Recovering from emotional abuse is a long and arduous process. But the motivating fact remains that you have put all of that behind you, and are now making attempts to move forward. By choosing to move on, you’ve taken the first step onto the road to recovery.
A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.
– St. Francis of Assisi
There are conflicting opinions on the plausibility of someone making a healthy recovery after having gone through emotional abuse. The wounds afflicted by an emotional abuser may or may not be physical, but they certainly leave an imprint on the victim’s psyche for a long time.
So, is it actually possible to put the past securely behind, and make a fresh start? Experts have every reason to believe that it is realistically possible, and cite instances of people who have got their lives back on track, despite what they went through.
The road to recovery is a long stretch, but a little faith, and a lot of hope will see you through. Remind yourself everyday how the worst is already behind you, and that things can only get better from now. Because, with a little perseverance from your side, things are bound to get better from now on.
Words can demoralize, devastate, and disregard you in a matter of minutes. However, words can also empower, encourage, and enrich, again, in a matter of minutes. We’re offering you a few words that will give you hope – hope that things will soon change, for better.
A Few Kind Words…
The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.
–From the movie ‘Mulan’
What you have pulled through is something remarkable. You went through an ordeal and survived. You’re broken from within, of course, and you see yourself at the end of the road. Your self-worth is at its lowest, and you feel like your existence is immaterial.
For a moment, though, spare a thought for yourself and what you’ve been through. Could anyone weak and fragile have endured it? Certainly not. Repeated attempts to crush your spirit were rendered unsuccessful. Remind yourself that you are a survivor, and not a victim.
Little by little, one travels far.
– J.R.R. Tolkien
Taking each moment at a time is the right way to pick up the pieces and move forward. Smile a little, for little things that make you happy. It could be a spoonful of ice cream, or a comic strip in the newspaper. Reach out to the little bits of happiness that lie scattered around you. Easing out the negativity will take time, but finding happiness should be a 24-7 task.
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
– Mahatma Gandhi
You’ve pulled through the worst to be where you are, solely on the power of your will. Exercise this will power to goad yourself into rising above the depths of despair. Reach out for help, and it will come to you. Talk to friends, express your feelings to someone who understands you. There are self-help groups, therapists and counselors you can reach out to. Remember that you never have to be alone, because help is always within reach, as long as you ask for it.
I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.
– Audre Lorde
When was the last time you did something that made you feel happy and confident? Takes long to remember, doesn’t it? It’s time you changed all that, and took charge of your own happiness. Start by seeing yourself as a real person who has needs. The need to feel safe. The need to look good. The need to indulge in fun. The need to relax. The need to breathe without fear. Read books, take long walks, sip of peppermint tea – do something for you. You know you deserve it.
Everyone deserves the chance to fly.
– Wicked
And as do you. Soaring in the sky like a free bird may seem like a far-fetched dream right now, but worry not. You’ll get there in your own, sweet time. Down in the dumps was a long time ago, and you have made the decision to move forward. Now is the time to let go of the pain, and rejoice that it is all over. It may not be possible to forget your past. But it is always possible to remind yourself that it was all in the past. It is not going to happen again. You won’t let it happen again.
And before we conclude, remember never to lose faith in love. Trusting may not come easily to you, as your heart undergoes a period of catharsis. Don’t let go of hope, though, as it will always be your faithful companion when all else has failed. Keep your head held high at all times, even if your neck hurts.
