Be kind to yourself

Battered Wives have something in common.  We are all multi taskers.  We juggle a lot.  It takes enormous effort to keep everything looking normal to outsiders.  We tip toe on egg shells trying to avoid our partners.  One false move and we're going to get it.  It is exhausting. 

Is this how you feel today?  Are you exhausted? 

I want you to do just one act of kindness for yourself.  It can be going to the library find a great book to read.  It can be a bubble bath.  It can be painting your nails.  It can be going for a walk.  It doesn't matter what the activity is, just do it for yourself.  One thing every day.  It doesn't have to take long.  If all you have is five minutes a day for yourself, that's OK.  You make those five minutes count.  It's just for you and it's your little secret.

We lose who we are when we are living the nightmare of domestic violence.  I know I lost myself and it took years to find myself again.  I was so used to being told what to do and when to do it that I lost the inner voice that used to tell me what my dreams and goals are.

By doing a simple little thing for yourself every day will help save you from becoming totally lost. Use those minutes to clear your mind.  Try not to think about what's bothering you.  Just let it go for a little while.  Be still and listen out for your own inner voice.  She has so much to tell you.

I know you are doing the best you can.  I am praying for you.

Love, Abigail

Hope

"Things won't always be this bad."

If you had told me this 17 years ago, I wouldn't have believed you.  While I was living the nightmare, it felt like everything was going to be difficult and sad forever.  I didn't see how it could ever end unless I was dead.

I had just had a baby and my ex husband had just discovered Crystal Meth.  He was using every night to stay awake working a night shift and coming home in the foulest mood you've ever seen.  It didn't matter what I said or did, it was wrong.  When he wasn't high off that nasty stuff, he was drinking excessively.  He was violent, very violent.  I wanted out but he put a loaded shot gun to my head and made it clear that he would blow my head off if I ever left him.

Is this where you are right now?  Do you want to leave but it is too dangerous?  Reach out for help.  Just talk to someone.  There is hope.  It's not easy, but miracles are waiting for you.  Your life doesn't always have to be the way it is right now.  Don't stop believing that this too shall pass. 

Maybe he has taken away your power.  Maybe he has robbed you of your security.  Maybe he has damaged your faith.  Maybe he has smashed your self esteem.  BUT DO NOT LET HIM TAKE AWAY YOUR HOPE!  That is yours, and he cannot have it.

Love,
Abigail

The National Domestic Violence Hot Line

1 800 799 SAFE (7233)

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you have been blessed to live a life without violence, please support your local Women's Shelter.  In these hard economic times, these nonprofit organizations need your help.