Category: Personal Power
Growing Older
Growing older is about much more than outward appearance for me. As I try to come to terms with the realities of aging physically, I realize that I have also aged emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. My self-awareness has expanded tremendously over the years. When I stopped to consider how far I’ve come in my life,… Continue reading Growing Older
Words Can Hurt, Words Can Heal
The power of words is undeniable. They can affect how we think about ourselves and the world. They can discourage, or they can inspire. They can validate, or they can wipe away self-worth. They can bring us to the brink of war or create a dialogue for peace. Like many people, I grew up with… Continue reading Words Can Hurt, Words Can Heal
Tips for a gynecologist exam when having PTSD
This is a wonderful and very informative post that might be helpful for you to read.
The Many Masks I Wear
I was going through some childhood photos of myself the other day, from ages five to seventeen. In all of them, I am smiling. I found one photo to be more disconcerting and confusing above all the others. In the photo, I am standing beside my brother Kevin who had sexually abused me for five… Continue reading The Many Masks I Wear
Setting Boundaries
Having grown up as a child incest and rape victim, and in a home fraught with violence, I learned that the more I did what others expected of me, the safer I would be. Growing up with an intense need to people-please caused me to acquiesce whenever people wanted me to do something. I would… Continue reading Setting Boundaries
Finding My Voice
Finding my voice means being able to speak up for myself, to feel comfortable freely expressing my thoughts, opinions, and feelings. It means being able to advocate for the things I want and need, as well as advocating for others. As a child, I had learned that what I had to say didn’t matter. Whenever… Continue reading Finding My Voice