How to Overcome Abuse

If you've found this blog, chances are you're going through something, or, have gone through something that nobody should ever have to go through.  I honor and respect your courage for having the guts to look for a solution instead of staying in despair.

Once again, good for you for looking for a solution.

I've taught martial arts for decades, and I've seen many people who were the victims of various forms of abuse become powerful. Not just physically, but emotionally as well. It is an excellent conduit for self empowerment.

I'd talk to a few martial arts schools, ask them what they teach, and get a feel for your instructor. If you like who they are, what they stand for, and feel that you can learn from them, try out a few classes. Let them know you're scared, and they should ease you into it.

Firemen are scared of fire, but they still go into burning buildings to help people. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.

In addition, I'd recommend a few resources to read to get you on the right path.

The first is a relationship program.

"Why do I need a relationship program?  I don't even want a relationship!"

I know.

The relationship program I'm recommending It is filled with a true wealth of information on understanding our own psyches, motivations and self imposed limitations. It shows us how to understand where we are (and with that clarity, how to change)

The second is a fantastic book on self improvement, which breaks the process of building the self into bite sized pieces.

The last is a (expensive) collection called personal power, which has changed millions of lives for the better. Tony's a heck of a guy.

Taking the martial arts will give you the foundation to grow, and the tools I've linked to will plant the right seeds.

Be patient with yourself, celebrate taking action over any perceived results (positive, or negative) - always focus on the journey. Where are you: Today? Stronger than you were yesterday :)

Once again, I respect you seeking answers, seeking positive solutions.  There are positive role models out there.  Mitra Castano, for example, is a woman I've had the privilege of interviewing who has overcome childhood abuse.  Oprah, would be another, classic example.

You have the ember.  Take action, turn it into a flame of personal power, and become someone even more truly amazing than you already are.