WOMAN, DETERMINED
Creative Works & Advocacy
Tag: psychological abuse
Because of Your Sensibilities
Some people will treat you as if your sensibilities are a vulnerability, a habitual liability, because then it’s easier for them to begrudge and ignore your strengths. You can’t please them. You also don’t have meet their skewed and unrealistic expectations. Just do you,… Continue Reading “Because of Your Sensibilities”
You Could Call It a “Mystery” Book
It’s never happened to me with a book before. (Movies, though, more times than I can count.) I bought this one in May while on vacation but only recently started reading. It’s 482 pages. Published in 2016. The plot was all brand new until… Continue Reading “You Could Call It a “Mystery” Book”
Tattered Hearts and Their Repairers
My best friend collects heart-shaped rocks. I’m not sure you would believe the sheer amount and variety her devotion has rendered. It’s impressive, and makes one want to start their own collection. She gave me this one. Can you guess why by the visual?… Continue Reading “Tattered Hearts and Their Repairers”
“Am I Being Annoying? Do They Hate Me?” | No, It’s a Trauma Response
I gave this pep talk to my kid this morning, and it just occurred to me that you might need to hear it, too. (I’ve tweaked it some, since you’re probably not an almost-17yo dude. But I watched as enlightenment crossed his face, and… Continue Reading ““Am I Being Annoying? Do They Hate Me?” | No, It’s a Trauma Response”
Why I’m More Likely to Believe Amber
I see many women taking pleasure in bashing Amber Heard and praising Johnny Depp without understanding there is an emotional + psychological tactic in domestic and intimate partner abuse that is literally called “crazy making,” wherein the abuser convinces the victim and select outsiders,… Continue Reading “Why I’m More Likely to Believe Amber”
Trans Youth Affirmation is Not Abuse
Every American politician who’s currently trying to take away transgender rights, with special vitriol aimed at our youth, needs to sit face-to-face with a well educated mom who affirms her trans kid. Let them try to look in her eyes, on her turf, maybe… Continue Reading “Trans Youth Affirmation is Not Abuse”
Here’s How to Level Up in the Challenge of Healing
In no particular order, at no particular pace. Each realization gives you a boost. Some of them are serial. > identify a red flag> recognize someone’s manipulation> assert a boundary> speak up> break the habit of automatically saying “I’m sorry”> let someone have the… Continue Reading “Here’s How to Level Up in the Challenge of Healing”
A Note to Single Mamas
Single Mama, I see you. I’ve *been* you for 10 years. I know how hard it is to do things on your own. Lean into it. Through the overwhelm and challenge comes your strength and empowerment. Through the worry over your kids, and staying… Continue Reading “A Note to Single Mamas”
Janna’s SAGE Podcast Appearance
A few weeks ago I was invited to the SAGE Community podcast show. Founder Erin and I talked about what abuse looks like, how survivors need to tackle their healing with patience, some special tools that help, and more. It was really, really good.… Continue Reading “Janna’s SAGE Podcast Appearance”
Abuse Isn’t Always Physical
“At least he doesn’t hit me.” Raise your hand if ever that was part of your inner monologue. Physical abuse is the easiest to see and prove. That’s why some abusers avoid it, and choose — yes, CHOOSE — the “quiet” and “subtle” abuses.… Continue Reading “Abuse Isn’t Always Physical”
WOMAN, DETERMINED 