Abuse Journal empowers survivors with the wisdom to overcome childhood adversity, adverse childhood experiences, and domestic violence so they can live abundant lives.
Upstate New York, Spring 2014
Hi, my name is L.M. Carleton. I started blogging in 2014 to reflect on past experiences and release inner turmoil. Throughout my healing journey, I’ve learned that even in the most challenging times, a glimmer of hope can break through the darkness, even when the fear of abuse feels overwhelming.

I remember moments when fear clouded my thoughts and influenced my decisions. The weight of past trauma left me feeling lost, burdened by sadness, guilt, and shame. I often sought to hide from those who had hurt me and isolated myself to escape difficult situations. The emotional pain felt like a never-ending punishment.
At times, I met individuals who provided support and offered guidance and wisdom to illuminate the path to freedom. Although moving out of the darkness to overcome adversity felt overwhelming, it was possible.
Confront Fears to Overcome Challenges
Losing someone we care about brings deep pain and sadness. I have felt that heartache myself. There were many moments when I wanted to give up and accept defeat, but a small glimmer of hope for something better motivated me to keep going.
Overcoming fears and enduring difficult times can be challenging. However, the lessons learned and wisdom from hardships enrich your life.
Reflecting on my experiences, I have realized that a life filled with hope and joy is attainable. Through God’s grace, I have found the strength to confront my fears and overcome challenges.
Now, I am dedicated to empowering survivors with the wisdom to overcome adverse childhood experiences, neglect, trauma, and domestic violence so they can live abundant lives.
Who is Abuse Journal for?
If you’re an abuse survivor, chances are you dream of a better life, but something stops you from making your dream a reality.
Perhaps you;
- Live in fear of an abuser.
- Keep your abuse a secret.
- Live with guilt and shame.
Having walked in the abuse victims’ shoes, I grasp the heartache. The danger of keeping your abuse a secret—the anguish of living in fear and the burden of guilt and shame.
I kept the abuse a secret or skeletons hidden in the closet for years. But the painful memories resurfaced after an encounter with an abusive, estranged husband on a dating website.
Afterward, I mustered up the courage to create a writing blog to reflect on childhood abuse and trauma. Often referred to as breaking the silence.
Learn How to Overcome Adversity
I discovered how adverse childhood experiences affect your adult life.
How flawed mindsets about relationships, family dynamics, and sexual behavior were formed. And how this mindset became so embedded in patterns of thinking and ways of living that it wasn’t abnormal.
Through self-reflection, I realized that walking by faith leads to forgiveness and authentic healing. The path to an abundant life is to grow in divine wisdom and trust in God’s grace to restore one’s life.
Abuse Journal illuminates the darkness with wisdom to gain clarity for adverse childhood experiences and insights to understand the root cause of adversity. I hope it empowers you to conquer your fear and tell your abuse story so you can live an abundant life.
Take the First Step on the Journey to Healing
Begin your healing journey by recognizing the emotional anguish caused by mental or physical suffering. Allow yourself to feel your distress and sadness, and understand that emotional healing is essential.
This process often requires facing and working through challenging experiences. You can do this through self-reflection, journaling, or professional help.
Please Note: Abuse Journal is not a form of professional support. The content on this blog is based on the personal experiences and perspectives of an abuse survivor.
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I believe the healing journey is different for everyone, but the most crucial step is to gain the courage to tell your story. Even if abusers say, “Don’t tell anyone,” or no one listens to you. Keep pressing forward until someone pulls up a chair next to you.
Your story is more than what happened to you. It’s who you become and how adversity affects your mindset and heart. I hope these posts help you learn ways to overcome adversity so you can live an abundant life.