You’re right, keeping a diary does help in terms of just being more aware of yourself, but I think blogging opens up another possibility because it allows you to connect with other people also. People read your blog, identify with what you’re saying, apply it to themselves, leave comments, engage in conversation and everyone benefits, as opposed to everyone writing and not sharing it.

That being said, writing about abuse online is a somewhat safer activity than meeting people in real life. There’s a safety level in emailing, blogging, etc. because there isn’t someone “right there” in front of you. It’s not always easy for survivors to cross that bridge and feel safe. All of us are individuals and will make different decisions on where to draw the boundary, and that’s ok. It takes a lot of time to push the boundary even a little bit, and get used to the new boundary, then push it a little further, etc. It’s all a process, and we’re all in different places within it!

Having said that, typing out my history has resulted in some extra emotional release as well every time, and it’s the specific typing it out, as opposed to cutting and pasting, that seems to do it. Connections with other survivors have been great for me, but it’s a shame that they have been more willing to be open online than to connect in real life. At some point the next step needs to be taken.

But thanks for building it Mike! They’ve certainly come.