I don’t think anyone will ever understand the amount of violence to become this gentle.

Celebrating Woman’s Day 8th of March

Toni Morison once said that you have to experience the fall to the deepest bottom, face self-loathing and then…. Somehow you find a way to get back and in that journey , you learn to forgive yourself.

That is the story of so many women, including myself. The journey to self- forgiveness is a long winding road. Every now and then, the old voices still whisper – hatred, anger, jealousy – replaying stories I thought I had left behind. But now, I can turn down their voices. Not like flipping a switch, but more like adjusting a dial. I choose to focus on the present, on whatever I am doing at the moment.

Yesterday, I read an article about a movement by the Ministry of women, encouraging survivors to speak up about violence in their life. Their hope is that by breaking the silence, we can help other women. I left a comment on that post, saying ceremonies often feel just like that- ceremonies. I wish I knew where to go, where to truly be able to speak and be heard.

But here’s what I know for certain: no regulation can teach us to forgive ourselves. No ministry can silence self loathing. That battle is 100% our own. I learned the hard way – there’s no hero coming to save me. I must be my own hero. I must find peace with every version of myself. And when I do, the peace radiates outward, touching those around me.

My dearest fellow women, we must celebrate our strength – not just today but every single day. We are strong, we are resilient, and no one should ever make you doubt that.

Love,

Karin Sabrina