made to endure horrific nightmares and intrusive thoughts of what happened to us.
Please try to treat yourself kindly, and look after yourself.
Try if you can to put the thoughts and feelings you are carrying into words this may help to alleviate the pain.
It was not your fault, none of it.
You are a strong lady. There are people who want to help you.
People who care, who are kind. People you can trust. People who will listen to you, acknowledge your pain, listen with patience, kindness and love.
Step forward. Let your journey begin……
