Author: jessicawoodville
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Bruises You Can’t See: Bullying, ACEs, and the Long Shadow into Adulthood
Bullying leaves more than hurt feelings—it can cause lifelong emotional and physical harm. In this personal and research-backed post, I share my story, explore the link between bullying and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and call for change in how we address peer abuse.
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Where Do You Go When Your Body Becomes a Cage?
The author shares their journey of living with Addison’s disease, reflecting on feelings of grief, loneliness, and loss of identity. Despite being diagnosed after years of struggle and misunderstanding, they express resilience through writing. They acknowledge the isolation brought on by illness and emphasize that they are not alone in this experience.
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Silencing Survivors Won’t Save a Broken System
The NY Post’s latest op-ed dismisses abuse survivors of the troubled teen industry. Here’s why that’s not just wrong—it’s harmful and dangerously misleading.
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What If This Is All There Is?
The content explores deep existential questions about life’s struggles and the search for peace. It conveys feelings of despair, questioning the reality of fairy tales and the concept of safety. The author expresses a longing for healing and joy while battling persistent pain and silence, highlighting a seemingly never-ending fight for fulfillment.
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When You Feel Like Too Much (And Still Not Enough)
Childhood trauma often leads individuals to feel “too much” or “not enough,” driving them to please others while neglecting their own needs. This survival mechanism creates disconnection and loss of self. Healing involves accepting one’s true self, recognizing the impact of past trauma, and fostering genuine relationships without the need for performance.
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When Safety Returns, So Might I
The author reflects on the connection between illness and unexpressed emotions. They articulate that survival differs from true living and healing cannot occur in turmoil. The hope is for a future where safety allows for gradual healing, transforming feelings of dread into peace and restoring a sense of self and wellness.
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After the Name, Comes the Grief
The author reflects on the deep grief that follows medical validation. After years of struggle, the diagnosis feels paradoxical, bringing relief alongside sorrow for lost time, relationships, and self-identity. This complex emotional journey showcases the coexistence of gratitude for answers and the mourning of everything endured while seeking care.
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Why I Write
The author reflects on their journey from fantasy writing to capturing the realities of pain and survival through words. Inspired by personal trauma and the need for connection, writing becomes a tool for healing and reclaiming identity. They aim to resonate with those feeling unseen, ultimately forging community through shared experiences.
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🌿 Question for the Oracle🌿
In a reflective poem, the speaker yearns for the wisdom of Delphi, a sacred site in Greece. The verses serve as a ritual and a dialogue with the Oracle, addressing past and present selves. It encourages readers to confront their own hidden questions, embracing the journey of self-discovery and transformation.
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What Nearly Killed Me Wasn’t the Illness—It Was the System
The author reflects on their five-year struggle with chronic illness and inadequate medical care. Despite multiple specialists and difficult experiences, they emphasize the ongoing battle against the medical system, marked by negligence and lack of accountability. They seek compassionate, trauma-informed care and highlight the necessity for medical integrity and respect for patients’ suffering.
Jessica Woodville | Memoir & Musings 