Where I Am Now: An Honest Look
This week marks the 2nd anniversary of my divorce to a man I was married to for 22 years. My divorce came on the heels of pervasive abuse in my marriage, directed toward myself and my children. As a survivor of domestic violence, I am highly sensitive to the experiences of those of us victimized and manipulated in power dynamics characterized by chronic confusion and fear, making it seemingly impossible to discern a way out. Thanks to our remarkable nervous system, we adapt to endure unconscionable circumstances. And not just survive, but also thrive in a system of abuse, embracing gratitude as a means of resilience. No one will be any wiser if we smile and yield -- it's a survival tactic. Do not let on that you are being hurt, as it only invites further abuse. My situation was such that my system instinctively shielded me without my conscious awareness. The aftermath of leaving a long-term abusive relationship feels crippling. I left my marriage with c-PTSD, a body that was numb...
