Most have experienced some form of hardship and/or challenge in life, and many of us have experienced trauma. Asa child, I experienced child abuse, exploitation through child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and bullying. Studies have shown that these types of experiences may impact later-life health and well-being. Thankfully, the studies do not predict future outcomes; they are simply tools to reveal risk factors and enable individuals to make choices for their lives to reduce these risks.

​

Often those who are abused as children go from abuse to abuse. That was the case for me. Soon after leaving an abusive situation, I walked right into another. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. As an adult, I experienced domestic abuse and rape.

​

My healing began when I was able to break free from the abuse. I would go so far as to say that it is almost impossible to heal, grow, and thrive when still bound in an abusive situation. Even broken bones can heal incorrectly when the healing does not take place under certain conditions, leaving opportunity for future pain and limitations.

​

Healing is a journey, and this journey is not on a straight path. There are twists and turns and detours. One is often more encouraged on this type of journey if they hear someone talk of a similar trip taken and how just when it seemed like the trip was never going to end, they see something really amazing after coming over one of the hills. Sometimes it helps to be able to talk in more detail about the two trips: the similarities, the dangers, and the beauty, as well as sharing tips on making the trips more enjoyable along the way. Other times, it is encouraging to hear about many trips taken by others in order to hear other viewpoints and experiences as you are planning your own.