We’ve been taught that we’re not allowed to feel angry. We’re told that if we are angry we’ll harm ourselves or others. We’ve been called names and told we’re crazy and unstable if we’re angry. Societal and cultural norms seek …
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fight or flight
We were accustomed to living life on-guard; sentries to our bodies, minds, and spirits. Not knowing when the next abusive episode would come has robbed us of the ability to feel secure when the threat is absent. Most of us …
Read more →Is the term: “I’m Sorry” sufficient when making amends? How does it feel when someone continues to repeat the same behavior they’ve said they’re sorry for? When approaching the prospect of making amends one of the most important things to …
Read more →Have you ever struggled to find the “right words” or the strength to say No? You are not alone. Trying to regulate the reactions and emotions of others is a common trait for those who have survived trauma and abuse. …
Read more →Dear Amma-Lee, I was raised in part by my grandparents in a violent, alcoholic, abusive home. When my grandfather died (sexual and physical abuser) 4 years ago, I felt relief and thought I moved on with my life. I don’t remember …
Read more →Our Lives Our Stories is an international community project creating global resiliency through participatory story telling and tools sharing. You are invited to join a global movement of people sharing their stories of survival and the tools they’ve used to …
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In this pertinent video Amma-Lee provides us with the necessary tools to learn to cope with triggers, while maintaining our serenity. In a simple 4 Step process she guides us through questions to help us understand ourselves, our triggers, and …
Read more →When we’ve passed through the awareness that grasping fist-tightened and jaw-clenched to self-will doesn’t work to improve our lives; What is the next step to freedom? Who will be your guide on the journey of life, if it isn’t you? …
Read more →Alexander Pope wrote “to err is human; to forgive, divine.” But is it necessary? A perpetrator’s sense of entitlement to forgiveness and the filthy torment left in the wake of abuse often strangles a survivors capacity to truly untangle the …
Read more →As I introduced in last week’s article, I am continuing with the series on “How Do I…Without You,” a look at codependent tendencies in relationships. This week I would like to share the ways in which I have unsuccessfully sought to …
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