holley4734
Rahm Emanuel said, “You never let a serious crisis go to waste.” Have you ever spun a crisis into an opportunity?
I suppose so. It didn’t feel like an opportunity usually does. There wasn’t the excitement or happiness. After I left my abusive relationship, I had the opportunity to live in a domestic violence shelter for a two-year program. It doesn’t sound like rainbows and sunshine but it beat living on the streets.
It was not easy. I couldn’t come and go as I pleased. Seriously, I had a curfew when I was thirty-something. It was more strict than living with my parents as a teenager. I could not invite people over to the house, especially not men. It wasn’t a big deal to me. I was in a sort of self-imposed exile for a year. Who was I going to invite?
One day I had to confess to my current boyfriend about what kind of house I lived in. He didn’t run screaming for the hills like I thought he might.
Some of my roommates were obnoxious. One even hacked into one of my messenger accounts to talk to a man. Some of my roommates were wonderful and made homemade pies.
I had a roommate who stole my snazzy red hairdryer. I didn’t notice until the day after she left. She lived in the house for about two weeks so no one was expecting her to leave so soon. I lost a hairdryer but she lost an opportunity to get her life back on track. I can buy a new hairdryer. She can’t buy another opportunity that would be as helpful.
There were meetings . . . and meetings . . therapy and support groups. More meetings. More therapy I tried to look at it as a learning experience. It was definitely a time of reflection. If I hadn’t gone, who knows what kind of life I would have now.
Red doors generally mean that the house is a safe harbor. I still love red doors. Maybe I can get a new red hairdryer to match the red door.
Aww Holley, I hope you do get a new red hair dryer. In fact, what’s to stop you now from getting whatever it is that you want out of life? I’m glad your boyfriend didn’t run screaming. Whether he’s “the one” or not, I think it’s an indication of what to come for you. I wish you the very best, and more. Peace, sista.
Well, nothing I hope 🙂 I did get another hairdryer. But it wasn’t snazzy. Next time, it will be red or pink or something. Can hairdryers be bedazzled?
Thanks for your kind words. 🙂
I never knew that about red doors. I’ve always liked them though. Good for you making lemonade. We have choices when bad things happen – sounds like you made some good ones.
I didn’t know until I moved into the shelter. Thanks! I did the best I could with the lemons. 🙂 I tried to make more educated decisions.
Sounds like you’ve come through some tough times with a great perspective on life Holley. I’ve never understood abusive men – they definitely don’t represent the majority of our gender. I’m glad you seem to have found someone with a lot more to offer. Good luck! I hope things continue moving in a positive direction for you.
I know there are normal guys out there. I don’t understand abusive people either.
My boyfriend is a great guy. 🙂 He makes me laugh quite bit.
Thanks for your kind words!
Good share…recovery from anything traumatic is always a wonderful thing. I know in the recovery journey I’ve taken/am taking, there is actually a red door a dear dear friend has, that helps me on my journey. 🙂
Thanks! It’s good to have friends with red doors. 🙂
Holly it is good to know through your blog living in peace is what you desire. I agree with you on opportunity. Making right decision right at the moment can change ones life. Wishing you much success in your like. You deserve healthy living. Bless you.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your lovely comment 🙂
wow – enjoyed your post – and you are so right about the hairdryer – and I liked your connection with the red door – and that photo is what really caught my eye! really cool. Oh – and hope you find a nice red hairdryer 🙂 – mine is tan and is not nearly as vibrant as a red one. ha!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post. The hairdryer I have is black. Very basic. Nothing special but it does work. 🙂
I will remember this lesson every time I see a red door 😉
Thanks. There’s a special place in my heart for red doors. 🙂
Yes and you expressed it beautifully ❤️
Awww. Thank you so much ! 🙂