I've thought about this for a week or so since I've joined. I
want to share my story so that others know they are not alone
and to find a way to turn it into a positive.  I start with
VICTIM, because we were all victims at one time. What's
important about that, is to acknowledge this first stage, to
understand it, to face it, and to move from that place of
victimization, into the place of SURVIVOR. There are other
stages, too. I cite them in my signature. I've gone through them
all, and am stepping into the OVERCOMER stage right now.  No
matter where you are at along this continuum, if you agree with
these names/labels, you can make progress and move forward.
Likewise, you can stay where you're at as long as you need to. I
don't believe you can regress in these stages, although you can
most certainly indulge in self-destructive and sabotaging
behavior while you struggle with a part of your healing.  Please
don't do that. And, if you do hurt yourself through self
loathing anyway, please catch yourself and get