We were taught to keep secrets; forced to live lies. Abusers sought to control us by threatening our welfare. We have been silenced through shame and fear, made to believe lies about ourselves and others. For some of us, the …
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PTSD
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When times are tough it can feel as if the struggle will never end. We ask ourselves, “Will this pain last forever?” Living in unsafe environments, relationships, or situations can cause us to feel trapped. The small child voice in …
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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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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 →A piece on the personal archeology of victim blaming and the exclusion of survivors as actors in social change and healing. She sat at her desk, Me, staring at the curtain patterns behind her head, Wide eyed and eager 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 →A reader writes in sharing her experience of struggling to find her voice after leaving an abusive relationship. Despite being in a caring environment now, she still feels as if she is unable to restore herself to her former sense …
Read more →It is a soul sheering experience to consider how to go about grouping the polluting effects of male entitlement on my life, as a woman. Especially since there is zero gain for me to take a polarized stance on the …
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In this inspiring video Amma-Lee expresses to us how wondrous our lives can be when we stop looking outside of ourselves to validate our self-worth. She asks us to refocus our attention not on our plans or in comparing ourselves …
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