Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check-in: Tuesday, October 15th 2019

Hello Trauma Sub-Community!!! It is I Arianna coming back at you with another spooky Tuesday check-in! How has everyones week been? I hope you all had a fantastic week! Okay to start as a recap last week we read Shanas story to learn a bit about her, and her journey towards becoming a domestic abuse survivor! (If you have no idea what Im talking about please feel free to check out my very first check-in thread here where I explained how I personally would be setting up my threads just to bring you up to speed!) This week we will be reading Amandas story to learn a little bit about her personal journey to becoming a domestic abuse survivor! (which *hint hint* I think may include a little bit of a love story maybe... 😍🤭🤷🏻‍♀️). Now before we get started I would like to ask our main check-in question that way if you guys dont have time to sit down and read an entire story, or are not interested in this type of story content you guys can still participate in the check-in without having to read the story. I promise I am now gonna stop rambling on so we can officially get started with todays check-in!

Main Check-In Question: How are you doing today overall?

Okay now everyone get cozy, and comfy because we will be starting the storytime shortly!

Quick Little Disclaimer: While I tried my very hardest to edit all possible triggers out keep in mind these stories do come from real survivors of domestic abuse so if you feel like you may get triggered from this type of content please answer the Main Check-In Question, and then click off here for your own mental health.

Just like last time the font will temporarily turn back to normal both out of respect for the survivor who courageously shared her story, but also for your reading convenience during the story portion of this thread.

Without further ado here is Amandas Story!

I am one of those who found love after abuse.

I was married to a physically, emotionally and sexually abusive man for five years — After those long five years of tremendous abuse I decided to finally leave. In March 2010, I incorporated my safety plan and left my husband.

From March 2010 through March 2011 (while my divorce was going on), I spent A LOT of time reading books on domestic violence, reading blogs of survivors, researching information on websites like thehotline.org and also working closely with a therapist. I just read and learned everything I could about domestic violence as I knew that I wanted to one day be in a healthy relationship and not stay trapped in the cycle. I wanted to become a healthy and happy domestic violence survivor.

In April 2011, I was asked out on a date by a man that I had known from a distance. I was terrified to trust again (yes, even if it was just a little date), but I knew from all of the research that I had done that he was a good and honest man. Our first dinner date turned into a picnic and hike which turned into several more weeks of dating which lead to us becoming a couple.

Being part of a couple — in a healthy relationship — was amazing and terrifying at the same time. Amazing because I forgot how wonderful a healthy relationship was, but terrifying because I was afraid that (A) something in our relationship would cause him to turn and (B) I was afraid my ex would come after me or my boyfriend. However, through all of my healing and research, I knew that option A wasnt going to happen. And thankfully, option B didnt happen either.

Through this relationship, I learned what a real man was — real men treat you with complete respect. They are caring, gentle and kind. They love you for who you are — your likes, dislikes, goals and ideas. They will NEVER EVER hurt you physically, emotionally or sexually. And one of the most important things, especially for a domestic violence survivor, is that they are patient with you. I cant tell you how many times I had to either stop doing something, leave a place or just needed to be comforted due to some trigger from my past. A real man will be there for you, he will help you heal by showing you what real love is.

Two years later, on March 30th, 2013, I got to marry this absolutely amazing man. I have a husband that I (once) never thought existed. My marriage is wonderful, its free of abuse, or fear. Our home is a happy place, filled with love.

Finding love, or even being willing to trust someone, after being in an abusive relationship is extremely scary. I do believe that my key to finding love was allowing myself time to heal, to grieve and to learn as much as possible about abusive personalities and what healthy relationships consist of.

Im a blissful bride. And Im so thankful that I can say that I HAVE found love after abuse!

Now to finish up this check-in I have a couple of questions for you guys...

#1. What was your favorite part of this story?

And #2. How do you feel after reading this story?

Thank you so much everyone for reading this story, participating in this check-in, and taking a chance on me! I will hopefully see you guys next week!!!

- @AriannaPink

P.S. If you would like to see the full/unedited version of todays story click here just please do it at your own discretion because you will see the whole version which may trigger some.

Hi again its me Arianna! Its time once again for our special little October tradition which is featuring an adorable Halloween GIF! 🎃...

Please click here to be added or removed from the taglist…

@softmansofthands @Walterbirdri @Energeticdime @Christina @humorousBunny2602 @adventurousbranch3786 @MusicToMyHeart @ConvivialCake614 @Breakingthewall @MotherlessMother @B1ueSunset @Mashmello @Cherrylove30 @Sandi @Embarrassed27 @LocusLillie @Cookiebutter @wontwakewontsleep @Mangosteenlover @HappyMother @plumApricot8108 @Steadyhands07 @mytwistedsoul @jaceab123 @Lunargelt @LightsOnForever @Purplebutterfly67 @HopeNChayil @Norn @sazzysnail @ItsReganingRain @Fallenwarrior1996 @tidyDime1168 @jkwon @Bayoli @admaiorasemper @Marguritep7982 @Sunnyprayers @nonethewiser @convivialBike7388 @yellowStrings2432 @SpencerAnn @dynamicwinter60 @limegreenTown8201 @purpleButterfly24 @Wilde1 @Krispykitty12 @Nobadmojo @cranberrypineapples @glossyboy @NkkMckenze @Zeraphim @MrStressball @Quietone8717 @NevaehRose @Ayle @Jackie @childrenofbugs @WoodViolet @sympatheticPrune2000 @CatCrazy0430 @friendlyLake5949 @ReallyRuth @rmickelpclr @Ayla @incompl @practicalIdeal2007 @Ambrosia @CaringBrit @redmark @InvaderStitch @loyalDrum2337 @FloweringBunny @affectionateNorth4018 @ArianaMay @NancySV1 @humorousBeing8966 @dynamicHemlock1736 @No715 @brokenflutterby @FangsInsanity @Compassion21 @blinkk @stella17 @Shayc1 @Redhawk6547 @MoreThanAConqueror18 @emotionalMaple9419 @Calmlake1999 @orchard9786 @Bumblebee16 @silverIceCream21 @TheHoneyDoll @Christine1980 @Hoxenos @Lilibuth12 @resourcefulPond1641 @Zombii @singercrystalspirit @sensitiveShade5337 @Rebekahwriter13 @energeticPenny8 @AMusicalSilence @HearingYourHeart @melliotm @Jenna0903 @Morfo66 @KLM3278 @Avaray