When we share our stories, we signal to other women that their stories matter too. I was taught that when sharing my story, I could focus on what my life was like before recovery, what happened to bring me into recovery, and what life is like now.
Nowadays, when I share about my recovery, I tend to focus more on my life today because I quite love it, but I also know the power of sharing how far I have come. Regardless of which phase of my life and recovery I am talking about, I always own and share the gritty pieces along with the pretty pieces.
Although I'm sensitive about describing them so as not to trigger others, I don't shy away from acknowledging the darkest, ickiest bits of my story. I've come to learn that the things I was most hesitant to speak about eventually lost their charge as I brought them out into the light.
Other women need to know that can be true for them too. The chapters of my story are illustrated with both harm and happiness.
I honor both.