|
32
Japan
|
When were you at your weakest: when I met a man with one-way love.
When were you at your strongest: when I belived all what I did
How are you feeling now: I want to be storong.
|
|
36
Idaho
|
When were you at your weakest: There are really too many places in my life to choose a weakest point from so I will share an aspect from my childhood, and an aspect from my adult life. I think for the childhood, it is pretty self explanatory when I say I am a Childhood Sexual Abuse & Rape Survivor. My nights were filled with terror at the hands of my step-father. During my teens I endured further traumas at the hands of my birth father and other men in the community. As an adult, I found myself in another abusive cycle. Early on in my marriage, I was often subjected to being held captive at gunpoint for hours through the night. Threatened to crash the car & kill us both, cruel verbal abuse, physically being shoved into counters, the kitchen stove, doorframes, or pinned up against the wall with his fist smashing inches passed my face,.. all the while being carefully reminded how he has never once "hit" me. So often feeling raped over & over because sex wasn't a beautiful thing in the relationship. It was a do it or suffer the consequences thing, and for many years I felt it was easier to go through than the verbal & emotional cruelty I endured if I didn't sucumb often enough to please him. Over the years that flipped for me as I became more & more numb. Through it all, my weakest points were when I didn't have the courage to escape it, and even when I tried, I inevitably returned to it. I rarely allowed myself to feel that I deserved any better, and I was threatened in a multitude of ways if I expressed otherwise. I was weak and felt trapped.
When were you at your strongest: I am at my strongest right now. I am standing up for myself and my children, and I am saying enough, no more. It ends now. I am breaking the cycle. I am seeking help. Even throughout all the trials of my life, even throughout all my weakest points, I was strong. I never knew it then, but I was. I hung on so tightly to my faith in God. I always knew he was there and that somehow I would survive, and that one day everything I have been through would serve a greater purpose, if not for myself, than for someone else. The fact that I have survived all that I have come through in this life, and still have a thankful heart and a positive outlook, tells me that I have had this strength all along, and that I am only getting stronger & stronger every single day, with every step forward, every breath... I am still here, and I AM STRONG.
How are you feeling now: Empowered, like never before. Determined, like never before. Confident, like never before.
|
|
50
London uk
|
When were you at your weakest: When i fell pregnant and was rejcted by my boyfriend in 1985
When were you at your strongest: When I relised that Jesus loves me and will give me anything i ask for only I needed to believe and have faith.
How are you feeling now: I am on top of the world because almost everything in my life is falling in place. (In fact i feel like Noami Campell!)
|
|
32
ohio
|
When were you at your weakest: I have late stage chronic lyme disease. It took years to figure out, years of tests, doctors, medications, over 60 symptoms I deal with on a regular basis. We had our children right before all of this hit, I had some things going on, but thought not much of it. Going thru treatment was brutal. I have been throwing up for over 5 years, I live with pain that can't be described, partial amnesia, I could go on and on. What breaks my heart is that my beautiful children have never known me well. That they have seen mommy come home with drainage tubes hanging out of me from countless surgeries. That I can't be the mom I always dreamed of being. It's a continuing battle I deal with, as I had to stop treatment it was so hard on my body, and I have a long way to go still. My father died when I was 9. My daughter is fast approaching that age, and my son close behind. I don't want them to have to live thru the loss of a parent as such a young age. I'm not afraid to die, but I am afraid for them. I work thru this with my strong faith in God, and give it all to him.
When were you at your strongest: Ironically my weakest and strongest points are kind of the same. Since finding out that I have late stage chronic lyme disease I have reached out to literally thousands of people, helping them to find doctors, figure out what's going on in their bodies, and offer support whenever I can. I have met some of the most wonderful people that I never would have known had this not happend. I've realized how strong I am thru all of this. I will be literally throwing up in my car, waiting to pick my kids up from school, many times going on days of no sleep at all, and a myriad of other horrific symptoms that I deal with daily, but I am ALWAYS there for my children. I am the one other mom's call and say "I'm tired can you pick up so and so", and I do. I do more than most healthy people, I push myself hard. I have found a real relationship with God thru all of this. I have met my best friend, a treasure in my life, although we have never seen eachother face to face, we so look forward to that first hug. I've realized what is really important in life. I realized that there are always people out there who need help, and if I can help, then I will. Very rarely will you hear "I can't" come out of my mouth.
How are you feeling now: I feel truely blessed. I have a husband who has stood by my side thru years of chronic illness. Many people in my situation have ended in divorce, but it's only made us stronger. I have two of the most amazing, compassionate children in the world. I have learned who my real friends in life are. I have a real relationship with God. All because of what most would call a nightmare. Don't get me wrong, I want nothing more than my health. But I have definitly learned a LOT thru this journey. I'm learning how to enjoy the ride of life, not just the destination. I've learned not to get into the "when" game. "when I feel better, then I will _____". There is never a better time than right now. Enjoy each minute for what it is. Trust you are right where you are supposed to be.
|
|
48
Amsterdam, Holland
|
When were you at your weakest: In my lifetime there were numerous occassions when I felt weak and vulnerable. But life taught me I've got a resource in me to bounce back eventually. So it's not in the hours of trouble, pain or tribulations that I feel at my weakest.
It's in the hour of dark despair when the fear hits me and I feel that I am unable to help the one I dearly love. Standing by and seeing the suffering of my loved one is almost unbearable.
When were you at your strongest: When I was pregnant of my first child.
It was a horrible time, really. My marriage just broken up, my father just died, no income and lots, lots more. But the child growing inside of me inspired me and gave me so much strenght. Allthough I had to conquer a multitude of difficulties and hardship it was the first time of my life that my life wasn't my own anymore. My life belonged to this little baby that deserved only that best of what I could offer. So I gave him my best. And thanks to him I excelled myself. Allthough feeling very vulnerable, I also felt very strong. I could make decisions based on love, with only my baby's interest at heart.
It was the most magical of times. Not easy, but magical to discover this immense source of love through which I could make us a beautiful life.
How are you feeling now: I feel proud of who I am, where I come from and what I've been able to achieve for myself and my childen. Despite opposition I keep holding on to my own believes and convictions and then seeing that it al workes out.
I feel gratefull for all the precious love that I recieve, being allowed to share with others what is important to me and them.
I feel rich and blessed with my life and the people in it.
I feel strong because I know I can take the highs and lows in life and survive it all as long as I keep true to myself.
|
|
51
Maine, USA
|
When were you at your weakest: I know my weakest times were the times I lost family members. I too, lost my brother when he was 50, tragically, when he was struck and killed by a car. He was the oldest of 6, a beloved son, brother, husband, father and Episcopal Priest. His death, on November 28, 1996~~Thanksgiving Day, was the beginning of my horrible time with depression. It was 4 years later that I lost my father to cancer... The year before, my father-in-law to a sudden heart attack. In 2007, my little angel boy, was killed in a plane crash. And, as of July of 2008, I no longer have my mom.
When were you at your strongest: When I am standing up for my children...defending their need to be respected as human beings. When I knew that my older sister was in trouble with the horrible man she married, and everyone else in my family did not believe me. I investigated and found reports of what he really was, spoke to 1 ex-wife and another whom he skipped out on, without divorcing her, after spending every dime of her inheritance. I knew that's what he was after, with my sister! I showed my brothers all the evidence and we gathered as we told my sister. It saved her home, which she bought long before and very possibly her life! I also am committed to changing the lives of others in a positive manner. I am a caregiver, always~~ and a mom, first!! I will protect any child I have to, and any animal, for that matter!!
How are you feeling now: Well, it's Christmas Eve, and, I am saddened by so many things. I wish my own children and husband could see and understand the all of why I love Michael Jackson~~it wasn't his popularity. It was his heart! He cared the way I care about this world..children and animals. For as long as I can remember, I've never understood war and hatred, prejudice and ignorance.
I long for the Christmas' spent with my mom and dad. And, although I am hopeful for the future, I do miss those whom I have lost, terribly.
|
|
34
New Zealand
|
When were you at your weakest: In 2007/2008, I had alot of things happening in my life, all very stressful things. The biggest one of all was my scare (or I like to call an early brush with cancer). It took me right down to nothing, getting diagnosis was nearly impossible. Doctors didn't want to hear what I had to say, neither need many family, friends and in the end my own employer. I ended the 2007 year at the lowest point, my job was gone, family wouldn't return calls and I finally had a referral to a specialist. Early in 2008 they removed what was the very beginning of bowel cancer. I remember just sitting in the bath when I had returned from hospital and just crying. I quite literally cried my heart out. After the operation I spent alot of time wondering why me? And began making time for the things I enjoy, and not always trying to please others. I spent alot of time listening to my favourite music again, especially Michael Jackson. I would have loved to been able to tell him what strength I gained from hearing his voice, his sound, his masterpieces. He was, and still is the best healter I have ever known.
When were you at your strongest: It's kinda hard to pinpoint one time when I was at my strongest. I don't think people really know what that time was. I think I started to gain my strength back again mid 2008, I guess I had to. I had ongoing health issues (I still do), but I had a new job and something to prove. I proved (to myself and others) that I was good at my job, that I was good enough for admission into a professional body, and that I was good enough to be me.
How are you feeling now: Now, I am gaining strength. I am learning to stand strong and belong someplace - even if at times it is just a place for one. I am learning, abit slowly, that I need to love myself for who I am, and what I like or love is fine, no matter what others say. I have put in place a support "net" for myself, - even if it is just putting on a Michael Jackson CD at the end of the day. The negative comments I get about that is quite incredible, - I always think if he could have strength to get through the day, then so can I.
I feel like I am on the right side of the ledger, so to speak.
|
|
46
Australia
|
When were you at your weakest: My first relationship.
When were you at your strongest: Realised yoga gave me inner strength. It changed me.
How are you feeling now: Am at peace and finally love and accept myself for ho I am.
|
|
67
North Lauderdale, Florida
|
When were you at your weakest: When I was in a relationship with a man who mentally abused me.
When were you at your strongest: When I was 23 and knew that my mother would need to be looked after for the rest of her life and that I chose it to be my job to do that. She took care of me now it was my turn to repay that love.
How are you feeling now: I am a widow and the last 6 years have been hard and with losing Michael Jackson and three very close friends it has been tough but I am doing okay now and look forward to my future with my family and grandchildren
|
|
47
Ohio
|
When were you at your weakest: When I lost my 20 year old son in an accident on October 12,2010
When were you at your strongest: When I became a Christian
How are you feeling now: Miss my son more everyday but God is good all the time.
|
|
