Daily Inspirational - A Joyful Way.

''You're a survivor because everyday you make a choice not to be governed by their harsh words or actions. No one has the right to take away your happiness.”  Assunta Harris 

One of the consequences of abuse is the loss of joy. You may try to conceal your agony by hiding your anguish from your family and friends. Eventually, some people will notice that something is not quite right about your relationship or marriage. Members of your family are likely to ask questions and you have to come up with a cover up story, however deep down you struggle with acknowledging that the relationship is either dead or crumbling. 

You are hoping for a change and praying one day the abuse will stop or one day the women will get married or the men will get married. In the process of hoping, your abuser is having fun and experiencing pleasure at your expense. It is sad to know your abuser takes pleasure in your pain and suffering, watching your joy fade away slowly is unimaginable especially from the one you loved and trusted with all your heart. Living a deceitful life, giving false impressions for unsuspecting observers with the help of collaborating enablers.

Joy is the fruit of the spirit. We are called to live a joyful life; unfortunately abuse is distressing and can absolutely diminish the spark and thrill of enjoying your life. 

What use is a life absent of joy? To become accustomed to pressure, frustration, humiliation and feeling like your strength is draining.  My way to recovery was by observation; observing my abuser, he would smile when am feeling down and laugh when I cried. It was his way of feeling powerful, claiming he is Lord. I realized it was not worth it; your joy is a gift from God nobody should play God over your life. 

There may be no change, but the way to health and recovery is staying joyful, so maintain it. Live the opposite of what you experienced. 

Replace the abandonment with learning to cherish yourself, replace the walking out on you with support from those who care. Finally 

replace any form of sadness with joy. 

Make up your mind to live a jubilant joyous abuse free life. 

culled from pastoranita.org.