This week, I was watching the show “Survivor”. One of the players on the show got me crying with a story that he shared regarding domestic violence. Not only did I connect with his story, but I very empathetically felt the emotions that he was sharing. It reminded me of how glad that I am getting the opportunity to rewrite my story.
Connecting With His Story
One of the players on “Survivor” shared a story about his sister. His sister was a big part of his “why” for going on the show. He felt more connected to her out on the island. He shared that his sister died rather suddenly and unexpectedly due to domestic violence. Her death came after they had gotten into a disagreement and both said things that they didn’t mean. And that he feels so much guilt about not only that, but the fact that he was her brother and he was supposed to protect her. But he couldn’t protect her from her abuser (who he referred to as that monster).
As I listened to him talk about how he felt to find out that she died at that hands of her abuser, I was taken back a few years. When I was with my ex-husband, I didn’t want anyone to know what was going on. One of my friends, built enough trust with me that I was willing to share bits of what was going on. She got me connected with someone who had similar experiences in a past relationship. I remember that day like no other-it was the day I decided I was leaving. Which came when that person looked at me and said, “How would you feel if your mom discovered you dead, because that is what is going to happen.”
Getting to Rewrite My Story
After seeing this episode of “Survivor” and crying, I started reflecting. I am so beyond grateful for many things. Getting out of a domestic violence relationship and staying out is hard and statistically unlikely. And I know that I would not have been successful without the support of wonderful friends, family, and coworkers. Thanks to these people, the monster who is my ex-husband did not get to put an end to my story. And the part that I am most grateful for is the ability to rewrite my story. He doesn’t get to own me or my story anymore. He doesn’t get to force me to do or not do anything. I am the owner of my story and I am resilient. I look forward to seeing what the rest of my story gets to be!
