It really is something: to be believed in.

There is perhaps nothing of greater value than this: For one human being to feel seen, known, “gotten” & believed in by another. This is the truest form of emotional nourishment. This is something we all need, especially when growing up as our identities are developing. This is also something many people never got.  

Having to grow up without this vital experience is devastating. When the emotional malnourishment is so severe it tends to remain out of consciousness in order for the growing little human - completely dependent on the parent(s) - to survive.

Although buried deeply into the unconscious, the pain & torment brought about by this crushing deprivation lives on. It looms within the deepest, darkest & coldest undercurrents of one's emotional life.

If you had to grow up emotionally malnourished in this way (and if you have actually been able to discover such painful awareness of what happened to you) the fact that you are still here is a phenomenon worthy of the highest honor.

Against all odds, you have survived, and for this long.

This is a clear and undeniable strength of character beyond what many people are even capable of imagining. You may not even be able to recognize it yourself. After all, this is “all you ever knew” right?

Regardless, this strength is unique. The power that exists within it is rare. It is a strength that has emerged after having endured some of the darkest coldest waters in life: waters that brought unthinkable terror, aloneness, horror and agony; the kind of pain and darkness a person should not ever have to go through but was thrown into nonetheless.

This is a profound strength that no one can take away from you, whether you realize it or not.

I do highly recommend coming to realize it.

- Dr. Amie Love Callon