I’m L.M. Carleton—an abuse survivor, mother, and professional caregiver who spent more than twenty years caring for older adults and individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Through reflective writing and faith, I share the wisdom I’ve gained to encourage survivors of childhood abuse, adverse childhood experiences, and domestic violence to find healing, hope, and freedom.
Leaving home and carrying the wounds of childhood.
Beginning Abuse Journal and bringing hidden wounds into the light.
Writing with hope, faith, and freedom.
I grew up in a dysfunctional family, experiencing the trauma of childhood abuse and neglect before enduring domestic violence after leaving home at eighteen.
I understand how difficult it is to live in fear of an abuser, feeling trapped in what seems like a hopeless situation as anxiety grips the mind and anguish fills the heart.
I know how hard it is to speak about the abuse you’ve endured. You long to forget the worst moments of your life, yet the emotional wounds remain, carrying the weight of guilt, shame, and painful memories.
Finding the courage to bring those hidden wounds into the light is never easy. Yet I have learned that healing often begins when we stop carrying our burdens alone. Acknowledging the past helps break unhealthy patterns, replaces shame with truth, and opens the door to hope, healing, and freedom.
Gain the Wisdom to Overcome Childhood Abuse
I’ve learned that when you acknowledge the past, you gain insights into overcoming childhood adversity, domestic violence, and the freedom to change your life.
At forty-eight, after an unexpected encounter with an estranged, abusive husband on a dating website, I started a writing blog to release the anguish.
I began to reflect on the past and acknowledge the secrets I had carried for years. I wrote An Open Letter to Parents to address childhood trauma and reflected on three and one-half years of domestic violence.
I cried out!
Lord, why do I always suffer?
God illuminated the darkness, giving me wisdom to recognize abusive patterns, understand why unhealthy relationships fail, and discover how love, compassion, and grace help bring healing.
Along the way, I’ve learned humbling lessons about surviving abuse, finding purpose in suffering, and discovering hope through faith. Those lessons are woven throughout the reflections I share with you.
Reflective Writing topics include;
- Relationships
- Abandonment
- Perfectionism
- Child Abuse
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Anger
- Resentment
- Guilt
- Shame
- Fear
- Personal Boundaries
- Poor Choices
- Death and Dying
- Dysfunctional Families
- Child Neglect
- Mental Distress
- Emotional Distress
- Self-Reflection
- Reflective Writing
- Forgiveness
- And More
Healing for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse
What began as a personal journal has grown into a place of hope for adult survivors of childhood abuse and domestic violence.
For more than a decade, Abuse Journal has shared personal stories, faith-filled encouragement, practical insights, and honest reflections to remind survivors that healing is possible.
Today, Abuse Journal remains a resource for adult survivors of childhood abuse, while my books tell my story more deeply and continue the journey of healing and hope.
My memoir, The Secret Darkness: Overcoming Abuse and Finding Freedom, is available for Kindle pre-order today and in paperback and hardcover on September 1, 2026.
You can learn more on my author website or by reading the post After Ten Years, The Secret Darkness is Complete.
I hope that you gain the courage to tell your story of abuse and find hope for a better life.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
L.M. CARLETON
Rescued by Grace