Please be aware, before reading further, in this post we talk about violence, rape, and abuse.
There is a survivor inside all of us …
but many of us don’t need to tap into those reserves on a regular basis. Unfortunately, our guest, Madeleine Black has had to tap into every reserve she has. However, despite dangerous, violent, and damaging experiences in her early teens, Madeleine has become a thriver. She joins The brave Files host, Heather Vickery, to share her journey from bitterness and anger to a place of self-empowerment and resilience.
In brave defiance of the “victim mentality,” Madeleine’s own journey led her to ultimately forgive her offenders. Forgiveness, as Madeleine shares, is not about the person being forgiven – it’s all about the release of anger and hurt that we build up which keeps us from living the healthiest life possible. Forgiveness is about self-love. Madeleine shares her process for forgiveness, what forgiveness means to her and ultimately, the impact it’s had on her.
Slaying The Emotional Beast Within
Choosing to slay the emotional beast within, Madeleine wrote a best selling book about her journey. Unbroken: One Woman’s Journey to Rebuild a Life Shattered by Violence. A True Story of Survival and Hope.
Madeleine has refused to allow her past to define her future. And, she reminds us that this is our one and only life. We get to write our own story and you have the power to write it in pencil so you can change it as you evolve. Sometimes, as she mentions in the interview, sharing your story has the power to make the unspeakable speakable.
Wait – Don't Just Sweep Emotions Under The Rug
But she also reminds us not to breeze past the bad stuff. Don’t just put it in a closet and pretend it doesn’t exist. That’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, listen to your heart and mind. Honor the voices and find the lessons inside. Then, in the end, you can decide what you want to invite to stay and what should be ushered out.
In addition to writing her book, Madeleine tours the UK speaking about her own experience with the goal of making the unspeakable speakable. She has participated in The Forgiveness Project as well as in Tedx Talks.
You Are Not Alone!
Finally, if you are listening and have experienced trauma or effects from PTSD, please, reach out: USA 1-866-307-8980
