For those of us who have suffered ongoing abuse from young childhood onwards... We don't have a 'pre-trauma' us. We don't know what it is like to not be someone suffering and surviving abuse. All we know is being someone, trying to survive abuse and all the severe lifelong effects of prolonged child abuse. ~ Lily Hope Lucario

#HealingHearts

Some of us don't have a 'before'. We were born into an abusive life and it's all we know. We live our lives not knowing what safe is; who we can trust.

It takes much longer to get to a safe place. I know it's hard. I hope you keep going. 💐

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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The moment your gut says no, it's a no. You can unpack the details later. TheGoodQuote

#HealingHearts

The most important thing you can do is follow your instincts without questioning them. Worst case? It was an error. More likely you've saved yourself from something unsafe.

Remember: your gut knows what's up before you can figure it out.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Complex trauma means we were hurt over, & over, & over again, often by people we should've been able to trust. That kind of harm won't heal with a one time, dramatic moment of "letting it go". We heal from complex trauma day by day, in little gestures of consistent self care. Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle

#HealingHearts

People on a healing path from child abuse want it 'over' ASAP & who can blame them? So much damage happens when you've been traumatized for years; it's going to take time.

But the day will come when you'll feel the shift. It's worth it.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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It's up to us to break generational curses. When they say i"t runs in the family", you tell them "and this is where it runs out'. Enlightened Consciousness

#HealingHearts

Child abuse in families has often happened for generations. Family members know what's going on, stay quiet, & the behavior often repeats.

When you work on healing, it's not only for yourself but your children and theirs. Break the cycle.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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People don't want to be talked out of their feelings. People want to be heard, seeing, felt, and understood. - Rachel Samson

#HealingHearts

Children who grow up in an abusive environment have their feelings dismissed routinely. So much so that they often dismiss their feelings as adults.

Being heard and understood is an important part of healing. Really listening is a gift. 💐

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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This is my life... my story... my book. I will no longer let anyone else write it; nor will I apologize for the edits I make. - Steve Maraboli

#HealingHearts

What a wonderful feeling it is when enough healing has happened and you are ready to be the author of your own life!

It's not an easy road, but the day will come when you're able to put yourself first. It's not selfish, it's your right.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower. Alexander Den Heijer

#HealingHearts

One of the toughest hurdles for survivors in recovery is being able to accept that they did not cause the abuse.

There was never anything wrong with you that 'made' anyone abuse you. It was all on them. 💐

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Hi. Trauma literally changes your brain and body. It's not your fault. @anxiety.positive

#HealingHearts

Survivors of trauma have to deal with all the "side effects" that happen because of trauma. Your brain is hyper aware of possible threats. Changes in your body too: the tightening of muscles that carry the memory.

Go easy on yourself.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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You will never regret believing and standing with a child. You will regret when one day that grown child looks you in the eye and says, 'you didn't believe me'. Believe the child. Paula Goodwin DefendSurvivors.org

#HealingHearts

A child has no frame of reference to describe an abusive encounter if it didn't happen. It's incredibly painful to hear a child tell you that something so horrible happened, but it's not a lie.

Believe the child.

#BelieveSurvivors

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Many trauma survivors become skilled at hiding their pain because they've learned that it isn't always safe to let others see it. Madeline Popelka @HealingFromPTSD

#HealingHearts

Survivors learn to be quiet and not ask for anything because being noticed can signal abuse. I smiled and said, "I'm fine" when I wasn't for decades just to be left alone.

Please know your healing will help you learn when love is safe. 🤍

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Let's be good to people for no reason simply because kindness can make someone's day a little brighter. Unknown

#HealingHearts

Sometimes you just have "one of those days", hopefully not too many. I'm stepping back today as I simply don't have the emotional bandwidth to handle anything more than what's absolutely necessary.

Take care of yourself first. Always. 🪻

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Your nervous system doesn't heal just because time has passed. It heals when something safe and loving happens enough times for it to finally believe ... it's over now.

#HealingHearts

Healing from abuse takes time. A lot of time. It wasn't until I grasped just how much had been done, repeatedly, to fracture my soul that I saw it would take multiple positive experiences to finally feel safe.

You are worth the effort. 💐

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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I see your pain, and it's big. I also see your courage, and it's bigger. You can do hard things. - Glennon Doyle

#HealingHearts

I want to acknowledge the people who are on a healing path after surviving abuse. I know the deep pain & loneliness.

Your pain may feel unbearable but you're making progress. Try to trust the process. Healing happens, but yes, it hurts.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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psst. hey. it wasn't the trauma that made you stronger, kinder, and more empathetic. it's how you handled it. that credit is yours.

#HealingHearts

I often hear that the trauma and abuses I endured made me stronger, and I guess that makes sense. Slowly however, I began to see that the strength comes from the work we put in.

We get the credit for our growth. 🌷

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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The only people who get upset about you setting boundaries are the ones who were benefitting from you having none.

#HealingHearts

For survivors, setting boundaries is so much harder than you may think. There are no boundaries in abuse. Abusers do what they want when they want.

Naturally, the pushback when you begin setting boundaries is intense. But it feels so good.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Telling a survivor to "Leave it in the past" is dismissing the reality of their nervous system and body. No one wants to relive traumatic experiences on an ongoing basis. Survivors respond to past trauma because they are traumatized, not because they're unwilling to let go. Nate Postlethwait - Thirdeyethirst

#HealingHearts

Survivors of abuse want nothing more than to leave what's happened to them in the past but it's called trauma for a reason. Without working on healing, our memories intrude at will.

With time & effort it lessens and opens us up to peace.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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It breaks my heart knowing there are so many beautiful souls out there questioning their worth because someone they loved made them feel unlovable. APRZYWOLSKI

#HealingHearts

Children in abusive environments grow up with no sense of their own value because the focus is on the abuser(s).

Getting out of there doesn't make self-worth magically appear. It takes so much work.

Please know you are so worthy & loved.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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May you find the courage to disappoint people who expect you to stay small. Michell C. Clark / Her Empowering Mindset

#HealingHearts

As you heal from trauma, you will encounter pushback from those in your life who benefit from you continuing just as you are. That's for them.

It's time to do the things for you that bring you peace and so much more. You deserve peace.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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We don't heal first and love later. We heal in love. Through love. Around love. In the presence of people who are safe enough, stable enough, willing enough to walk with us through the hard stuff. -Todd Baratz

#HealingHearts

People who have been traumatized cannot truly heal without first getting a sense of safety. Healing from abuse and trauma needs loving care. We will stay in our mess and confusion if we don't feel safe enough to take the hard steps.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is brave even if you stumble a little on your way out the door. - Mandy Hale

#HealingHearts

Do whatever you need to in order to remove yourself from unhealthy situations. It doesn't matter how it looks; what matters is that you continue to take steps that are in your best interest.

It's not always easy, but your healing is.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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I'm slowly teaching myself that someone else's emergency is not my emergency. I've been running miles for people who couldn't even take a step for me. Art of Poets

#HealingHearts

If you're in my life & have a problem, it's a reflex for me to jump into action & try to fix it. It was a learned response to living in a violently abusive environment.

I'm still 1st to jump in & help. But now I know who to stay away from.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Trauma survivors crave honesty and authenticity. We've had to fight for our ability to think clearly and know who we are. We aren't willing to engage with those who do not honor that. Author unknown

#HealingHearts

Trauma survivors have lived with so much gaslighting it's made learning to trust very difficult, even when they are no longer in that environment.

We may keep our distance for good reason. It takes time to develop trust.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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"Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable." David Augsburger

#HealingHearts

If you've grown up in or have been living in an environment of abuse, you know well what it's like to have your feelings ignored. When you encounter the opposite, hold on tight.

Knowing someone really hears you is a precious gift. 🌷

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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We all have "issues" because we all have a story. And no matter how much work you've done on yourself, we all snap back sometimes. So be easy on you. Growth is a dance. Not a light switch. John Kim

#HealingHearts

"Growth is a dance. Not a light switch." Recovering from trauma is not linear and there will be times it feels like you've rounded a bend and are facing back to where you were. You're not.

Nothing about recovery is easy, but keep dancing.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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If standing up for yourself burns a bridge, I have matches. We ride at dawn. The Inspiring Souls

#HealingHearts

Survivors of child abuse and traumatic environments seldom dared speak up for themselves; the consequences were usually drastic.

Remember that's in the past and as you learn to take a stand for yourself, you'll see how good it feels. 💐

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Repeat after me: I'm allowed to do what's best for me, even if it upsets other people.

#HealingHearts

It's common for survivors of trauma try & make decisions based on what others would like them to do. It was a way of attempting to keep things calm in a chaotic environment.

Go ahead and do what's best for you. You come first in your life.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Your nervous system will always choose a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven. Kathy Overman

#HealingHearts

When a person grows up in an abusive environment it's all they know. It takes a very long time to shed all that is familiar. Mistreatment is all one knows.

People look at me funny when I say kindness hurts, but sometimes it still does.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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#HealingHearts

Negative thoughts usually take up more space than positive ones. It's not always easy to push them aside, but it is worth the effort.

Water positive thoughts with your attention & starve the negative ones. You're doing a good job. 💐

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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Healing isn't soft. It's violent in the most awakening way. Because nothing shakes you harder than realizing your whole personality was built on survival. That your 'calm' was actually emotional numbness. Your 'strong and independent' era came from never having anyone to rely on. Your 'high standards' were just fear disguised as control. Healing is grieving the version of you who spent years doing whatever it took just to feel safe. And the hardest part? Finally loving yourself enough to let her go. @GroundedGrowing

#HealingHearts

The healing journey out of abuse and into peace is long & hard, confusing & scary, littered with doubts. It's letting go of who you became in order to survive.

You deserve this new authentic version of yourself. It's time to live freely.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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#HealingHearts

It's not easy to talk about sexual assault, domestic violence, or childhood abuse. It makes people uncomfortable. People have left me because I'm talking.

Well. It needs to be talked about despite that. Because it isn't going away.

#CSASurvivor
#CPTSD
#Pinks
#ProudBlue

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