Are You Better Than…?

Tranquil Clouds and Deep Blue SkyI am in the mood to share something that helped me grow personally last year. I was told I acted as though I was “better than …”  This is an actual quote.

At the time I was offended. Most people don’t know the challenges I have faced. Most of my childhood and early adult life were spent trying to be normal, trying to hide the damage. I didn’t want to be seen as weak, or a victim. The problem was I went too far the other direction. I was strong. I needed no one. I was out of balance.

To find balance, I spent years healing the hurts that held me back; using the tools I now teach and share. But I grew up in a household where violence, substance abuse, emotional abuse and physical abuse were the norm. Dad got drunk and was violent with my mom. Mom got angry and was violent with me. I was sexualized at an early age by a beloved grandparent, cousin, friend’s parent; I believed that this was my value. I was drinking and using drugs by age 11 and sexually active by 14.

Writing this is hard — not because I am in pain or discomfort over my past, but because I know there are people out there who are still hurting from similar childhood experiences. People who are still hiding from the healing work they need to do. I have healed; I know the possibilities.

I understand that my parents did the best they could with what they had at the time. I love and forgive them completely. I bless the lessons I experienced to get to where I am today. I tease that I was raised by wolves, but the reality is they did better than their own parents, who had set the bar so low, my childhood was an improvement.

So, am I “better than …”? YOU BET YOUR ASS I AM!

I am better than the circumstances I came from. I have to remind myself of that daily. My circumstances set me up for something. Whether failure or success, ultimately it was a choice and I had to make it.

Are you ready to ask yourself, “What Am I Better Than?” Are you ready to make your Healing Choice?  If you are ready and you would like my help – CLICK HERE and let me know, I can help you release the trauma and drama that has been holding you back.

7 Comments

  1. Bruce on August 28, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    Great post, thanks for sharing. Sharing you story helps other come forward to do the healing work because they know there is HOPE and in the end a better life waiting.



  2. KRinaldi on September 26, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Thank You! You are so very welcome. I love that my Lessons can help others in their journey.



  3. Duane on December 17, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    I can feel the liberation in your words.



  4. susan vickers on February 14, 2014 at 3:05 am

    Thank you so much for sharing such great posts! always uplifting and so inspiring. Love & light x



  5. Angel London on April 18, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    What a brilliant post. Thanks for sharing.



  6. CiCi on June 7, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Lovely post, Kimberly. In the context of substance abuse, and abuse of any kind, I appreciate the phrasing of the question “what am I better than” rather than “who am I better than.” Asking who is so judgmental and puts the focus on the other person, which is where your energy will go, and healing requires a focus on self to transform from the inside out.

    “I bless the lessons I experienced to get to where I am today.” >>> Sounds like a great affirmation. I have adopted this sort of thinking regarding my own past and experience will substance abuse, molestation and abandonment issues. Indeed, the lessons I experienced helped shape who I am and where I am today. There is more work to be done, though, it’s work I humbly and gladly accept for I am a powerful woman who plans to be around for many decades, and all that I have learned and experienced will be able to help many others in their journey, just like your post and your work is and continues to help others.

    Namaste.



  7. KRinaldi on June 16, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    You ARE a powerful woman. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story, and for blessing the lessons. Best wishes to you, CiCi.