What doesn't kill you...

1. 69

   AshtonFireflyposted 13 years ago

   ...does it really make you stronger? or does it destroy you?
   
   What do you think?
   
   Does trauma, abuse, etc. cause us to be better or does it leave permanent damage?

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2. 60

   Jonathan Jancoposted 13 years ago

   It does both. There is always a price to pay for progress. It depends on what you allow. As a survivor of child abuse, I can honestly say that it is thanks to that that I am a devout pacifist and a compassionate soul who will always turn away from aggression. However, hatred and anger linger in me to this day despite every effort I've made to overcome it.

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   1. 69

      AshtonFireflyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your response. I'm very sorry you suffered through child abuse. I can relate to your feelings strongly and agree that it can cause both negative and positive things in our lives. I too find myself struggling with scars that seem to never go away 

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      1. 60

         Jonathan Jancoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Just keep working on the healing process. No one is perfect and everyone needs time to overcome that which they need to. It all started to come around for me when I realized it is much more rewarding to forgive than to not. But 9 out of 10 times I still give in to anger and contempt because I need to know if I've overcome what has hurt me and I guess I havent yet.

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3. 73

   WryLiltposted 13 years ago

   I thought I was fine twenty three years after my mother tried to kill me. Turned out that depression I'd been randomly suffering for "unrelated reasons" was more likely linked to recently diagnosed PTSD.
   
   I think whether you know it or not, some things stay with you.

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   1. 69

      AshtonFireflyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      You are right, some things don't show up until later in our lives.
      I'm sorry you went through such a traumatic situation I hope you are feeling better and healing from this...

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4. 69

   Shanna11posted 13 years ago

   I think it does- but pretty much what the others have said here is the same as what I'm going to say.
   
   My stories aren't as horrible, but I was bullied in high school, and I still struggle with the insecurity and fear of judgement that their bullying caused, but it has made me stronger. I will never, ever let myself be bullied again without breaking their nose in the process.

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   1. 60

      Jonathan Jancoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I wouldnt advise resorting to violence Shanna. It feeds the bullies. They like being retaliated upon because it justifies their behavoir.

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      1. 69

         AshtonFireflyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I agree to an extent...but...in some cases it might be advisable to defend oneself physically...I guess it would depend on the situation...

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      2. 69

         Shanna11posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Hahah, honestly I would never resort to violence. I'd probably apologize to the person for even thinking about harming them...

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   2. 60

      Jonathan Jancoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I agree. Violent, angry thoughts can be felt, too. Atleast my personal experiences have implied this.

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5. 78

   Shadesbreathposted 13 years ago

   It all depends on whether it breaks you or not. Depends on what you call "damage."
   
   Technically a sword is made from broken iron, broken limestone, and decimated wood. You could even include broken skin and muscle cells on the part of the blacksmith who forges it.
   
   Yes, that's optimistic. But, it's true. We either rise above or break. I see no value in encouraging breaking.

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