If I had a memory, it didn't have to shut me down.

Over time, the
feelings associated

with the sexual assault changed.

I was no longer afraid
of talking about it.

I didn't think that I would have

a heart attack if
I spoke about it.

If I had a memory, it
didn't have to shut me down.

I didn't have to ruin
the rest of my day.

Like I could have a
thought, take time for me

to do what I needed to do
to take some self-care,

but then continue
on with whatever

I wanted to accomplish that day.

I could not fall apart
just because I had

a thought or a memory associated
with the sexual assault.

Assaults.