ACA And The Arts

Shotgun Wedding

Shotgun Wedding

I study an old photograph from sixty-five years ago.My parents are cutting their wedding cake.I see Mom, three months pregnant, scared and uncertain, younger than her appearance.I see daddy-Monster, arrogant and dominant, younger than his appearance, with a predatory...

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Distorted Thinking

Distorted Thinking

Chapter 11, page 129The Loving Parent Guidebook(Part / paraphrasing) This book can help me address my distorted thinking. By naming my experience:(I realize that I am not my thoughts and my thoughts, at times, are not my reality,they are reactions and responses to...

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Breath (a poem to myself)

Breath (a poem to myself)

Breathe, breathe deeply.The past trauma is gone.Scream if necessary.Exhale the injustice, the violence, the gaslighting.Inhale the fresh air of peace.Exhale the predators – they are long gone.Inhale the fight for freedom.Exhale the past abuse.Inhale the years of...

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A Reminder

A Reminder

They say family is bloodIt’s thicker than waterthat bond runs deepthat nothing runs deeperthan mother and daughterThey say your siblings are your lifelinethat without them, you will flatlineSo cutting family ties feels like slaughterwound open, blood gushing,system...

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Guided Meditation

Guided Meditation

I’m on a path, with a stream on the right and woods on my left, listening to birdsong as I walk in tree-dappled sunlight. Here is a turtle on a log in the water, there is a butterfly among the flowers on the bank. I am at peace. My serenity increases with each...

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