What I've Learned So Far Through You University

I had been searching for quite some time before finding You University. I had spent years feeling out of control and not knowing how to express my feelings in a healthy way. My way of 'dealing' was by sweeping things under the rug, pretending that everything was fine, until I would blow up. The way I blew up was by going into deep depression mode. This up and down stuff was taking over my very being. I would stuff things and that would cause my body to shut down literally. I would get to where I was crying uncontrollably, would not be able to eat, could not sleep... I had serious anxiety over everything.

Since starting You U, I have learned how to process my emotions in a loving, constructive way through Love Letters, Monster Letters, the Find the Gift exercise, Gratitude lists and my Friends in Deed. I have learned to recognize signs early on by my physical feelings and can now begin the process of self-love and using the tools before things get so out of control.

I have learned how to communicate more effectively - especially the communication I have with MYSELF. I am learning to love myself again... the REAL me, not the person I always thought I had to be for someone else. That's HUGE.

I have gone from feeling hopeless and unworthy to happy, hopeful and thrilled with the woman I am becoming.

Possibly one of the greatest gifts I have received by going through You University is in learning tools to FORGIVE. For me, to be able to say that I forgive my father for having abused and sexually molested me from the time I was a baby until I was 15... well who would ever think that was possible? I can never forget, of course, but I understand that there were elements of his life that had never been healed - and lessons that he came into my life to teach and to learn. I have forgiven him. But most importantly, I have forgiven myself. Forgiven myself for carrying so much hatred and hurt for so long, for holding on to deep shame and grief. I truly believe that I am a better person for the experiences I have had and that I have so much to offer others who are struggling with the same kind of shame and pain and guilt. I am very grateful for that.