On Tuesday, NASA sent the astronauts up into space to meet with the space station and to do a spacewalk. Prior to blastoff, on Monday, potentially hazardous cracks were found on the craft. These men and women, knowing the risks, went up anyway. The ABC evening news tonight named the men and women of this mission this week’s *Persons of the Week* for their courage and determination; for having the “courage to soar”.
Wow. The courage to soar. What an empowering concept.
The courage to soar is prevalent among survivors who chose to heal. We know there are risks, but we take that leap anyway. The risks lead us away from our comfort zones, and lead us into uncharted territory. We don’t know where we are going, we don’t know what will happen, we don’t know who we will be when we finally touch back down again, but we know the only way we can live is by taking the first leap.
We all heal at our own pace. Some of us take small steps, while some take giant leaps. The point is to learn to live happily, and not let the abuse control our lives any longer. It is possible. It is necessary. Healing is as freeing as a spacewalk.
“Houston, we have a problem.” As survivors, we have many problems, many issues, many challenges. Our counselors, therapists, family and friends supporting us are our mission control. These are the people who help us face the issues, answer the questions, and learn to handle situations that rise to the surface. With help from Mission Control, we are guided safely through the healing journey, and they help ensure we don’t explode when we reenter earth’s atmosphere.
With successful healing, we get an entirely differnt view of the world. We get an entirely different view of ourselves. It’s new and exciting, and wonderful. We get to redefine and recreate ourselves. We get to explore new ground. We have already survived the bad stuff, the worst of it. We are adventurous.
We all have the courage to soar.
July 8, 2006 at 6:25 pm
Looks like I’ve got to get me a mission control then! I don’t want to be exploding in space…at least I know something I’m not trying to do, even if I don’t know what I am trying to do! That narrows it down a bit! Thanks for all your comments on my blog, I like those little comment conversations that get going. Oh, so many questions! Anyway, nice metaphor!
July 8, 2006 at 7:48 pm
You have one started. All those readin your blog and routin for you, sharing our experiences with you. All of us who are in awe of your willingness to heal, Jess. We are all part of your mission control. Thanks for the comment
July 18, 2006 at 6:12 pm
Oh, there were so many times after I started my recovery journey that I wanted to say, “Oh, never mind. I changed my mind. I want to go back to the safety of solid ground.” But, by then I was already way out in space, orbitting Jupiter! This is a great post. Thanks for letting me include it in our Blog Carnival Against Child Abuse. It will post Wednesday with the others. I’m so glad you’re joining us!
July 19, 2006 at 8:14 pm
What a wonderful post! Yes, yes, yes! We DO have courage! We ARE taking risks! You put into words so eloquently these truths. And that matters because it helps the world–and more importantly, it helps US–see us as people of courage rather than helpless victims. Thank you.
July 24, 2006 at 3:52 pm
Hello
I am here from the blog carnival links. I know what you mean about mission control. Without my husband I don’t think I would have got where I am today. This year is the happiest year I can remember. I know me and him are strong because when I was sinking into the blackest pit imaginable he was there, sitting at the top waiting for me. He didn’t try and yank me out and he didn’t ignore me. He sat there waiting and willing for me to learn how to climb out of it. I am so glad he did that. He is one HELL of a misson control!