This will probably be the last post I will share on Facebook. I have made a few changes to the look of the blog, and I’ve upgraded it, so there are no more annoying ads. I also have a new blog address that is easier to type in and remember. I will also be making my blog private. This was a difficult decision to make.
Up until this point, I have felt a need to share my journey with all of my Facebook friends, and anyone else. I have hoped that many people who don’t understand mental health might be able to develop empathy from witnessing my journey vicariously. I wanted God to freely guide souls to my blog that could benefit from what I have to say. Hopefully that has been the case for some people. I haven’t wanted to restrict my words because I have wanted to think that everyone could benefit from my experiences. Unfortunately, since the Mother’s Day incident at church, I have felt very uncomfortable. I bore my testimony yesterday in church, like I usually do, but it was much harder. It took every ounce of courage I could muster. As I spoke at the pulpit, I didn’t feel the love and support I used to feel. I cried most of the day yesterday because I feel so rejected by my ward family. I met with my Bishop. He tried to help me feel better, but I am still in a lot of pain.
As many people have learned in recovery, just because you love someone doesn’t mean they can be trusted to be in the intimate parts of your life. Just because they are family members, or in my case, ward family members, doesn’t mean they deserve access to your vulnerable places. It is time for me to take care of myself and push those people away who haven’t earned the right to witness my recovery.
Some people enjoy conflict and debate on their blogs. Some people make money on their blogs and want to drive traffic. I’ve done some introspection to decide what this blog is for. It is for me. No one else. I have no desire to make money. My writing is one of my creative outlets. It is a way for me to connect with supportive friends. It is also a way to practice assertive communication, self-awareness, emotional processing, and other mental wellness skills. I think those things would be better accomplished with a private blog.
If you are interested in reading my blog, please sign up as a follower. There should be a button on the bottom of this page that will allow you to sign up. If you have any trouble. Private message me and I would be happy to help you.
The Broken Handmaid 
You have Kindness and courage !
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Thanks Raylene!
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You’re encouraging me to be brave and vulnerable and write in my own blog – which I haven’t done in awhile. I’m almost there. Thanks for being so transparent with your journey.
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Good! I’m glad you are going to start writing again. Can’t wait to read it!
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Hi Bridgette,
I admire your courage and eloquence. You’re amazing!
Joshua 1:9 –
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
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I see you and I feel your pain! I’m praying for you my sweet friend! ❤️
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Thanks so much Sonia. It was so nice to chat with you the other day. Love you!
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The journey of life is never easy. We paint the version of ourselves we want others to see, hiding the pain and suffering. We hide the difficult bits. Those are all the things that we need to share with others. They are the ones that help us to grow. Thank you for reminding us life is not perfect… Far from it.
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Thanks for being my friend through the rough times. I love your art! You’re a beautiful soul.
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Hi Bridgette, It’s Paula. I typed in my e-mail address and it wouldn’t accept it ??
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Never Mind. I think we’re good now.
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Good to hear!! Thanks for following me 😘
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I’m so sorry this is continuing to happen to you. I wish the world were a safer place for sharing vulnerability. We could all learn so much. But you have to do what is best for you and your recovery. Love you!
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I’ve planted a lot of seeds. Now I’m going to get so strong that they won’t be able to silence me. When I have something to say, it will be condensed and powerful! 💪
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My blog is anonymous. Honestly, that’s mostly because I wanted to avoid retribution from bad people taken out on more vulnerable members of my family because I spoke out. But, I find it also gives me the freedom to connect with others more honestly because in my “real life” I instinctively wear a mask. If you ever want to be both public and not totally connected to your real name, anonymous public blogging has some points to recommend. You could always keep this your personal blog and start a public anonymous one to discuss larger issues without the personal details but to connect more broadly to those who might need to hear “hey, it’s okay to not be okay” within a closed community.
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That’s a great idea! Separate blogs for separate audiences. I think I’ll do that eventually. I want to be an agent of change, but I also need a safe space to share the more vulnerable stuff.
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You are light! Keep turning on the light.
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💡💡💡Will do! Thank you. 😘
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