This is just something that I wrote to encourage all survivors out there who are healing from their past.  These are things I believe in and I try to follow them and incorporate them into my daily life.  I hope that this creed may help other Survivors as they continue to rebuild their lives and keep fighting and surviving on life's battlefield to overcome obstacles and rise above the past.

Survivor's Healing Creed by Jenna Kandyce Linch

I believe that the past made me the strong person I am today.

I believe that it is more than okay to release my feelings and emotions.

I believe crying is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.

I believe age has no part to play in making a difference because one is never too old and never too young to change the world.

I believe it's normal to feel anger from the abuse I suffered, but I must control the anger and not let it control me.

I believe that I don't have to repeat the history of my abusers but I have the power in me to break the cycle, refusing to be like them.

I believe my scars are a beautiful testimony of my survival.

I believe that the after effects left behind are challenges in my life I must fight to overcome but that doesn't mean I am a victim.

I believe in a life after abuse for it's never too late to get the life I've always wanted when life gives me a second chance.

I believe that I will never forget what I went through but it is my choice whether I choose to forgive those who hurt me.

I believe there's no right or wrong way to heal and I'm the only one who knows what will help me to heal.

I believe it is important to surround myself with positive people so I can continue to grow as a person.

I believe that my self perspective is what allows me to transform from the victim of yesterday into the survivor of today.

I believe it's important to love myself so that I learn to accept myself and can reach out to others even more, showing them love.

I believe that risks and chances are worth taking, otherwise I'll never know what I could be or where my life could go.

I believe every opportunity I get in life I should seize because once those moments pass by, I can't get them back.

I believe that just because I've been in an abusive relationship or marriage before doesn't mean I won't find real, true love eventually.

I believe it isn't right or fair to compare my story with someone else's because everyone's story is different and since I wasn't there I have no right to judge them or tell them I had it worse.

I believe that when I write or tell my story, it doesn't mean I am dwelling on the past but means I'm expressing feelings I kept locked inside for years.

I believe I should never use my experiences as a way to gain pity and sympathy but use it as something positive to give others hope and show the world how strong survivors are.

I believe that my story is just as important as anyone else's.

I believe it doesn't matter how long I endured abuse, I still feel the pain from it was greatly affected by it.

I believe helping others shouldn't be a competition because it isn't about who does the most work; it's about who cares enough to make self sacrifices to help save lives, doing it not for popularity or fame but because they have a desire and passion to do so.

I believe people shouldn't feel sorry or pity me for what I went through but be happy for me that I have lived and survived to tell my story.

I believe that not every survivor is ready to share their story with the world but for those of us who are, we should be a voice for them.

I believe older survivors shouldn't act superior to the younger ones; instead they should help them so in return they will be prepared to lead the next generation.

I believe that no matter our age or our backgrounds, we can all learn from one another.

I believe it takes teamwork to spread awareness, prevent abuse, and make this world a better place.

I believe my inner child needs to be nurtured, loved, and cared for.

I believe every story deserves to be told and every voice deserves to be heard.

I believe that while the early chapters of my life have all ready been written, I can write new pages for a better sequel.

I believe that even though I grew up in a broken home and came from a rough background, it doesn't mean I can't have a happily ever after in life.

I believe dreams and goals are important to have because they give me something to live for, providing me with hope to keep holding on.

I believe lessons I've learned from the past are stepping stones to creating a brighter future since I know what not to do.

I believe the healing process takes one day at a time, one step at a time and should not be rushed.

I believe the most precious gifts to give other survivors and victims are love, compassion, care, understanding, hope, faith, encouragement, inspiration, motivation, and happiness.

I believe that we can all be leaders if we are willing to step up and speak out.

I believe survivors are the most beautiful people there are who have so much courage, strength and determination inside them.

I believe that I am defined by who I am today and shouldn't be judged on who I was in my past.

I believe that every voice matters!

I believe that we can pick up where the leaders of the past left off and continue to follow their vision as we work to carry out our own missions and purposes in life.

I believe that when I believe in myself, I can achieve anything.


'Survivor's Healing Creed' Copyright © Jenna Kandyce Linch