0
Members
0
Views
0
Reactions
0
Stories read
Need to take a break?
For immediate help, visit {{resource}}
Survivor story
A Choice to Make
Original story
Message to a Survivor
A Message of Hope and Resilience You are a survivor. Your strength is immeasurable, your courage undeniable. The path you've walked has been arduous, filled with shadows and storms. Yet, here you stand, a testament to the human spirit's resilience. The question of "what if" is a natural one, a longing for a world untouched by pain. But the truth is, your experiences, while undeniably painful, have shaped you into the extraordinary person you are today. They have given you depth, empathy, and a profound understanding of human suffering. Your scars are badges of honor, symbols of your journey. They are not your identity, but they are a part of your story. And like any story, there are chapters yet to be written. You have the power to choose your ending. You can choose to let the past define you, to be consumed by the shadows. Or, you can choose to let your experiences fuel your fire, to become a beacon of hope for others. You can cultivate a life filled with joy, love, and purpose. Remember, healing is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt. But with each step forward, you are reclaiming your life. You are rewriting your story. You are not alone. There are countless people who have walked similar paths, found their strength, and emerged triumphant. Their stories are a testament to the human capacity for healing and growth. So, as you stand at this crossroads, choose the path that leads to light. Choose the path of hope, healing, and resilience. You deserve a life filled with joy and peace. And most importantly, you deserve to be happy.
What if, my life hadn’t been spared the ravages of addiction, sexual abuse, and domestic violence? Would my path have diverged into a realm of vibrant colors and creative expression? Perhaps I would have cultivated deep, meaningful connections, exchanging fear for trust and vulnerability. Or maybe I would have discovered the simple joys of life, my spirit unburdened by the heavy weight of the past. It's a haunting question: what might have been if my journey hadn't been so cruelly altered? The scars may be part of you, but they are not all of you. Now, with the wisdom of your journey, you stand at a crossroads. Which path will you choose? The one that leads back to the shadows of the past, or the one that illuminates a future filled with hope, healing, and resilience? Remember, your story is still being written. You have the power to author a new chapter, one filled with strength, courage, and the unwavering belief in your ability to overcome. Which path will you choose?
Just Checking...
Discard Message?
You have a comment in progress, are you sure you want to discard it?
0
Members
0
Views
0
Reactions
0
Stories read
Need to take a break?
For immediate help, visit {{resource}}
Please adhere to our Community Guidelines to help us keep Our Wave a safe space. All messages will be reviewed and identifying information removed before they are posted.
Grounding activity
Find a comfortable place to sit. Gently close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths - in through your nose (count to 3), out through your mouth (count of 3). Now open your eyes and look around you. Name the following out loud:
5 – things you can see (you can look within the room and out of the window)
4 – things you can feel (what is in front of you that you can touch?)
3 – things you can hear
2 – things you can smell
1 – thing you like about yourself.
Take a deep breath to end.
From where you are sitting, look around for things that have a texture or are nice or interesting to look at.
Hold an object in your hand and bring your full focus to it. Look at where shadows fall on parts of it or maybe where there are shapes that form within the object. Feel how heavy or light it is in your hand and what the surface texture feels like under your fingers (This can also be done with a pet if you have one).
Take a deep breath to end.
Ask yourself the following questions and answer them out loud:
1. Where am I?
2. What day of the week is today?
3. What is today’s date?
4. What is the current month?
5. What is the current year?
6. How old am I?
7. What season is it?
Take a deep breath to end.
Put your right hand palm down on your left shoulder. Put your left hand palm down on your right shoulder. Choose a sentence that will strengthen you. For example: “I am powerful.” Say the sentence out loud first and pat your right hand on your left shoulder, then your left hand on your right shoulder.
Alternate the patting. Do ten pats altogether, five on each side, each time repeating your sentences aloud.
Take a deep breath to end.
Cross your arms in front of you and draw them towards your chest. With your right hand, hold your left upper arm. With your left hand, hold your right upper arm. Squeeze gently, and pull your arms inwards. Hold the squeeze for a little while, finding the right amount of squeeze for you in this moment. Hold the tension and release. Then squeeze for a little while again and release. Stay like that for a moment.
Take a deep breath to end.