Recent posts

#1

Announcements / Re: This Time of Year

Last post by TheBigBlue - Today at 06:25:17 PM

Thank you, Kizzie. That reminder really matters, especially at this time of year. Having found this community and knowing it's okay to reach out makes a real difference. 💛   

#2

Recovery Journals / Re: Marcine’s journaling forwa...

Last post by TheBigBlue - Today at 06:21:17 PM

What you wrote feels very honest about the cost of getting free, not just the triumph. I appreciate that a lot.

I especially resonated with how survival required so much self-erasure, and how exhausting that fight was. Seeing you name the scars and the ground gained helps me hold both as real.

I'm not as far along yet, but reading this still mattered. I'm glad you shared it, and I'm glad you're here - scars and all.

#3

Announcements / Re: This Time of Year

Last post by Chart - Today at 05:08:05 PM

Thank you, Kizzie. It helps so much having Oots here and knowing this group is part of my community.
 

#4

Family / Re: Left out

Last post by Chart - Today at 05:06:04 PM

Beautifully expressed,  Gromit. Thank you, you have given me much food for thought in a situation very close to my own circumstances.

#5

Announcements / This Time of Year

Last post by Kizzie - Today at 04:57:15 PM

This time of year can be really difficult for survivors so I wanted to say that you do have a community here at Out of the Storm, peers who do understand and are behind you. You are not alone and I hope if you are struggling you will reach out and let us send some support and care your way.

  

#6

Family / Re: Left out

Last post by Kizzie - Today at 04:51:52 PM

I'm with The Big Blue, bravo for waiting and then responding versus reacting! what you wrote captured the essence of what you went through. I hope it is received as such but of course there is no telling how others will react. What matters most (IMO) is that we speak for ourselves and honour how we feel.

Kizzie

#7

Recovery Journals / Re: Marcine’s journaling forwa...

Last post by Chart - Today at 04:51:06 PM

Hey Marcine, your story makes me think... mine was reciprocal love... "I'll do x for you but then you'll do y for me..." Every "service" had a price. 57 years later I finally identified much of the same functioning within myself and the relationships I'd established around me... the recognition was hard. This realization of a programing-pattern moved me rapidly to pure nausea. I woke up to a toxic tradition I carried with a scream. And I'm deeply proud to say I stopped doing it in the instant it was identified (or almost).

Marcine, I think we are all incredibly strong-willed. Just give us the freedom to "see" and we engage. Change is good, a darn nice habit to encourage.
 

#8

Other / Re: Our Healing Porch Part 8

Last post by Chart - Today at 04:14:02 PM

Hey BB, I'm certain the wood fires we start here never go out. It is indeed a magical place. I'm gonna meditate awhile while my kids play with their new presents. The fire's really nice.

#9

Sexual Abuse / Re: Self-abandonment since CSA

Last post by Chart - Today at 04:08:57 PM

This is the breakthrough I made this Christmas. I vowed to myself to keep myself safe. I'm done serving others at the expense of myself. I've done enough. I will participate and learn to handle safe and mutual relationships that honor the boundaries and resources of both.

Absolutely DD, beautifully expressed.
Happy Holidays to yo too.
 

#10

Family / Re: Left out

Last post by TheBigBlue - Today at 02:33:14 PM

That reads thoughtful, clear, and grounded. You explained your truth without attacking, and you gave context instead of silence or self-erasure. Waiting so you could respond rather than react really shows the work you've been doing.


It makes a lot of sense that "life is short" would stir grief and clarity at the same time. You handled it with a lot of care for yourself.