0
Members
0
Views
0
Reactions
0
Stories read
Need to take a break?
For immediate help, visit {{resource}}
Survivor story
Beyond survival.
Original story
Message to a Survivor
The most powerful story of hope for me has been focusing on the stories of survival where against all odds, people have survived. One of my favorites is hearing about survivors in Italy who survived a plane crash. When they realized no one was coming to their rescue, they started walking through the Andes mountains in the most horrific winter conditions, in search of help. They focused on that one next step and got to safety. I believe in miracles big and small so look for the glimmer of hope in the smallest things, like that one next step. A friend shared about how she found dimes in the most odd places and when she was looking for a sign of hope. Then I started to see them and find them. Her story inspired me to look for signs from the universe that there is something greater than myself, watching over me. My frequent dime sightings confirm for me that glimmer of hope and reassurance that I am on the right path, regardless how traumatic and hard life seems. I am a survivor and will continue to work towards being an inspiration for others while taking actions to hold perpetrators accountable.
Message of Healing
My healing journey is about learning what I need and when. I will ask myself that question to turn my focus from outward to inward and find that is what works for me. I also have found if I take action steps towards holding my stalker accountable, I feel less like a victim and more empowered.
I have been stalked by my neighbor for over 6 years. His so called drug of choice is being a peeping Tom and voyeur. I feel visually raped by this man. He has avoided being held accountable for decades. I stood up for my rights and did what I could to stop him before I moved to another state. He hasn't stopped stalking and being a predator. I have witnessed him stalking others and being a peeping Tom but since I wasn't feeling heard or taken seriously by the mountain deputies, I didn't report him doing what I witnessed him doing to others, just what he was doing to me. I stayed focused on my personal legal system journey, which seemed to only compound the trauma and issues, since every step of the way, I was victim blamed and shamed, while he remained free to continue his predatory ways. I haven't given up and I won't. I may be the only one with the most evidence and loudest voice he will ever encounter. He is 72 yo and shows no signs of stopping so I will not stop until he is held accountable. Thank you for your website and all you do to support people like me on their journey towards healing and connection. I feel supported and heard already by spending time here.
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.