Good Morning, my friends! I hope the weekend has been kind to you all. By now most of you know that I have been through some things in my life that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. Although my experiences aren’t as traumatizing as other people’s experiences, they have had a profound effect on me. 

I was scanning through my Facebook feed quickly yesterday and I saw something that resonated with me. Betrayal is part of the reason my circle is so small. Sometimes, the people closest to you can hurt you the most. The fact that they choose to do so is even more hurtful. I’m sure many of you will relate to these words by Valerie Stanton as much as I did.

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“Betrayal is an act that goes beyond mere disappointment or a breach of trust; it is a deliberate and intentional decision to be disloyal. When someone betrays another, they make a conscious choice to act against the interests or expectations of the person who trusted them. This calculated breach can shatter the victim’s sense of security and belief in the goodness of others.

The pain experienced by the victim of betrayal is profound and multifaceted. It’s not just the loss of trust, but also the emotional devastation that accompanies the realization that someone they believed in has consciously chosen to hurt them. This kind of pain can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of disbelief, anger, and deep sadness. The shock of betrayal often lingers, affecting the victim’s ability to trust others in the future and sometimes even altering their perception of themselves and their worth.

At this crossroads, the victim faces a crucial decision: whether to remain stuck in the pain of betrayal or to move forward. This choice is much like pulling back an arrow on a bow. Holding onto the arrow symbolizes clinging to the pain and resentment, keeping one trapped in a cycle of hurt and mistrust. Releasing the arrow, on the other hand, represents letting go of the past and allowing oneself to heal and move forward. This process of release and moving forward is not easy and requires courage and strength. It involves acknowledging the pain, processing the emotions, and ultimately choosing to not let the betrayal define one’s future. In making this choice, the victim can reclaim their power and take steps towards healing and personal growth, transforming the pain into a catalyst for resilience and renewed hope.”  ~~Valerie Stanton