None of us knew we could ever be extraordinary. In fact, we thought ourselves a burden and unworthy.

We found ourselves in a place where we silenced both our instincts and our screams. We wanted to shed our skin, wipe away our horror, leave the lights on all night long, and be anywhere but where we were.

But we are here. We survived. Some of us are still within the claws of abuse, but fear not! When you "like" my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/iamdanaandrews/) you have come to join a group 1,400+ members strong. We understand when our souls are torn like threadbare fabric, and we know that as survivors, when we reach out to help others heal, we,too heal!

It's very interesting to me just how intricate the healing process is. When babies first smile, crawl, walk then run, we celebrate these milestones. Have we not made our own progress worthy of celebration?

We are here because we have our sights set on regaining our autonomy. From the moment we recognize our abuse was not okay, we begin the healing process. Unfortunately this involves revisiting our trauma, and we are inadvertently victimized yet again once more. Just when we thought we'd mopped up all of our tears and had experienced a taste of sweet freedom, we find ourselves seemingly backsliding.

You know what? That's actually the most important aspect of healing. Maslow's Hierarchy is one of the most useful theories for survivors to embrace. It maintains that our lives are based on steps that range from the bottom-most very most basic elements of survival, to the top, which is enlightenment. What is key for us is this: you CANNOT simply skip a stage that you choose to forego. You might think you have been strong in overcoming your abuse; sadly, what you have swept beneath the rug continues to grow and morph into a monster that mutates and consumes our soul. We are talking true, unmitigated anger that be neither silenced nor hidden. This anger from our abuse must be unearthed, understood and released. Otherwise, it WILL surface and can't be kept down. In essence, it will prevent you from reaching happiness and healing---until you lift the rug and address the debris and rubble that hold the remote control to your heart and soul.

Here is the best news yet; there is no better feeling than addressing and finding a safe place for these burdens and immeasurable pain. To revisit them, now that you are empowered, is beyond gratifying! It is your chance to go back to that horrible time armed with a plethora of soldiers to protect you. You can declare that you are free! You are whole. You are no longer a puppet.

Until that time that you are truly healed, I will carry your flag! How proud I am of your efforts to face your past and embrace a happy future!

You deserve happiness and healing. There will never be a better time to take what is rightfully yours~ your happiness and your life! Remember this; we are the flowers that grow in-between the rocks on the path that leads to safety for our tender soul. We refuse to be held down any longer! We will grow in shade and sun...and anywhere we need to be while we heal.

And so, one day at a time, with your own pace, reclaim the beautiful you that has waited to bloom for too long. You have worth, you are loved and you have the most amazing job ahead of you; find other survivors to nurture, and embrace their souls! You've been in their shoes. You've walked the tortuous, horrid journey back to the only place that felt familiar~ back to our abuser. When you have the joy in watching them take baby steps, walk, then run to freedom, you will know how it feels to be me...and watch YOU HEAL and live with a heart full of joy!