Click on the above link for this painful and harrowing – also wonderful – piece from Anneke. This piece is remarkable in so many ways: for the fact that a human being – a child – can survive such depths of brutality and horror; that she can not only survive, but come through into her own shining spirit and offer her experiences for the benefit of others; her insight, compassion and wisdom:-
‘Power addicts, world leaders, and corrupt politicians who abuse children are themselves like children who never grew up, driven to power to avoid ever feeling the humiliation of child abuse again, unconsciously seeking revenge from a place of hurt by recycling the abuse. They lack the courage to heal.’
Yes, just so. Donald Trump is a classic example. Our world is crying out for those who are able to find the courage to heal. That happens not through perpetuating the cycle of abuse, power and hate, but through the extraordinary, rare and challenging journey Anneke and others make:-
‘Those of us who have suffered sexual abuse, incest or sex trafficking need to learn to harness our survival strength on our own behalf, so we can heal our damaged ego, and channel that strength to lead the way towards a future in which former victims conquer by love, understanding and compassion for all.’
It does need to be for all, however hard a road that may be to walk. It is not about weak boundaries, or accepting harmful behaviour, or suppressing anger or any other feeling – it is rather the recognition that we all have a basis in our experience for how we are in the world, and we all act out our shadow and our pain, and we are all on this rock together. If Anneke can say these words after all she has suffered, then we all have the capacity to reach into ourselves and find love, understanding and compassion.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
Thank you, Anneke. Deep gratitude and appreciation. Go well.
Palace Gate Counselling Service, Exeter
Counselling in Exeter since 1994
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