See the Triumph
  • Home
  • About Us
    • The Origins of See the Triumph
    • About our Research
    • Terms of Use
  • Blog
    • See the Triumph Collections
  • "Free Store"
  • Resources for More Information
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About Us
    • The Origins of See the Triumph
    • About our Research
    • Terms of Use
  • Blog
    • See the Triumph Collections
  • "Free Store"
  • Resources for More Information
  • Contact Us
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

Picture
The Triumph Over Abuse Blog

11/1/2016

Planting Seeds: Cultivating a Support System

By Eileen Martin, See the Triumph Contributor
 
“…It matters not how straight the gate,
      How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
      I am the captain of my soul.”
Invictus ~ William Ernest Henley
 
Building a Support System
 
In order to live abundantly and joyfully we need deep human connections, and truly connecting with one another requires raw vulnerability.  In the aftermath of a domestic violence relationship, this is a very scary proposition, I know. Trusting others, even ourselves, is pretty dang frightening; yet, it has been moments of raw vulnerability that have led me to the most meaningful relationships in my life after leaving my domestic violence relationship. The same vulnerability has also led me to recognize what connections were tenuous at best and needed to be cut. Yes, it is okay to walk away from what hurts your soul. In fact, this should be one of the greatest lessons of being a survivor. You have the power. You can create a nurturing support system that sustains you and helps you grow.
 
 “And I feel like I am naked in front of the crowd ‘cause these words are my diary screaming out loud and I know you’ll use them however you want to” 
Breathe ~ Anna Nalik
 
Trusting in Yourself
 
How very difficult it is that we have an innate need for self-protection of our ego and an innate need for true connection, yet the two are like oil and water; they don’t mix. How often do we miss the opportunity for human connection because we are afraid of “being naked in front of the crowd?” My “naked” moments have revealed to me the ability of open and self-accepting people to not only allow, but also sit comfortably with my vulnerability. The desire for meaningful connection can lead us astray if we are trying to fit in and be accepted rather than being open, raw, and understanding. Trying to meet other’s expectations only creates a perpetual cycle of failure and missed opportunities for true human connection. Not everyone will “get you,” and that is okay. Learning to be comfortable enough in our own skin to be vulnerable helps us traverse moments of self-doubt, rejection and fear and creating a supportive network provides a soft place to fall when life comes at you hard and fast.
 
Nourish, Grow and Shine
 
What nourishes you? Providing nourishment for our soul helps us to be self-accepting and, in turn, can help us to be bravely vulnerable and open to connection. So, be an explorer and try new and unexpected adventures to discover what brings you joy. Invite someone you would like to get to know better to meet for coffee. Pay attention to what peaks your interest. Follow that, and dig deeper. Share what makes you smile and what makes you anxious with a friend.  Most importantly, go forth boldly with an open and trusting heart and let your light shine and your world will bloom in unimaginable ways.
Picture
Source: http://www.picturequotes.com/what-if-i-fall-oh-but-my-darling-what-if-you-fly-quote-13502

Comments are closed.

    Archives

    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All About Intimate Partner Violence About Intimate Partner Violence Advocacy Ambassadors Children Churches College Campuses Cultural Issues Domestic Violence Awareness Month Financial Recovery How To Help A Friend Human Rights Human-rights Immigrants International Media Overcoming Past Abuse Overcoming-past-abuse Parenting Prevention Resources For Survivors Safe Relationships Following Abuse Schools Selfcare Self-care Sexual Assault Sexuality Social Justice Social-justice Stigma Supporting Survivors Survivor Quotes Survivor-quotes Survivor Stories Teen Dating Violence Trafficking Transformative-approaches