Newsletter & Life Update

 

 Hey there, friends!

I’m so excited about the next edition of my newsletter which has already gone out to all you wonderful subscribers!

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Life Update!

For those of you who may not know, I’m a survivor of family violence. 

It’s not something I often talk about, but I’ve come to realize that speaking openly about it can help break down the stigma that so many survivors face. We often hear the phrase “survivor,” but the reality is that healing doesn’t happen overnight.

There’s this common belief that survivors should just “move on” or “get over it,” but healing from such trauma is a process and not something that happens overnight.

Being a victim/survivor is complicated and complex in its own right.

For the most part, I am still very much a victim in many ways, and that’s okay. I’ve come to understand that “survivor” doesn’t mean you’re completely healed or immune to the realities of trauma. There are legal battles, emotional wounds, psychological scars, and the deep, lingering effects of trauma that you carry with you long after the event itself. But here’s the thing: I’m learning every day that all of these layers are part of the journey. They don’t define who I am, but they shape how I move forward.

Healing isn’t just about getting through the worst of it, it’s about facing the emotional weight, the psychological toll, and even the legal hurdles that are often part of this painful journey. It's about learning how to live with the trauma while also finding ways to rise above it. It’s an ongoing process, and some days are harder than others.

I used to think that the weight of my past defined me, but over time, I’ve learned that it’s not the hardships we face, but how we rise from them that truly shapes who we are. The journey from surviving to thriving is a constant one, filled with little victories and setbacks.

For the most part, I am still very much a victim in many ways, as the scars of my experience are still so recent. While I may carry that label, it doesn’t define my future. Every day, I’m learning how to navigate life after trauma, and I’m learning that it’s okay to still be in that space. It doesn’t mean I won’t heal, but it does mean I’m still growing, still processing, and still finding my way through it.

Healing is a process, not a destination. Even though it’s ongoing, I know that taking one step at a time is all I can do right now. There’s no shame in being where I am, and I’ve learned to honor each moment, the good, the bad, and everything in between.

While I’m still processing and working through everything, I’ve found strength in the little things: the quiet moments, the creative process, and the people who support me along the way. Healing isn’t a straight line, and that’s okay. We’re all just doing our best, one step at a time.

Let’s continue breaking down barriers and opening up spaces for healing and understanding, together!

Chris ♥