About 6 months ago someone asked me “If you are as ‘healed’ as you claim to be from your childhood abuse, why do you talk about it so much?”
This quote answers that question very simply.
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” –Dr. Brene Brown in “The Gifts of Imperfection”
I don’t think anyone enjoys being vulnerable…but I am glad I have learned to be.
I share because it is important to me that others come out of the shadows and speak their hurt, shame, and fear into the light because once it is in the light it begins to lose power.
I share because “healed” isn’t a one-time thing but a continuous transformation process over time.
I share because I have a voice, a tribe, a community, and an audience.
I share because:
- A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds
- 90% of children who are sexually abused know their perpetrator in some way
- 30% of children who are abused will abuse their children later
- 80% of 21 year olds that were abused present with some sort of mental disorder
- Abused girls are 25% more likely to become pregnant before reaching adulthood
- Abused girls are more likely to practice unsafe sex and be exposed to STDs, HIV/AIDS, and physical issues
- 2/3rds of people in treatment for addiction were abused as children
So yes…I share.
I am not ashamed. I am not afraid.
I will be the change…