September 2016: Do you ever feel like a prisoner in your own body?

"I just wish I didn't have a body." When I heard Ananja say this, I immediately understood. I was transported back to a time in my life when I had to cut in order to even feel like I was real, because I spent so much time "outside" of my body. I was reminded of times in my life when my inner voice was constantly blaring negatives like, "You're gross, you're too fat, nobody will ever want you." And I remembered the battles with food -- eating and not eating. Being regimented and then giving up. Tying my value and worth to whether I had "eaten well" that day or not. Today, I want to introduce you to Ananja who shares in this video, openly and in a real way, what survivors of abuse often feel about their bodies. While this is a woman sharing about her experience, there is no doubt that male survivors of abuse go through many of the same body image and connection/disconnection issues that Ananja shares about in this video. Every survivor I have ever met has got something going on with their body, relationship to food, health. And that's okay -- it's normal, it's understandable, and it can change! Best, How would you describe yourself physically? Do you think you'd be fair or exaggerate your flaws. Watch this video to see what happened for these folks when they were asked to describe themselves to a sketch artist. Want to learn more about how trauma impacts and is stored in the body? Read more. If you could speak to your body today, what healing words would you say? What part of your body would you show love to?

BOOK OF THE MONTH The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself? READ MORE HERE! This is a donation based group and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. I am so happy to bring you this innovative and effective support program designed specifically for adult survivors of physical, sexual, and/or emotional child abuse or neglect, bringing them together within a nurturing and supportive community. To join the group and learn more, go here.