Survivor Culture – Stars Shine Brightest in the Dark

A few months ago I joined Twitter. I needed a space where I could say how I was feeling, I needed freedom to talk about things without causing upset to my family. I didn’t realise back then how much I needed to speak to people that understood, that didn’t need me to explain why I felt certain things, why I seemed ok one minute then a complete mess the next. I was frustrated, and the thoughts and feelings trapped inside me were suffocating me from the inside.

During my time on twitter, I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to some amazing, inspiring, caring and supportive people. The stories I have heard have been horrific. The levels of abuse, shocking. Domestic abuse, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse and exploitation, rape, the list goes on. I have learned so much about how I am feeling, things I hadn’t been able to verbalise or understand have become so much clearer, and I have realised that it is okay not to be okay.

But with all those I have met, one thing stands out. No matter what they have been through, no matter what they are going through now, no matter what they know they are about to face, every one of them has the most incredible capacity for kindness. I have witnessed courage and strength, love and thoughtfulness, support and patience, and all without any judgement, without any belittling.

I am in awe of all the wonderful people who, despite their experiences, are the strongest, most inspirational people I have met. They are beacons of light in a void of darkness, they are helping to light a way, giving hope that we will one day be free from the darkness. As I say in the title, stars shine brightest in the dark, and the voices speaking out, the voices helping others through their dark times, and the voices that have been silenced but still fighting to survive through each moment, every single one of them is a bright and beautiful star, and I am grateful to get to see them all sparkling.

To all those I have met so far (and will meet in the future), I am filled with sadness over everything you have been through, and I wish you nothing but happiness in your future. I will never be able to explain how much your presence has helped me, and I know there are many more out there who are unable to speak that feel your support too.

Keep shining bright.

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