My soul was filled.
My burden lifted.
My life forever changed.
I have the desire to remember every detail:
…the smiles on the faces of my friends
…their laughter that brought light to my soul
…my intense heartbreak at their stories
…the lifelong connection
…the learning and knowledge I received
…the details about the trauma brain
…the tools of change that were presented
…the strength in knowing I can
…the beauty, both inside and out
…the sound of the foyer fountain
…the glare of the white snow
…the peace that every wall and window provided
I asked myself 3 questions on my flight home:
What I Learned?
What I Felt?
What to Share?
These are my rapid-fire, heart felt answers…
I Learned:
• that I am truly worthy of healing
• that I have the strength to change my neuropathways and give goodness a voice
• that I can look for the peace and safety in the walls of the temple. I can find safe shelter there
• of the ability to teach my brain and body to slow down and connect
• that I can learn and practice new tools
• that knowing I need to do more work is ok and will lead to healthy healing
• that sharing is caring
• about the power of inner peace, what that looks like and what that sounds like from the examples of The Haven Retreat Staff Members. They were walking angels.
• that mountains are climbed step by step and no step is too small
• I am worth of sharing my story
• I deserve a safe sisterhood
• that I deserve to feel strong and empowered
• to be grateful for the hard
• to be brave in my gratitude
I Felt:
• the healing power of God
• like I was surrounded by sacred, holy walls that were created specifically for safety and healing
• I have finally given myself permission to bring my body and spirit together to heal
• loved and cherished and cared for
• peace in my soul
• true gratitude for what my story has taught me
• spiritual and soul-esc strength
• the shackles of Shame lifted
• honored to be a survivor
• guided by myself and by God
• heard and understood
• accepted where I am today
• gratitude for each wall sconce, art piece, stair, chair, pillow, window sill -- every solid piece of home in which we participated in The Haven Retreat
I Can Share:
• the power of mindfulness
• the tools of grounding to help with anxiety
• the power of connection and engage in it's healing power
• empowerment
• my love with others
• my light and healing tools
• the feeling of peace
There is more, so much more -- but I give myself permission to add onto this list at any moment of any day.
One of the final messages I received was this:
What a miracle these four days were for me.
I have been changed for good.
If your life story includes the devastating experience of childhood sexual abuse, The Haven Retreat would be a great place to either begin or continue your journey to personal healing.
You can find more information about this incredible opportunity at: https://youniquefoundation.org/the-haven-retreat/
