Experiencing sexual assault feels like a death sentence. You lose your sense of worth, and suddenly interacting with others feels like an insurmountable challenge. Surviving the assault itself is hard but learning to function in a society that you are afraid to exist in seems impossible!

You are probably wondering how I know those statements to be true. Well, I am a survivor of sexual assault. I understand the obstacles faced after the assault is over: unrelenting fear, an inability to find self-worth, and living in a constant state of being triggered. While all of those things were hard, the nightmares were the worst. Each night I fell asleep praying for peace. Each night that peace eluded me as that fateful night’s events played on repeat in my mind.

I lived each day terrified and each night in a state of constant torture. Deep down, I yearned for a way out; a way to ease the deep pain I carried inside. My soul hungered for a purpose!

I found myself at a crossroads. One part of me wanted to curl up and disappear. Another part wanted to find an outlet that would help me heal. I reached the fork in the road: two choices, but only one path would lead me forward.

With this choice came many uncertainties. How do I overcome the fear, triggers, and pain? Is it possible for me to feel human again instead of like a leper? Was there a path available where I could reinvent myself to encompass who I was, who I am, and who I could become?

Could my life, full of trauma and triggers, become one of glorious triumph?

To find out those answers, you will have to read my chapter in the book! I am Crissie Ann Leonard, coauthor of In the Pursuit of Fearless Living, Pivoting from Life’s Uncertainties.

Website: https://www.crissieleonard.com/

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