Tuesday, October 09, 2007

EAJC #40, Not Anymore...

Emily's challenge this week was "Not Anymore", what is not anymore in your life?

For me my NOT ANYMORE is that once upon a time, I did not think of myself as "worthy" to have the life I dreamed of. SoulMates were for other people, my friends... but I would not have one. A job that both inspired AND paid well was not something I "deserved". To have a happy, content and well adjusted family. To really **LOVE** myself was not even in the realms of possibility... these fears and feelings were left over from my childhood, which was pretty traumatic. I grew up in fear. My mother was (and still is today) a herion addict and alcholic. I spent 17 years in pretty awful conditions and the situations that her addictions exposed me (and my siblings) to... I would not wish upon anyone.

That feels like a lifetime ago now to how my life is today.

That is not to say that the scars do not remain, they are there... and every now and again something will trigger me to revisit some of the most violent and terrible times in my childhood. Thats okay. I have learnt it is okay to have had such experiences so long as I do not allow them to define me. I *am* defined by how I have dealt with these experiences, by how I have overcome them. I am the person I am today in spite of my experiences but not because of them. Today I have the strength to be honest about my abusive childhood, it happened, it is real... it is not "who I am" I do not need to feel judged for the wrong doing of adults in my life, especially since I was just an innocent child. The more we talk... the more we can heal and help others...

I came to a point in my life where I realised that I was the one in control. I could not change the past... but I could change and take control of the future... of today. Of my behaviour, of myself. To be a survior and not a victim for the rest of my life. That is all I have ever wished for my mother, but you can not take responsiblitly for others... only for yourself.

That is when my life took a major turn for the better. I became grateful for all my good decisions. I treasured my life and my daughter, my friends, my career... MYSELF!! and things have been on the up and up ever since...

That is why my blog is full of gratitude and all the bits and pieces of my life that make me happy and even proud.

Proud to have broken the addiciton and pain that had been part of my family history for at least 3 generations I know of.

Proud for creating a better *me* and a wonderful, bright future for myself, my family and my children.

Life really is what we make it.
THAT is why I am SO grateful... and why my "not anymore" is that I no longer consider myself "unworthy" to live the life I dream of.

Oh and if you managed to get to reading this.... you deserve to know about my RAK :-)

Love and Peace
Choose Happiness...
I did.
Bx

16 comments:

Wanda said...

Oh Bek, you made such a wise choice. My huband broke the chain in his Alcoholic background, and now we have children and grandchildren that will benefit by the choice for years to come...So will your family!!! I love your post Bek!!!

Paula J Atkinson said...

Gorgeous card.
I was an abused child so I know exactly where you are coming from. I wobble sometimes & still haven't found the happiness I truly deserve, but I am MAKING my happiness from my crafting.

Siany said...

I love how youve written that simple sentence on your card but theres such a HUGE depth to its meaning. You look beautiful in that photo too! xx

Anonymous said...

Really great card!!

Marjolein said...

What a great card Becca!!! Wonderful picture, and the whole story is .... well, breathtaking!

Je@net said...

What a beautiful card and such a wise choise!
Can't find the right words in English, but gotta say I'm so proud of you!

nicole said...

Wow...totally touched by your card and your story! So awesome that you are turned things around for you and your family..you should be so very proud :)

Kirsten Michelle said...

you are such a beautiful gift to the world, bek!!!
you're amazing spirit draws me back here time and time again.
you are SO worthy...i'm SO glad you chose to believe things could be different for you!!!
love to you,
k

Anonymous said...

so proud of you for setting your own sense of self... YOU GO GIRL!!!
awesome card btw! :-)
hugs, patty :-)

Jen said...

What a truly awesome card! Your outlook is astounding!

cheri said...

Beautiful thoughts!

Anonymous said...

Oh babe, that card PERFECTLY sums up YOU :) It has been inspirational to witness your journey over the 12 years. You are a shining example of what can be achieved when you seek out your own true self, break away from others perceptions or definitions of you and get truly comfortable in your own skin.
Love you
Jodes

Anonymous said...

I was an abused child too. The cycle of goodness knows how many generations of violence and alcoholism has also stopped with us. No more of that.
Your card looks wonderful, very appealing , I especially like the autumn colours and the buttons.

Unknown said...

Love the picture of you on your card, the journaling is so heartfelt and raw your so brave for sharing it with us all.
Im so glad that you realise that you are who makes you what you are :)

Anonymous said...

Super COOL!!

Lee Weber said...

Wow- very poignantly written. You are to be congratulated on your bravery and insight! love the card too!