Healing is an ongoing process for survivors. My own healing began almost ten years ago.
I have come a long way, but I know I still have much to deal with in my own life. I have come
to accept the fact that I will still have to cope with my abuse for the rest of my days.
Healing is a path just like life, with its ups and downs. Also, since each
person is different, healing is a different journey for each survivor.
There are two things in my own life that helped. The first was
the fact I found a wonderful, trustworthy therapist who helped me
through the difficult stages of admitting what happened. The second is the book,
The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis. There is a lot of helpful information within
this book. Even after having it for six years, it is one of the books I keep by
my nightstand for those times I need it.
The one thing to always remember about healing is that it can't be rushed.
Don't let anyone try to speed it up - always go at your own pace.
I still get frustrated when someone tells me that it's in the past and
that I should just get over it. When something has been so strongly
woven into the fabric of one's being, one doesn't just "get over it".
It is a lifelong commitment.
