Moving Forward

[findingpeaceinpieces]

For as long as I can remember, I had the perfect family, the perfect friends, the perfect life. Aside from temper tantrums, night terrors, and mood swings, everything in my upbringing seemed perfectly fine. The reality of it of course was that nothing about it was fine. Something happened along the way which would occur and reoccur until finally a lightbulb went off and I discovered the secret that I kept well hidden, even from myself.

I regularly see a counselor, but that is as far as my support system goes. My immediate family is kind and cares about what is going on, but it is complicated and I find that they can only be of so much support for me through this. I am currently trying to find an in-person support group, but my search is sure proving to me how rare it is to find.

Due to recent and unexpected contact from someone related to the "friend of the family" who changed my life completely, I have also been seeking out self defense classes--thought getting a response about that proves to be pretty difficult as well.

It is annoying and frustrating how much work I have to do just to find answers, release, help, peace, and comfort from all that I have been through. But I have come too far and have waited long enough; I am determined to persevere.

My hope in using these forums is that I will feel more accepted in life rather than pushed away to the sidelines simply because I've had different experiences from my peers. I hope that I will also maybe share some ideas with my fellow survivors about confrontation. I have searched "confrontation" and am surprised (yet not surprised?) that more has come up about the fear of confrontation than actually desiring to confront the perpetrator.

Though I don't know you, I do know how tough healing through this can be and I am wishing all of you well in this journey forward. Here's to continuing to try and find the peace in the pieces,

-me

[stonefeather]

welcome, I hope you find here the support you seek. ((()))

Jessie

[whimsical1]

Welcome to AS.

[traceyelizabeth]

Hi

Welcome to AS this is a great place and we welcome you with open arms.

Take care

Love Tracey

[Guest SaraElizabeth]

Hi findingpeace and welcome to AfterSilence

My name is Sara and I am a member of the Newbie Support team, so if you have any questions or need any help then feel free to message me.

It's really good that you're seeing a counsellor, and you'll find this site a source of neverending support I'm sure. Selfdefence might be a good idea as well as it might be empowering for you.

I hope you settle in well here

Sara

[emt]

Welcome to AS. I hope you find the support that you need here.

Much Comfort,

emt

[MidnightSunshine531]

welcome to AS

[deepgreensandblues]

Hey findingpeaceingpieces,

I am so happy for you that you were able to find AS. It is a place where you can share whatever you are going through and always find others who are dealing with the same thing. AS offered me so much support and has helped me heal tremendously. I know that it will do the same for you! Welcome!

Deep

[Survivors sanctuary]

Welcome to AS ...

[Tiger Lily]

Hi,

Welcome to AS. I am sorry for what has brought you here but I am glad you found us. This is a great safe place and I hope you get as much support as you want/need. There is no pressure to post anything so just take your time

Take gentle care

-TL

[dopey]

Welcome to AS. I hope that you will find the site helpful

Take care

[findingpeaceinpieces]

Thank you all for the welcomes! And happy July 4th!