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Eleven years ago, my life changed dramatically. A young man entered my home uninvited and sexually assaulted me. As most rape victims do, I withdrew from reality, and I failed to report the assault.
I tried to deal with the experience alone; however, it snowballed beyond control as this individual continued to harass and blackmail me before I finally snapped. I suffered the consequences of that fateful night. I lost my job, my house, my reputation. But I never lost the support of my family and friends. No one turned their back on me. However, when it comes to relationships with men, my past is the first thing they use against me as justification for their abuse. It has made it difficult for me to trust others today, but I'm learning.
Today, I am a person of resilience and strength. I believe in maintaining a positive outlook in life no matter what negative aspects cross your path to healing. I've come to understand that things happen for a reason. We may not know it at the onset, but as you grow from those experiences, you get the "ah-ha" moment.
I am thankful for my family and friends who have remained supportive. Without them, the healing process would've been impossible.