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Edith's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story Amanda. Your courage and fierce compassion with which you embraced your painful past experiences are deeply inspiring. Go well.

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Amanda Saint's avatar

Thank you, Edith. I've learned that opening my heart and embracing it all is the only way I can be free and find happiness.

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Edith's avatar

That's so true and it applies to all parts of our lives, from emotional pain to physical and spiritual pain. Still childhood abuse is in a category all of its own. Even Jesus said something about it being better for someone who harms a hair on a child's head to attach a millstone to their necks and throw themselves off a cliff. That's pretty heavy stuff from a man who preached and practiced peace and love.

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Amanda Saint's avatar

It is heavy stuff from Jesus! It’s hard to fathom why people behave the ways they do. I spent years trying to work it out but in the end I realised I just had to concentrate on my own behaviour as that’s the only thing I can influence. I cut off contact with my family 6.5 years ago in order to heal but I really hope they find peace.

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Dave Karpowicz's avatar

Amanda, I am glad you are healing from a past that was so hurtful. D

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Amanda Saint's avatar

Thanks Dave 💙

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

With prolonged trauma, surely what we choose to take in is extremely important. We can either become more entrenched in our suffering or as you've suggested, change the balance by incorporating all of the blessings that surround us. Sorry you had to go through so much suffering but glad you're in the process of healing and using that to help other struggling souls .

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Amanda Saint's avatar

Thanks Mark. It took a long time to reach that understanding but I made it in the end. Yay!

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

That's certainly good to hear Amanda - stay well.

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Edith's avatar

Yes it is isn't it?! I've been in therapy too and the most important lesson I have learned from the process (ongoing) is exactly as you say, we cannot influence anyone but ourselves. It certainly took a while for me to fully understand how this could possibly help, but after a lot of work I finally got it, although that too is an ongoing process! May you continue to live in peace.

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Amanda Saint's avatar

It’s definitely an ongoing process but one I’m so glad I found the courage to undertake. It was scary to get started though! Glad to hear your therapy helped you too. Finding the right one is crucial. I had a couple of false starts but then found the one that clicked. Lasting peace to you too, Edith 💙

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