I think we need something positive in here. We're all here for healing, ways to help ourselves, and support. The nature of this issue is very negative - the after-effects, the fallout, the nightmares, phobias, anxiety, fears, anger, bitterness, addictions, all of it.

How about something positive? Just for a try, or a change.

I'm not sure which folder to post this into - as an ASA-only, I don't feel right posting over in the Male Survivors forum since that seems mostly CSA-oriented, but this thread really is for ANY survivor, regardless of whether or not they are CSA, ASA, or combined ASA/CSA.

The point? Post something positive. Post something that's important to you. Finish the sentance. It can be anything, so long as it is related to the abuse/SA. It can be so simple as "I am still struggling" or "I am still alive" or "I am a survivor" or "I am not giving up." (Just a few possible examples.) Anything that you feel fits you in finishing the sentance. You can post more than once, you don't have to stick to just one post. If you make a post and later on feel like adding another statement - then do so!

I'll even start us off.



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I am still fighting.

Hi TwoofUs,

What a good idea.

I guess for now all I can say is, "I survived."





Anomalous



btw -- you might also want to start a similar thread in the Progress forum.

I thought about that, but the Progress forum is also fully moderated, which means a delay on the posts appearing, last I knew. And I don't think people can reply to posts made in there, only make their own new thread.

[Edit : I just checked, and yes. Every thread is locked, and it is a fully-moderated forum, not meant for replies, only individuals to post their own personal progress.]

This is beautiful thread !

I am happy to be here among brothers survivors.
I am discovering ways to break my isolation:
I am recovering my faith connecting it to search for healing.

Living through that ...and still I came out on the other side intact. How can I not be made of tough stuff?

This is amazing, thank you so much Mathew for starting this. I think it is always good to stop and focus on the positive, there is so much guilt, shame, pain, and trauma associated with being sexually abused. With my busy life, thank you for helping me stop and realize how much progress I have made. So...

I am Solid
I am a SURVIVOR!!!

I think the positive is very important. We can drown ourselves in the negative entirely too easily sometimes.

Today, I think.. I am just glad that both of us are still alive.

We are thirsty for some positive thoughts like desert needs the rain.

Today, I'm thankful for finding this place, I can't imagine my life before all this...

Good thread.

For all the sexual assault I went through (and it was hell, as you all can attest to), I became a triathlete who excelled nationally, gained a Masters Degree, have helped others through EMS, and have a great wife and family. Like J. Bytendorp, I am very grateful for the progress I was able to make, despite a hectic life.

I not only survived.... I thrived.

Oriolesguy

Great thread!

My contribution...The hell with him! He's not going to ruin what is left of my life!

Cheers guys! And a special hello to Oriolesguy!

Jim