RECOVERING FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Menu

blog

Painful Holidays

7/4/2019

0 Comments

 
Holiday Triggers
Another 4th of July. Another painful weekend. For me, in addition to July 4th, I find Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons painful. 

It's been 12 years since I separated from my abuser. It occurs to me that he's not bothered by the painful memories at all. Nope. Chances are if he does think about July 4th holidays that we were together, he probably remembers them as great times. It's truly shocking that the pain my abuser put me through can still impact my world so many years later.

Long term impacts of domestic violence - painful memories

I hate to admit defeat, but I think that is how I will handle this painful holiday. Here is another July 4th weekend and I am avoiding the world. I see too many firework vendors in parking lots if I drive anywhere. I see too many red, white, and blue outfits if I venture into the grocery store. It's hard to find anyone to call; the few people I would turn to are busy enjoying family gatherings. It's painful enough trying to fight off painful reminders of the past; it's also hard when envy overtakes me when I listen to other people's ability to enjoy this great weekend. 

During previous July 4th weekends I have kept busy by painting a room in my house or by working on a project in the yard. Some years, trying to spend the time doing something that improves my living space has been a productive way to counter the pain. Some years, like this year, I am remaining indoors and waiting for the weekend to end. 

Holiday Reminders are Painful

What I do know is that trying to enjoy the holiday is too painful. I can't possibly continue with traditions from when I was with my abuser for the benefit of the children. I tried that for a few years thinking that was the best thing for them - keep their world stable as possible. It was and remains too painful to try to give them that. 

It is discouraging to realize that I may never enjoy another July 4th weekend. As each year passes, I start accepting my limitations further. I am starting to embrace the fact that sometimes it is okay to do what is easiest for me to do. I have to listen and respect my triggers. Not respecting them often brings me anxiety. Learning how to work around them, including avoidance, may not bring me happiness but often spares me anxiety and pain. 

I believe it is okay to put plans in place to minimize my triggers. The less I open myself up to anxious situations, the better I feel. 

Blessings to All,

​Sue
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Hi, I'm Sue

    Author Sue Parisher
    Welcome to my blog! I served twenty-one honorable years on active duty, living a double life of capability and accomplishment in the service while enduring brutality and abusiveness in my twenty-one year oppressive marriage. Today I'm happily married and have three children who are my inspiration and motivation.

    My goal is to help combat the lies of abusers with the truth of God. I hope you find my words to be healing and helpful through your own life experiences.
    More About Sue

    Subscribe

    * indicates required
    Picture

    Sue's Story

    Being separated from my abusive husband didn't make me a domestic violence survivor. It surely didn't release me from the grip of his brainwashing control and the innate power he had on me.

    Read the full raw story in my new book, Rock Bottom and Faithless.
    Order on Amazon
    Rock Bottom and Faithless: Defeating the Lies of Domestic Abuse with God's Truth

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Anxiety From Domestic Violence
    Emotional Abuse
    How To Deal With Domestic Violence
    How To Get Over An Abusive Relationship
    Importance Of Faith In Domestic Violence Recovery
    Transforming From Domestic Violence Victim To Survivor
    Triggers After Abuse
    What To Expect After Leaving An Abusive Relationship

    Archives

    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." GENESIS 50:20 NIV

Rock Bottom and Faithless

Available Now
Order Amazon
Order Barnes & Noble
Rock Bottom and Faithless: Defeating the Lies of Domestic Abuse with God's Truth
  • Home
  • About
    • Site Map
  • Rock Bottom and Faithless
  • Resources
    • Deflating my Triggers
    • Overwhelming Anxiety
    • Tackling Depression after Leaving
    • Book Resources
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
    • Site Map
  • Rock Bottom and Faithless
  • Resources
    • Deflating my Triggers
    • Overwhelming Anxiety
    • Tackling Depression after Leaving
    • Book Resources
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Contact