I was actually working on this one to give myself a break from all the pink in the holiday kit, and also because I really wanted to get it done before Nov. 1, since October was National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. Well, no mind, I guess the thought still counts...right?
I am a survivor of domestic abuse
I didn't let him do it for very long, and I don't recommend getting out of it the way I did to everybody, but it shouldn't have happened at all.
I am also the daughter, niece, cousin, sister-in-law, and best friend of survivors if that gives you any idea how widespread this really is.
Anyway, here is my kit, dedicated to all of us who have survived and to all of you who are still living in fear. It is my wish for all of us to live A Fearless Life. I tried not to pigeonhole it too much, so it can be used for any occasion where courage has been shown.
If it is in your means to do so, consider making a donation to your local battered women's shelter, or help someone move out of a home where an abuser lives, or buy someone a secret cellphone, or whatever. There are a thousand ways to help. Even if the victim isn't ready to run (or fight back), you can help her stay safe-er in the meantime.
Here is a layout with my story, using the kit:
And here is a gorgeous layout by Angie F. that she sent me for the Addon Challenge, using the Winternight kit:
Have a great night!
19 comments:
Thank you! The DigiFree freebie search engine is about to list this blog post at digifree.blogspot.com
A wonderful kit - thank you. I am glad that you had the strength to get out and hope that many more are able to find it in themselves to do so. It is a hard thing to do and awareness is one way of putting the message out there that they can do it.
I am very impressed with this kit and your story! You were brave to live through it and to share it with others. You have inspired me to find a shelter to donate to. It must be a terrible, frightening way to live, for women and their children. Thanks for bringing attention to it.
No woman, or child should have to live that way. Kudos to you dear Grumble from someone who is from an era when children were to be seen and not heard. One little sound out of an innocent mouth got me slapped,punched, or worse. It's not JUST men that are abusers, many sad, hurt, angry women are too. If you are a woman who has lost her husband, no matter how, divorce, death, whatever, please, please get counseling for yourself AND for your children. Remember that children learn what they live.
It takes a strong person to break a pattern of abuse, and many do not know how, or have help in doing so. I was smart enough to run hard and fast away. I was only 17 then, but knew I didn't want to be the brunt of someone elses angst. I met and later married my husband who helped me break that pattern through love and patience.
Thank you Grumble, this is a wonderful kit.
Congratulations on standing up for yourself and coming out on top. Your experience has made you beautiful on the inside on top of on the outside. This beauty is clearly seen in your work.
I am a newbie in scrapping and am just taking inspiration from other's creation and you have definitely inspired me. Thank you for this wonderful kit and the lesson attached to it.
Thanks so much & no matter how you did it good for you to get out of that situation. Hopefully you can teach your child that no one should have to live in fear of anything & especially not the person they love.
thank you... my heart stopped for a second when I noticed the motivation for this kit. I spent 5 years in a bad relationship. I met him in high school and almost married him. Chalk it up to absent father syndrome... anyway, I was finally able to see the reality of my life, thanks to a few great friends (one of whom is now my husband). I had spent so many years making excuses for my fiance, that I had convinced myself that there was no problem. Those closest to me did not even realize how serious the problem was.
I learned three important things from this:
1- I am strong. I am worthy. I am Lovable!
2- Although there are no excuses for bad decisions, it is important to understand the motivations behind them, so that we can deal with the REAL issues, accept accountablity for our bad decisions, and avoid making more bad decisions.
3- It happened, it is over and I am in a better place. Of course I would not choose to relive on minute of my personal hell, I also would not take the opportunity to erase it. I am who I am because of it. And I stumbled down a path I never would have come across if I had not been as lost as I was. I have a fabulous life today. I may have not found my way here, if it had not been for where I had been! For that I am grateful. Sounds weird to be grateful... but I truly am.
"Find Yourself" by Brad Paisley, Disney's Cars Soundtrack, is the perfect song for survivors who have found this same lesson.
THANK YOU for speaking for us all withthis kit! And congrats for your courage and survival.
Thank you for sharing your kit and your story
thank you for the gorgeous kit, and your bringing this subject out into the day light :)
It's really sad when someone ends up in a relationship of that kind because it not only affects the person but everyone around and that usually means kids. You never know whether things will improve coming out or whether it would be worse, and it makes really difficult to get a clear view of things going on. :(
It's great that you actually managed to get out, and it was unlucky that it ended up the way you say, but you should be proud that things ended and you're now free. Enjoy the freedom regardless of what happened, only you now knows what was going on, what it was to be there and how it felt. If you haven't been in that kind of relationship you can only imagine, but not fully understand what is like to be there.
Congratulations for it. :)
Thanks so much for the kit, it's great and best wishes. :O)
i once posted about courage in my blog...
http://delisyusness.blogspot.com/2005/08/touched-by-angel.html
anyway... your loved ones must be so proud at how courage has kept you able to enjoy life and give of yourself :)
Thanks so much, what a great cause to bring to light It will be frsh in my mind yhe many things I can do.
Thank you so much - it's brave of you to take on this subject and come to terms with it. I wish you all the luck in the world xx
this is beautiful! thank you so much! my aunt and cousin are survivors! thanks for sharing your story. good for you for being brave enough to handle things, no matter the outcome!
atta girl! for being a survivor.
thanks for this wonderful and meaningful kit. :)
thank you for sharing your story and your talent. women were created to be loved not abused, ayt?
Oh, wow, Girl, I'm so glad you're out of the abusive situation, too! Your layout tells your story beautifully...
And hey, thanks for the awesome kit, too!
i posted the LO I created from your wonderful post here http://www.ruyandolivia.com
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this kit.
It means so much that you created and share this kit that holds alot of meaning and importance to alot, too many women out there suffer so.
i will treasure this kit, and will remember those in need while creating using this kit.
I myself am in a domestic abuse situation.
I am so lost on what to do, cant even think straight.
I know you understand what im going through.
Hugs
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