Victims of abuse that harbor their wounds in silence, have a tendency to lose sight of their attributes. Many adult survivors have not disclosed and have not worked through their pain, allowing it to either encompass their personality or take control over their attributes they have accomplished.

As in the “Wizard of Oz,” the scarecrow without a brain, the tin man without a heart, and the lion without courage always had these gifts within them. It was portrayed so eloquently in their mannerisms, speech, and inflection of their voice.

In reality, no perpetrator has ever stole one’s intelligence,courage, or heart away from them. Yes, it scars, yes, it hurts emotionally, however, these attributes are always there. They may need to be fostered and nurtured, nevertheless they have never left you.

Dorothy always had the ability to go home. Symbolically, her beautiful ruby slippers were the answer. We ALL have the ability to go back to a home of health and strength. Going home to a state of health is simple, the process and desire is the difficult part. .

Life can be as difficult or easy as one wants to make it. Literally is up to us. We all have courage, a heart, and a brain. We must keep them in balance and realize, NO ONE can take these away from us.

“Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly…” That rainbow is always right there above us. Step out of your old shoes of trauma and try on a pair of ruby slippers, go back home to a healthier you. There’s no place like home, especially when that home is a healing heart and soul.