Hi

[SassyP]

I've introduced myself what feels like a million different times. Yet, I've been trying to decide what to say for the last few days since starting the process of joining After Silence. Nothing feels right, but I suppose that's to be expected.

I am 46 years old and my sexual abuse related traumas are from my childhood and an additional incident at college. These are not the only traumas I've survived. I am open and honest about what I have been through as I know my experiences can help others.

As the last of my kids is about to go off to college and having moved to a less time consuming, lower stress job, I have recognized that I need more self-care. I need to make me a priority for the first time in my life. This is not easy and does not come naturally to me.

I thank you for allowing me to be here and I hope it helps deal with some of the things that I have compartmentalized for so very long.

[MeBeMary]

Hi there, SassyP,

Welcome to AfterSilence. I am very sorry for all of what you've been thru, but do know that you have found a supportive site. Our members here are very understanding and kind. Saying these first few words? I understand, I've been there...and please know how brave it is. It will get more comfortable as you look around the site, but very good for taking this first step.

You will find it both sad and a relief that you will relate to so many here. It's the conundrum of a site like this. I tend to only look at the positive and we are not doing this alone. I did that for many years and I know how grateful I was to find others who could relate. 

Feel free to look around, at your own pace, and jump in when it feels right. I am very glad that you found us and found your courage to join. I do believe there are more forward steps for you and I wish you well as you begin to navigate this path that we call healing.

Mary

  

 

[missfrier]

Dear sassyp

 

I am sorry for all that you have been through.   You have been so brave in reaching out to us, please know that this is never easy!   We are all here for you and we want to support you.  You're not alone in your healing journey and are always welcome to lean on us for extra support.  You can post as much or as little as you like.  We are here to support you in the way you need.  I have found this community to be very helpful.  Everyone is so understanding and non-judgmental and I am hoping you feel the same way once you've gotten to know us a little.   

 

All my best,

missfrier

 

 

[SassyP]

Thank you both for the warm welcome. It already feels like I made the right decision in coming here.

 

 

[Poppy_]

Hi, @SassyP -

 Welcome to After Silence! I'm glad you're recognizing your need for self-care as that is a very important first step. I hope that being here will bring you some reprieve and you will know you are not alone on this journey. 

If you need anything, I'm always here!  

Wishing you the best,
Poppy

[goldraindrops]

Welcome, @SassyP,

I'm sorry that you have a reason to be here, but this is a kind and supportive community full of people who understand.  

I also had experiences in childhood and one right after college, and I worked and buried them for a long time before becoming a member, going to therapy, etc.  I think self care doesn't come naturally to a lot of us, especially since so many of us didn't experience other people caring when we needed it.  

I hope that it's fulfilling for you and being here gives you some camaraderie and healing.

Wishing you comfort and healing, 

Gold Raindrops

[Finchy]

Welcome to AS, @SassyP! I'm glad you found your way here, though I'm terribly sorry for what you've been through that led you here. You didn't deserve any of what happened to you. I'm so sorry for your traumas. Your intro was perfectly fine...I know how hard it is to first open up in someplace new. Thank you for joining. You'll find a lot of really caring and supportive people here. It's a great way to help you on the path to healing. ❤️ Self-care is not easy to do sometimes, but I'm glad you now realize how much you need it. We're all here to help! Best wishes!

-Finch

[8888]

Welcome @SassyP to After Silence.  I’m sorry to hear about everything that brought you here but I’m happy you are here reaching out for support.  Good job taking this step in your healing process.  You are not alone and what happened to you wasn’t your fault.  Take your time exploring and post when you are ready.  If you have any questions feel free to message me. 

[SassyP]

You all have touched on so many important things that brought me here. I have been looking around and will continue to allow myself to be open to a new level of healing.  Thank you!