“ When shame is met with compassion and not received as confirmation of our guilt, we can begin to see how slant a lens it has had us looking through. That awareness lets us step back far enough to see t… Maureen Brady
“ I'm not crazy, I was abused. I'm not shy, I'm protecting myself. I'm not bitter, I'm speaking the truth. I'm not hanging onto the past, I've been damaged. I'm not delusional, I lived a nightmare. I'm… Rene Smith
“ I sometimes continue to see myself in split ways; it causes me trouble and contributes to a lack of satisfaction with myself. Maureen Brady
“ The bridge out of shame is outrage. Suddenly the obvious becomes stunningly clear—we have been carrying shame for the crime of the offender…In a clear flash we may see ourselves standing in a fierce s… Maureen Brady
“ Because we were treated neglectfully and abusively in our young years—when we most needed self-love to be mirrored—it was difficult to hold onto…We take up the challenge of learning to love ourselves,… Maureen Brady
“ As we move away from the old role in which we were helplessly entrapped as a victim, we make friends with the people who affirm us. Their enthusiasm about us mirrors the positive experience we are hav… Maureen Brady
“ Everyone heals in their own time and in their own way. The path isn't always a straight line, and you don't need to go it alone. Zeke Thomas
“ Bruised, beaten, shaken, weakened, tossed, thrown, lost, alone, heard, helped, healed, hope... it still works. N'Zuri Za Austin
“ You’re too sensitive’ victims of sexual abuse are told over and over by those whose reality depends on being insensitive. Most adults who have been in the victim role cringe when anyone tells them the… Renee Fredrickson
