RISE ABOVE

I would like to share with you all a few things that really helped me to heal and become the person I am today. I am not sure where I heard some of these sayings. However, they all made a huge difference on my road to healing. I hope that you all find them as helpful as I did.

  • Speak out about your abuse. Talk to everyone who will listen. Actually talk regardless of whether anyone is listening or not. Take walks and tell your secret to the trees. You have got to let out before the 'secrets' control your every thought. I have often taken people to the mountains and together we scream. Yea, we get some odd looks, but we feel much better afterwards! So climb a mountain, a hill, stand in the street and scream it. Never worry about what others may think. In the end it is not their opinions that matter, it is yours.

  • Talk to the person in the mirror. Tell yourself a couple times a day what happened to you. Take yourself through your own story. For example: After my rape, I would stand in front of the mirror and say, "I was raped". The more you tell yourself, the more 'real' it becomes to you. In order to heal from our abuse, we must learn to accept it.

  • Tell yourself how awesome you are. Tell yourself you did nothing wrong and tell yourself you are worth so much more.

  • I firmly believe that inside each of us is a small flame, and we alone are in complete control of how bright it shines. No matter how much someone may try to blow that flame out, only we can truly put that flame out. Never let anyone lead you to turn that flame off. By doing so, you are giving someone else control over you. For example, when we remain silent after abuse we are trying to tell ourselves that the abuse never actually happened. This is allowing your abuser to win. Never allow them to win. You must believe in yourself. Know that you have the strength within. Sure at times it may not feel like it, and you may have to really search for it, but it is there.

  • Take a self-defense class. You will be amazed at the empowering feelings you will find.

  • Buy a journal and write, write, write!

  • No matter what, don't keep silent.


    • Rise Above
    By Danielle

    Take your strongest chains
    and try to hold me down.
    Take the smile from my lips
    as you pin me to the ground.

    Maybe for a moment
    my eyes were lit with fear;
    Maybe just a moment
    and a solitary tear.

    But the fear was not for me
    and I didn't cry from pain
    for I know that I will rise above
    what you try to obtain.

    I pity your existence
    knowing you will never feel
    the passion that I hold inside
    that you could never steal.

    You can take an hour
    maybe even days or years,
    But I will still be smiling
    once I wipe away my tears.

    You can try your hardest
    to take away my grace,
    But you'll never steal the hope
    that you see here on my face.

    Thank you for showing me
    the strength I have inside;
    I know I can accomplish
    anything I want to try.

    I've overcome the worst
    and I'm still standing strong,
    with a bounce in my step
    and my voice full of song.