Art by: Natalii

“If I could tell survivors of institutional child abuse anything it would be that none of us deserved any of it. We were innocent children that needed protection & care. The people who own & operate these programs were predators that preyed upon our basic human needs for connection & belonging. They are sick people who faked their whole existence. I know it feels like you are isolated, like no one understands you, but you are not alone & you are not crazy. Taking control of your mind & nervous system is a process you can achieve with the appropriate self regulation skills. The self hate & fear you were taught was a manipulative lie. You may feel broken, but you’re not. You are a force for greatness this world needs. You may feel completely insecure about how to speak your truth or paralyzed with fear of rejection, but those meant for you will not hurt you or reject you. I promise, the best redemption is self compassion, becoming your authentic self, & rejecting everything they told you to believe. The definition of love is: to take another as part of yourself. That you can’t hurt another without hurting yourself. Remember that in your pursuit of safe relationships & how you treat yourself. I know how painful it feels to not be able to trust your family, but sometimes in this life we have to find our own & to have boundaries with the ones we come from. Life is a journey of expansion, so don’t ever believe you are stuck, stay curious. My hope for you is that you risk it, that you open your heart, then your mouth & claim your powerful truth in the face of fear you will inevitably feel. Burn, burn away, signal to the world that you are on fire, & you will find your way.

With all the love in my heart,

Natalii”