Dear Survivor: A Letter to the Warrior in You

Dear Survivor,

I’m writing to you today with a heart full of love and understanding. I know you’ve been through something that has left deep scars, and I want you to know that you are not alone.

I am one of you—a survivor and a warrior—and I’m here to tell you that despite the pain, despite the fear, despite the anger and confusion, you are worthy of love, peace, and healing.

What happened to you was not your fault. No matter what anyone says, no matter how you might feel on those days when the weight of the world feels too heavy, remember this: You did nothing to deserve this.

The responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator. And even though you may feel ashamed, know that the shame does not belong to you—it also belongs to the perpetrator.

I know there are days when it feels like the memories won’t leave you alone. Sometimes, it’s like they’re right there, lurking just beneath the surface, ready to pull you under. I’ve felt that too.

But I want you to know that those memories, as powerful as they are, do not define you. They are a part of your story, yes, but they are not the whole story. Your identity is much more and you are strong, even if you don’t feel it right now.

And please know that it’s okay to grieve for the person you were before this happened. It's okay to cry, to scream, to feel like the world is unfair—because it is. But in all of this, please don’t forget to be kind to yourself.

After all, healing is a journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Some days will be tougher than others, and that's fine. What important is that you keep going, one small step at a time.

And you are not alone. Reach out for support when you need it. Whether it’s a friend, a therapist, a support group, or even a stranger who understands, there are people out there who care about you and want to help. You deserve to be understood. You deserve to have a voice.

So, treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer to someone you love dearly. You are deserving of that love.

Finally, from one survivor to another, I want you to know that I see you. I see your pain, your strength, your courage, and your beauty.

I believe in you, and I believe in your capacity to heal. You are not alone, and you never have to be.

We are in this together, and we will get through this together.

With all my love and understanding,

A Fellow Survivor