I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor.
Abused and beaten down
But I lifted myself up
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor.
Addicted and dying fast
But I gave that up
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
Sexualized and demoralized
But I held my head up
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
Raped and left in pieces
But I built myself up
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
Abandoned and Shunned
But I raised my eyes up
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
Kicked down and Ridiculed
But I got back up
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
Lied to and Disregarded
But I brought truth up
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
Because every day
I choose to be me
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
Because I’m done
Making excuses
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
Because I’m still here
When others are not
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
I’m not a victim, I’m a survivor
What
are
you?
The meaning behind the poem:
I had a rather eye opening breakthrough in therapy recently and it was like a huge weight lifted. You see, I’m a trauma survivor. My abuser was my ex-husband. The abuse lasted for about 10 years (age 15 to 25). It’s a part of my life that has haunted me for a decade.
It has taken me nearly 10 years to realize that I am not a victim, I am a survivor. That may seem like something quite obvious to the average human, but to me, I gave myself the victim narrative and ran with that.
I looked for people to help save me. That was until I finally quit drinking, stopped trying to constantly run away or distract myself and started looking inward. I discovered that I already had everything in me already to save myself, I just needed to put in the work and give myself a fighting chance.
I hope this brings someone strength and understanding today. You are not alone in the struggles you face and the feelings you feel. You are worthy of finding a solution to your struggle. If you need someone to talk to, send me a DM and I’d be happy to share resources.