Hand-Me-Downs

A Message for Survivors

Dear Survivors,

There’s a few things you should know…

What happened to you WAS/IS NOT YOUR FAULT - it is THEIR fault.

How the abuse affected you IS NOT YOUR FAULT. It is THEIR fault.

What was done and said to you WAS NOT YOUR FAULT. It is THEIR fault.

The thoughts you think every day as a result of the abuse ARE NOT YOUR FAULT. It is THEIR fault.

The things they made you do ARE NOT YOUR FAULT. It is THEIR fault.

You were made to do horrible things by cowards who pick on children and people they considered ‘weak’.

But guess fucking what?

YOU SURVIVED.

THEY LEFT YOU FOR DEAD AND YOU SURVIVED.

They HATE this about you.

They underestimated you.

They thought you’d forget AND YOU REMEMBERED.

They thought you’d stay silent AND YOU USED YOUR VOICE.

They thought they could keep pushing you around AND YOU STOOD UP TO THEM.

They thought they could hold you captive you AND YOU BROKE FREE.

They thought you were their weapon AND NOW YOU’RE THE WEAPON POINTED BACK AT THEM.

They thought you’d pass on the abuse onto the next generation AND YOU SAID, “NO. IT STOPS HERE.”

What happened to you WAS NOT YOUR FAULT. What they did to you WAS NOT YOUR FAULT. How it affected you IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

It’s THEIR fault for underestimating you.

Because YOU?

YOU’RE A SURVIVOR.

YOU’RE A M’FN BAD@SS!

Take that shame off and throw it on the ground.

They gave it to you that shame to wear so you’d get comfy in it and forget it was there.

So, take it off straight up throw it. Slam it on the ground. Put some muscle into it.

Shame is NOT your outfit - it’s a wrinkled, old, hand-me-down.

Take it off.

Throw it away.

I know it’s comfy because it’s been passed down over and over again.

But it’s worn and tattered and wasn’t yours to begin with.

It’s time for a new outfit.

A new wardrobe!

It’s time to try on some joy, happiness, confidence, laughter, healing, and peace.

These are your NEW hand-me-downs.

Wear them until they are worn-in and comfy and pass them on.

What happened to you is NOT your fault.

What you pass down to the next generation is.

Now, lets go shopping.

I love all you warriors beyond measure!

Until next time, Dear Reader…

Love always,

Emma Katherine