So now, here we are. If you completed the activity from Part I, you should celebrate. Celebrate the fact that you had enough courage to think honestly about what you have gone through. Celebrate the fact that you had the psychological/emotional/spiritual strength to move those issues from the intangible (floating around in your mind, heart, spirit) to the tangible (written down). And most of all, celebrate the fact that you had the audacity to take action (throw them away, flush them, burn them, whatever you did). You see, there has been a paradigm shift…a shift in power. Those things (issues/events) no longer control you. They can no longer feed you those lies that led you to believe that you were inadequate, lesser than, incapable, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not enough. They cannot determine your actions or your future. You are free, and you are in charge! What are you to do with your newfound power?
Move forward.
Yes. I can hear some of you saying, “But I still think about those things. I just can’t seem to forget them.” That is okay. I did not tell you to forget them, so do not be hard on yourself for still remembering. What you have done is exposed the issues, and in exposing them, you have taken away their power. You see, when things are silenced or hidden, they can quietly wreak havoc. They sneak around within you and cause mental confusion, emotional disaster, physical destruction, and relational chaos. And oftentimes, you aren’t even aware of the source of the problem. But not anymore! You have exposed the issues and now you can deal with them in the way that benefits you as well as others. No, I am not prescribing selective amnesia (pretending you have forgotten) or denial; honesty and truthfulness are the crux of your healing. However, I am saying that you have the power to use or not use those issues in productive and/or meaningful ways. Yes, you can use them, but they cannot use you.
So, you ask, “Well, what should I do when I remember?” That’s the great thing! You get to decide what you do.
- You can empower yourself: If you made it through that, you can make it through this. Nothing can stop you now!
- You can empower others: Share the experience with those who may be experiencing similar issues or circumstances. Tell your testimony so others will know that it is possible to keep going.
Of course, these are not the only options. The point is, whatever you decide to do when you remember, always know that you are in control. Speak the truth to yourself and do not allow the lies to seep back into your heart. You are not the sum of your experiences, and you are not merely a reflection of what you have gone through. No, you are more than that. You are greater than any abuse or abuser. You have more resilience, strength, and determination than the drama and the trauma. You are an image of greatness; even your reflection exudes prominence and power. You are a person of intention and purpose.
NEXT: Redefining/Re-imagining Your Self