A lot of things have happened since I last posted. I have been to Girls Camp, which was amazing, spiritual and something I will never forget.
I have had some very good healthy days. I have experienced joy, and a bit of normalcy.
But this morning, I feel anxious and worried. I feel like a pot of boiling water. My heart is racing (about 120 beats per minute), my jaw is sore from clenching, and my back and tummy hurt. My heart beating so hard woke me up. I have been laying in bed trying to relax, to feel the emotion and to calm myself down. But decided I needed to write. To physically acknowledge.
The other day, we had a BBQ with mom, Arin, Carrie and her family, Lindsay and Jonny, and Amy. It was the first get together where we were all together since Carrie got here. At some point we were all sitting around talking. I can't exactly remember what or who started the conversation. But someone brought up the memory of a time when Amy and I were quite young. Maybe 6-7? Anyway, mom and dad and Amy and I were driving on the Freeway in SLC. (mom has since told us were is Southern Utah in the Zions area and not SLC) Amy and I must have been arguing, because Dad pulled over on the freeway and made Amy and I get out of the car. And then Mom and Dad drove away.
I remember getting out of the car, standing in the gravel next to Amy and hearing the gravel kick up against the wheel wells and they drove away. We sat there an watched as the tail lights and the car slowly disappeared.
I can't remember what Amy and I said to each other, or what we did, or how long they were gone. But I can imagine that this was frightening for those little girls.
I can't imagine a mom, any mom; not throwing a fit to protect her children. How did Mom not protect us? Why didn't she get out of the car and stay with us? Maybe this was her idea? I don't know. But I feel like my mom didn't love me, that she didn't watch out for me, protect and watch over me.
I wonder how all the things could happen to me and Amy, and my mom never did anything to display any kind of protection or barrier. Why? We were just little......
Anyway, back to the story. We (the family) were sitting around discussing this memory; and mom pipes up and tells us that she remembers other things. And proceeds to tell us of other instances where DAD did other irresponsible, abusive things to Amy, Carrie and I. Mom said it like she was the hero because DAD did it. Like someone is keeping track of all the horrible things that happened or didn't happen to us as children.
Why doesn't see realize that she did just as much damage as Dad?
For today, I am starting the day off feeling scared and anxious. I will be saying many prayers for strength and courage today.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A rough Week
I saw Lisa yesterday. And as usual, I felt a huge amount of anxiety as the time got closer. It is so interesting to me; what the body is capable of doing. For years, I have done all that I could to keep the emotion and pain from the abuse I suffered buried deep inside of me. It has been a lot of work to do this. It has also taken a lot of energy. But it has also created a lot of problems for me. So, now, as I begin the journey of addressing and recognizing these emotions, the pain and the actual extent of the abuse, my body, and brain are fighting. I know it is time. It is time to heal, to move on and to forgive.
I have crazy anxiety attacks. My heart races, my chest gets tight, I struggle to breathe and a couple times, I have had to take a minute and stop what I was doing in fear that I would pass out. Brian has noticed a couple times. It is frightening. But I am learning that it comes, and it doesn’t last. So, I let it come. I take a minute recognize it. Tell myself that it is ok, that this is what it feels like. And I wait for it to pass. It scares me. I am learning to listen to my body, to let it release what it needs to and to be ok after.
Also, I have a mouth full of cankers. Literally a mouth full. I have blisters on my gums, blisters on the tongue and lips. They hurt. It makes it difficult to eat. This is from stress. Hopefully this won’t last too much longer.
Lisa told me something yesterday that was thought provoking. She said I was a valiant spirit. She believes (and I do too) that Heavenly Father has valiant Spirits that are sent to earth to change a coarse of evil behavior. Someone that will change the generations to come. And for me, to stop the abuse, mental, physical and emotional abuse. I hope that is me. I think it is. I worry that I have done some crazy messed up things to my kids. But I am trying. Trying to get my arms around all the anger, the hurt, the manipulation, the ugliness of this. And trying to bring the Spirit of the Lord to my wonderful children and grandchildren.
I still struggle with the little girl. How did I survive all the horrible things that happened? Was I so pathetic that I just sat back, silent and watched the horror. What did I think as the abuse was taking place? How did I deal with it? What did I do when he left me? Left me dirty and alone? What were my thoughts? Did I go to the bathroom to clean up? OR did I even know that I was messy?
I just cannot imagine what a little girl does. It makes me sad. Really sad. It makes me afraid. That I will soon know these things. That these answers will come to me. Then what?
I have turned to the Lord for help. When all of this happens. When my chest gets tight, when I have feelings of my head being pushed forward. When I can’t breathe. I pray. I ask for strength, for understanding, and for love. And I get thru it. Because of him. I get thru this. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. I know that Jesus Christ understands the pain and hurt. I know I have help.
I am grateful for help, support and love of those around me. This is scary, it is just starting. But I am further along in the recovery than I have ever been.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Someone Sees My Potential
I have a head full of thoughts, and a heavy confused heart.
I went and saw Lisa yesterday. It always happens that right before my visit, usually the night before, I start to have doubts, to have panic raise within me. The whole day I just kept thinking how self-fish this process is for me. That there is no need for me to do this. I have lived 40+ years and could probably continue to live like that.
Very first off, I told Lisa I didn't think I wanted to keep doing this. That I felt self-fish and so on. I could instantly see the dis-appointment in her face, and re-assured her that I wasn't stopping, that I knew I NEEDED to keep working on this, but I felt so much panic and pain that I just didn't THINK I needed to keep coming.
She spent nearly an hour telling me things that I knew, that I needed to hear, that penetrated my heart, my soul and started to make sense to my head.
Healing is not self-fish. I wouldn't deny myself of medical treatment. I wouldn't think that was self-fish.
We both believe that I am there, was lead there for a reason. I really do believe this. I know in my heart, that Lisa is here to help me. That I did not get lucky when I "found" her, but I was given this opportunity with Lisa, because my Heavenly Father loves me. That Lisa has things that will help me.
Lisa and I talked about how the Savior has atoned for me. That the atonement is not necessarily for those that have sinned, for also for those that have been hurt. That when I can truly trust the Lord and rest on the atonement, that this pain will be carried by the Savior.
One thing that she said, that no one- NOT ANYONE has ever said is that she can see my pain, and my struggle. But more importantly she can see me healed. She can see me as a whole person, with my Spirit shinning through.
That gave me so much hope. Such comfort. I didn't think that was possible. I have lived my whole life trapped by the pain. I have tried so hard to keep how I feel, the pain that is in me, locked away. Pushed down deep. Most the time I can keep it at bay, but sometimes it over flows and I cannot keep it down.
Could it be true? Can she really see hope for me? Is it possible for me to live one day without the constant struggle to keep my thoughts and fears buried down deep?
I feel some hope.
I have spent the last couple months barely surviving. It has affected me deeply. I have don't done my best in anything. Family, home, personally or church. Honestly the last two days, I have had two people that I work with, make personal phone calls to me to see if I am ok. I feel embarrassed. I feel ashamed. I feel tired.
I have been asked to speak in church Sunday. I don't feel strong enough. I don't feel like it is a good idea, and I don't feel like I can say so.
I have been asked to go to girls camp in a week. All of those statements are true for this as well.
I am starting to try and acknowledge my fear and pain. Rather than push it down. I am terrified that doing this will put me in a tail spin. But I am trying to do a little at a time.
Today when I got out of the shower, I felt panic. Heart raced, a flash of heat came across my whole being. I closed my eyes and really tried to feel it. Then recognized this happens everyday for me. Every time I get out of the shower. I don't know why, or what has caused it. But it happens.
I know it doesn't last long. I think it will happen tomorrow. If it does, I will feel it. I will acknowledge. And I will be proud of myself for doing so.
The other thing that I find curious, for the last 6 months; I have had trouble with clenching my jaw. I do it so much I get headaches and my back teeth hurt. I have even broke a tooth. I am having a creeping feeling that this may be related to something. I am working thru acknowledging it.
I am putting my complete faith and trust in the chance that I can get thru this. That this burden will be lifted.
There is a darling little girl waiting. It is time.
I went and saw Lisa yesterday. It always happens that right before my visit, usually the night before, I start to have doubts, to have panic raise within me. The whole day I just kept thinking how self-fish this process is for me. That there is no need for me to do this. I have lived 40+ years and could probably continue to live like that.
Very first off, I told Lisa I didn't think I wanted to keep doing this. That I felt self-fish and so on. I could instantly see the dis-appointment in her face, and re-assured her that I wasn't stopping, that I knew I NEEDED to keep working on this, but I felt so much panic and pain that I just didn't THINK I needed to keep coming.
She spent nearly an hour telling me things that I knew, that I needed to hear, that penetrated my heart, my soul and started to make sense to my head.
Healing is not self-fish. I wouldn't deny myself of medical treatment. I wouldn't think that was self-fish.
We both believe that I am there, was lead there for a reason. I really do believe this. I know in my heart, that Lisa is here to help me. That I did not get lucky when I "found" her, but I was given this opportunity with Lisa, because my Heavenly Father loves me. That Lisa has things that will help me.
Lisa and I talked about how the Savior has atoned for me. That the atonement is not necessarily for those that have sinned, for also for those that have been hurt. That when I can truly trust the Lord and rest on the atonement, that this pain will be carried by the Savior.
One thing that she said, that no one- NOT ANYONE has ever said is that she can see my pain, and my struggle. But more importantly she can see me healed. She can see me as a whole person, with my Spirit shinning through.
That gave me so much hope. Such comfort. I didn't think that was possible. I have lived my whole life trapped by the pain. I have tried so hard to keep how I feel, the pain that is in me, locked away. Pushed down deep. Most the time I can keep it at bay, but sometimes it over flows and I cannot keep it down.
Could it be true? Can she really see hope for me? Is it possible for me to live one day without the constant struggle to keep my thoughts and fears buried down deep?
I feel some hope.
I have spent the last couple months barely surviving. It has affected me deeply. I have don't done my best in anything. Family, home, personally or church. Honestly the last two days, I have had two people that I work with, make personal phone calls to me to see if I am ok. I feel embarrassed. I feel ashamed. I feel tired.
I have been asked to speak in church Sunday. I don't feel strong enough. I don't feel like it is a good idea, and I don't feel like I can say so.
I have been asked to go to girls camp in a week. All of those statements are true for this as well.
I am starting to try and acknowledge my fear and pain. Rather than push it down. I am terrified that doing this will put me in a tail spin. But I am trying to do a little at a time.
Today when I got out of the shower, I felt panic. Heart raced, a flash of heat came across my whole being. I closed my eyes and really tried to feel it. Then recognized this happens everyday for me. Every time I get out of the shower. I don't know why, or what has caused it. But it happens.
I know it doesn't last long. I think it will happen tomorrow. If it does, I will feel it. I will acknowledge. And I will be proud of myself for doing so.
The other thing that I find curious, for the last 6 months; I have had trouble with clenching my jaw. I do it so much I get headaches and my back teeth hurt. I have even broke a tooth. I am having a creeping feeling that this may be related to something. I am working thru acknowledging it.
I am putting my complete faith and trust in the chance that I can get thru this. That this burden will be lifted.
There is a darling little girl waiting. It is time.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
My heart verses my head
Well, not much has actually happened lately. I have tried to establish some safe boundaries for me. Not really vocalized them, but created some distance between my mom and my dad. I am sure my dad has any idea about any of this, and he may be confused as to why we haven't been over there. Oh-well.
I have had many thoughts about what I am doing, and why I am doing it. It seems a bit pointless when I am not actually struggling. But I cannot stop, not right now.
Last week, the girls and I were out getting lunch and going to a movie. I stayed home from work, just wasn't feeling strong enough to "play the part". Anyway, while we were getting lunch, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young girl. Probably 10-12. She looked a little unkept, incredibly insecure, and timid. Instantly I felt the pain of being that age. Tears welled up and I became very emotional. I wondered if anyone ever saw me? Did anyone EVER in my life see a little girl that was helpless, and hopeless? Did I ever have the courage to make eye contact with anyone in hopes that my pleading eyes would shout out that I needed help?
For the rest of the day, I cried, I yelled at the girls for no good reason. I felt guilty for taking out my feelings on the girls. I felt incredible pain.
I tried to tell myself, my little girl that I was brave, and strong and worthwhile. But the pain was real, sharp and cutting. The rest of the day, was dark and miserable.
I have tried to be aware of myself and my feelings. But it is hard to be honest with myself. I have to say that I am still disappointed and ashamed of the little girl. But my brain/head tells me how brave she was. That she is a hero for surviving. But my heart and Spirit still struggle.
I have had many thoughts about what I am doing, and why I am doing it. It seems a bit pointless when I am not actually struggling. But I cannot stop, not right now.
Last week, the girls and I were out getting lunch and going to a movie. I stayed home from work, just wasn't feeling strong enough to "play the part". Anyway, while we were getting lunch, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young girl. Probably 10-12. She looked a little unkept, incredibly insecure, and timid. Instantly I felt the pain of being that age. Tears welled up and I became very emotional. I wondered if anyone ever saw me? Did anyone EVER in my life see a little girl that was helpless, and hopeless? Did I ever have the courage to make eye contact with anyone in hopes that my pleading eyes would shout out that I needed help?
For the rest of the day, I cried, I yelled at the girls for no good reason. I felt guilty for taking out my feelings on the girls. I felt incredible pain.
I tried to tell myself, my little girl that I was brave, and strong and worthwhile. But the pain was real, sharp and cutting. The rest of the day, was dark and miserable.
I have tried to be aware of myself and my feelings. But it is hard to be honest with myself. I have to say that I am still disappointed and ashamed of the little girl. But my brain/head tells me how brave she was. That she is a hero for surviving. But my heart and Spirit still struggle.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Hidden Angels
This week has been an eye opening blessing for me. I have realized how many people have been placed in my life to love and provide encouragement. I have a good life, I am loved.
This makes it easier and safer to go thru this.
I have also felt stress. Not sleeping well and clenching my teeth.
things will get better!
This makes it easier and safer to go thru this.
I have also felt stress. Not sleeping well and clenching my teeth.
things will get better!
Hidden Angels
This week has been an eye opening blessing for me. I have realized how many people have been placed in my life to love and provide encouragement. I have a good life, I am loved.
This makes it easier and safer to go thru this.
I have also felt stress. Not sleeping well and clenching my teeth.
things will get better!
This makes it easier and safer to go thru this.
I have also felt stress. Not sleeping well and clenching my teeth.
things will get better!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
fork in the road
I have come to a fork in the road. One side it to continue to struggle, push down the hurt and emotion of my childhood, the other a road to recovery.
I have chosen to start counseling again. I have found/been led to a counselor that I immediately felt connected to. Her name is Lisa Bradford. She is LDS, and specialized in helping Adults that have been molested as children. The minute I found her (on a web-site) I knew, my spirit knew that she would be the one to help me. I instantly felt drawn to her. I had a bit of a struggle with insurance, but it has been worked out.
I have been to her three times. We are working on a couple things, but to start with; she has asked me to read a book called "Boundaries". It is from a Christian Author. Not LDS, but there are a lot of references from the Bible. And the Spirit of the intent is there, bearing witness to me of the meaning.
The first week, was good. Lisa talked to me about how she approaches counseling. She doesn't necessarily want me to recall every little thing. But has found it to be helpful to discuss issues that come up. To talk about what is going on. To help me identify the triggers, and to work thru them.
What relief this brought to me. I came home feeling understood, loved, and sense of trust from Lisa that I had never felt before. I was excited to talk to Brian about this. But, when I got home Brian didn't ask about it. It really hurt my feelings. So after dinner, and me acting moody and angry, Brian and I went out to the front porch and talked.
The conversation started off strained. Brian frustrated, not wanting me to do this, not understanding just how much I need to do this. At one point he told me that if I did this, he didn't think our marriage would make it. I began to think that I would have to choose. Knowing that I couldn't live like I had been living, and knowing that I couldn't live without him. I was devastated. I said many prayers during our talk, and thru help from our Father in Heaven, it worked out. We ended feeling love for each other, and hope for things to get better.
That weekend, I felt a strong need to get a picture of me as a baby framed and hung it in our bedroom. It reminds me that of this darling little girl. So perfect and beautiful and innocent. There is hope in her eyes. I want to love and respect that little girl. But sometimes I feel so ashamed. Disappointed that I wasn't stronger, that I wasn't braver. My head tells me this is non sense, but I still feel it in my heart.
The second week, went well. I actually went into the appointment feeling as though everything was good, and that maybe I didn't need to keep going. I knew in my heart and Spirit this isn't the case, but still felt like there was nothing to talk about. We started off talking about me not feeling like I needed to be there.
We spent most of the time talking about boundaries. What and when and who I should let in. When it is appropriate, and when it isn't. So interesting to me. I definitely have problems. I don't trust many, I long for connections, but just am not able to do it.
The week that followed was super hard. I didn't sleep. I tossed and turned, woke up feeling heavy and defeated. Bogged down. Finally on Friday I slept. Felt much better Saturday and Sunday.
Then Monday came. The day to visit with Lisa again. I was miserable. Teary, really bad headache and upset stomach. I walked into her office feeling guarded and scared.
The visit went well, I cried, I talked about memories and things I hadn't really told anyone. Horrific things a little girl of any age would have to deal with! She listened, was shocked, we laughed, and I felt relieved to have gotten some of it out.
I came home feeling burdened. Feeling exhausted emotionally. Lindsay and Madden were here. And I felt bad about that. I love them both so much, but I just didn't have the needed strength. Lindsay ended up going home because Madden wasn't feeling well. When she left, I went to bed.
I tossed and turned all night. Woke up early this morning with a raging headache. Took some Advil, and went back to bed. Finally got to work at 10.
This is going to be hard. I have faith and hope that I can dig thru this. That I can let my little angel know that she is brave, beautiful and loved. I am scared. I would be lying to say anything different. But I do know that with the help of my Father in Heaven and those that he placed/places in my life, I can get better. That I can be stronger and better. That I can be who I am suppose to be. Whoever that is. I will be beautiful, and amazing and true to myself.
I have chosen to start counseling again. I have found/been led to a counselor that I immediately felt connected to. Her name is Lisa Bradford. She is LDS, and specialized in helping Adults that have been molested as children. The minute I found her (on a web-site) I knew, my spirit knew that she would be the one to help me. I instantly felt drawn to her. I had a bit of a struggle with insurance, but it has been worked out.
I have been to her three times. We are working on a couple things, but to start with; she has asked me to read a book called "Boundaries". It is from a Christian Author. Not LDS, but there are a lot of references from the Bible. And the Spirit of the intent is there, bearing witness to me of the meaning.
The first week, was good. Lisa talked to me about how she approaches counseling. She doesn't necessarily want me to recall every little thing. But has found it to be helpful to discuss issues that come up. To talk about what is going on. To help me identify the triggers, and to work thru them.
What relief this brought to me. I came home feeling understood, loved, and sense of trust from Lisa that I had never felt before. I was excited to talk to Brian about this. But, when I got home Brian didn't ask about it. It really hurt my feelings. So after dinner, and me acting moody and angry, Brian and I went out to the front porch and talked.
The conversation started off strained. Brian frustrated, not wanting me to do this, not understanding just how much I need to do this. At one point he told me that if I did this, he didn't think our marriage would make it. I began to think that I would have to choose. Knowing that I couldn't live like I had been living, and knowing that I couldn't live without him. I was devastated. I said many prayers during our talk, and thru help from our Father in Heaven, it worked out. We ended feeling love for each other, and hope for things to get better.
That weekend, I felt a strong need to get a picture of me as a baby framed and hung it in our bedroom. It reminds me that of this darling little girl. So perfect and beautiful and innocent. There is hope in her eyes. I want to love and respect that little girl. But sometimes I feel so ashamed. Disappointed that I wasn't stronger, that I wasn't braver. My head tells me this is non sense, but I still feel it in my heart.
The second week, went well. I actually went into the appointment feeling as though everything was good, and that maybe I didn't need to keep going. I knew in my heart and Spirit this isn't the case, but still felt like there was nothing to talk about. We started off talking about me not feeling like I needed to be there.
We spent most of the time talking about boundaries. What and when and who I should let in. When it is appropriate, and when it isn't. So interesting to me. I definitely have problems. I don't trust many, I long for connections, but just am not able to do it.
The week that followed was super hard. I didn't sleep. I tossed and turned, woke up feeling heavy and defeated. Bogged down. Finally on Friday I slept. Felt much better Saturday and Sunday.
Then Monday came. The day to visit with Lisa again. I was miserable. Teary, really bad headache and upset stomach. I walked into her office feeling guarded and scared.
The visit went well, I cried, I talked about memories and things I hadn't really told anyone. Horrific things a little girl of any age would have to deal with! She listened, was shocked, we laughed, and I felt relieved to have gotten some of it out.
I came home feeling burdened. Feeling exhausted emotionally. Lindsay and Madden were here. And I felt bad about that. I love them both so much, but I just didn't have the needed strength. Lindsay ended up going home because Madden wasn't feeling well. When she left, I went to bed.
I tossed and turned all night. Woke up early this morning with a raging headache. Took some Advil, and went back to bed. Finally got to work at 10.
This is going to be hard. I have faith and hope that I can dig thru this. That I can let my little angel know that she is brave, beautiful and loved. I am scared. I would be lying to say anything different. But I do know that with the help of my Father in Heaven and those that he placed/places in my life, I can get better. That I can be stronger and better. That I can be who I am suppose to be. Whoever that is. I will be beautiful, and amazing and true to myself.
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