Six years ago I began the hardest season of my life — of working through my childhood trauma.

In the early stages of the trauma healing process I learned what I could about the impact of various abuses so that I understood the nuances of victimhood that overpowered my life. I shared things as I connected the dots of my past. Naming what I witnessed and experienced is really important for healing. Eventually I would witness the shame, blame, unworthiness, unlovableness and powerlessness that, for the longest time dominated my life, being detoxed. Over time I’m feeling less burdened, more hopeful, more free.

I made the choice to do this publicly. The main reason being because I felt so alone in my pain that I wanted to do what I could to ensure others who were equally suffering didn’t feel that same pain of emotional abandonment.

Abuse survivors need to be believed, validated and supported. Each one has unique circumstances that caused their traumas. When people wrote supportive comments, it helped me feel less alone and that I mattered — all things that truly help with the healing. Interpersonal trauma needs healthy relationships to heal. I could see and feel I wasn’t alone. I thank you. 🤗

Putting myself out there, in hopes of supporting others, validating them through sharing what I’ve learned, also made me a target for misjudgment, criticism, false accusations (emotional abuse) and the like. Even with this, it has been worth it. I am not ashamed of my past. In fact, all of it is what makes me, me.

Women approached me and said that they read my posts, and even though they don’t comment, they really appreciated what I shared. Others said, they aren’t ready to share their abuse stories but my words really help them. They felt validated. Others have said that I am literally an answer to their prayers.

“If I can help just one person.”