Finding this letter I had written to myself was just the reminder I needed! I have come so far. Dear Katie, You’re not broken or damaged, you are just a little bit bruised. Bruises heal. You are proof of it. You spent years going through hell with your mental illnesses, your self harming and your … Continue reading Survivor Love Letter: To My Past Self From My Current Self
Tag: brave
Welcome To Hell – Life With Mental Health Issues
I wanted to write a blog post on what it’s like to live with multiple mental health issues. Please note: could possibly trigger. Please read with caution. Welcome to hell. I was introduced to this hell as a 14 year old. I literally fought for my life though, depression, anxiety, suicide attempts etc and I … Continue reading Welcome To Hell – Life With Mental Health Issues
Speak Out: K’s Story
"Hi I’m K and I’m a sexual assault and emotional abuse survivor. There’s probably going to be a few triggers in this for both you and myself. So if you don’t want to be triggered, you don’t have to read this. I’m going to attempt to write it in chronological order. It was as my first … Continue reading Speak Out: K’s Story
Speak Out: Tiff’s Story
"I'm not really sure how to start this, but I'm going out on a whim. I'm turning 19 in a week, and I still don't feel ready to take on the world. 7 years ago now, is when the abuse ended, but some days it feels like it never has. At 12 years old, I … Continue reading Speak Out: Tiff’s Story
Speak Out: Jennifer Michele’s Story
"My name is Jennifer Michele. I tend to rarely share my 'real' story, as I don't want to tarnish anyone involved. However, I feel it's my place, as an advocate to begin to share my journey the best I can. I was sexually abused when I was very young. I didn't tell anyone because I … Continue reading Speak Out: Jennifer Michele’s Story
MHAM: Jamie’s Story
My dear friend has agreed to let me share her story with you for Mental Health Awareness Month. ************************** "I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in an area referred to as the Copper Country. I was in 6th grade when it all began. I started getting really depressed, but my dad didn't … Continue reading MHAM: Jamie’s Story
Questions and Answers About Sexual Assault
I'm kicking off Sexual Assault Awareness Month a couple days earlier. I'm going to be answering some of the questions I was asked to prepare me for my radio interview last week. Not everyone was able to listen to the interview so I thought I would post these here. How long ago was your sexual … Continue reading Questions and Answers About Sexual Assault
Radio and Empowerment
Yesterday I took a huge step in my recovery process and now I really feel like my butterfly wings are growing more and more and sprouting new colors. What an amazing experience. Today I went on local radio and talked verbally about my sexual assault for the first time. What an empowering experience. If you … Continue reading Radio and Empowerment
“If Things Don’t Get Better, I Don’t Want To Be Around.”
"If things don't get better I don't want to be around." I've heard these words a lot in my life. They are also words I've said and felt myself. That was before I knew there was sun after the storm. That the darkness doesn't last forever. In the times of my great distress I didn't … Continue reading “If Things Don’t Get Better, I Don’t Want To Be Around.”
Speak Out: Katrina’s Story
*Trigger Warning* "Growing up in a rural area, all of my friends were at least a mile away from me. There were no neighbors. I went to school forty minutes from home until high school, and then it was still twenty minutes to school. I share this because I consider the isolation to have been … Continue reading Speak Out: Katrina’s Story
Victim, Survivor, Thriver – My Letter From Susie McEntire
Last year I sent an e-mail to Susie McEntire (Yes, Reba's sister) telling her my story, and she responded. At first, I wasn't sure I wanted to share it as it's very personal, but then I thought it could help others too. Her words are in bold. Katie, thank you for sharing your blog. See comments below: … Continue reading Victim, Survivor, Thriver – My Letter From Susie McEntire
Love Letter to Myself
Dear Katie Butterfly, You are such an incredibly person. So kind and brave. You have been through a lot but you haven't let that stop you from fighting and keep moving forward. 10 years ago you were barely surviving high school. You were depressed and suicidal all the time. But some how you still decided … Continue reading Love Letter to Myself
