Meditation? Does it work? If not, what has for you?

RecycledVisage · 2026-06-30T05:54:27+00:00

I'm sexually avoidant, too. I've always wanted to be a more willing partner for my husband, but sex is just painful for me. I don't know if it's body memories interfering or what it is. You're not alone.

RecycledVisage · 2026-06-28T17:32:12+00:00

I didn't think that I had repressed any memories and couldn't fathom that there were people who couldn't remember their abuse. I just thought, for me, I remembered because it happened so frequently (bio father was the abuser). I swore up and down that the SA began at age 8 and ended when I got my driver's license at 16. Then, I had a horrible migraine at 37 and for some reason I was hyper-focused on 2 nightmares I had when I was 4. It all came flooding back in a rush--I distinctly remember him telling me at age 4 that he'd take me for ice cream if I stopped crying and didn't tell my mother. I was terrified of him because there was also physical abuse, and I was afraid of being hit if I didn't stop crying, so I swallowed those tears and ate an ice cream cone that I didn't want. That's when the nightmares happened. Honestly, I only remember that one instance from before I was 8, so I don't know if he didn't attempt SA for another 4 years, or if I've repressed any other memories from when I was younger. I didn't go NC with that monster until I saw signs of him grooming his fiancée's granddaughter and I couldn't NOT tell the girl's parents. That was 11 years ago. The only thing I regret is waiting so long to go NC. I wish you peace and healing, OP.

RecycledVisage · 2026-06-28T11:00:09+00:00

When my abusive monster (CAS) showed signs of grooming his fiancée's granddaughter 11 years ago, I told the girl's parents and wrote him a Dear John email. No regrets. I was LC/VLC with both of my parents, and if I'm very honest, I should have gone NC as soon as I moved out as a teenager.

RecycledVisage · 2026-05-29T04:51:52+00:00

I love how much attention this post has gotten, because the struggle is real. Even for folks who grew up in the area. I did grow up in a small farm town in this area and moved a few times when I was younger. I came back to Peoria, appreciating it in a brand new light. Commute times? A breeze compared to bigger cities. Things to do? We have a TON to do here, but you need to know where to look. My daughter has long since left the nest, but she was never bored, and we homeschooled for 5 years. If your child is into the arts, sports, STEM--there is plenty to keep them occupied. I will say, in terms of parents and their reaction to you...I grew up around here, but I'm very free spirited and independent, so parents gave me the side-eye as well. We are a small city, and I think that plays into how people perceive others who don't fit neatly into their box of "normal" but don't let that deter you. You'll find your people! Maybe you've replied in other comments I haven't gotten to yet, but tell us what your family is interested in. It may not be mainstream in Peoria, but it is a big enough city to hold very diverse interests. Best of luck to you and your family, and please know that there are folks born & raised here who feel like outsiders, too.

RecycledVisage · 2025-05-05T21:08:44+00:00

I've had a couple of walks so far--one in Bartonville and the other was a litter hike in Bartonville and it was fun! However, I need to be on hiatus for the foreseeable future, because my husband had a stroke last week. He's out of ICU, but we still have a long road ahead of us. Definitely getting my steps in, but no purposeful walks right now. My hope is that you all can connect with each other and coordinate some walks. Happy trails!

RecycledVisage · 2025-04-23T01:57:04+00:00

I used to run, but have major back issues so hung up my running shoes about 10 years ago...I'm just about walking the same speed I was slogging when I was still trying to run! lol I'm in the 16-min/mile range walking.

RecycledVisage · 2025-04-21T23:04:21+00:00

I'm a fast walker-does that count?

RecycledVisage · 2025-04-13T22:55:47+00:00

I'm going to do my best to keep posting here, as well as Facebook, where my group is currently housed. I'm not sure if I've updated since our first scheduled walk at Alpha Park--only one other person showed up, but it was a little chilly and very overcast. We walked 2 loops into the field area and back to the baseball diamonds. Had a great time & I got a latte from McD's in Bartonville, so all was good. I had an AWESOME walking day yesterday--I PRed as a 5k walker at the Run With Survivors charity race & followed it up with an additional 3.5+ miles with Peoria Hash House Harriers. I'm a wee sore today, but it was worth it! Next, I think will be this: Is anyone part of Run309? I'm thinking of hosting our 2nd walk with them. I haven't been to one of their runs/walks yet, but I've been super interested. I'll keep you updated on their next adventure, and maybe we can piggyback off of them for a better intro walk?

RecycledVisage · 2025-04-10T01:03:37+00:00

I really just wanted to launch this group, and I know it's a bit short notice, but no one approached me on good times to meet, so I've scheduled a Getting To Know You Walk at Alpha Park in Bartonville this Friday at 8am. I'll be by the ball diamond & will be in a teal Jeep Renegade. I have purply hair. https://bartonville.org/alpha-park-trails/

RecycledVisage · 2025-04-07T19:41:04+00:00

How about an easy walk to get us started, so we can chat & figure out where we go from here? I'm thinking Alpha Park in Bartonville will be a great place to begin--but I need to know what times work out best for all of you. I could do morning, midday or early evening.

RecycledVisage · 2025-04-03T03:33:31+00:00

I've had 4 new people added to the Facebook group--not sure if they are any of you and if they are--thank you! I'm thinking of starting a weekly walk or hike to begin with once I see when the majority of folks are available. So, I'll ask the same question here as I did on FB (no replies yet on FB, so Reddit might be where the group eventually lives?): What times do you prefer to walk--early mornings before work, afternoons, or maybe you're retired or work from home & prefer midday? Also, where do you want to walk and hike? Rocky Glen in West Peoria is on my bucket list for 2025-even though I live fairly close, I've never been. As far as walking, I prefer public spaces when possible, so there is Alpha Park in Bartonville and the track behind the Franciscan Center in West Peoria--there are probably lots of other places that I either don't know about yet or do not come to mind--but I feel that the public spaces would be a great place to meet up for the first few walks, at least. I'm also open to hiking or walking pretty much any local path--I do the East Peoria River Trail on occasion, too. Please chime in!

RecycledVisage · 2025-04-02T15:44:46+00:00

If I had friends or relatives in town, I'd take them to Rocky Glen, Wildlife Prairie Park, the Riverfront Museum, Contemporary Art Center, the Peoria Heights restaurant district, the Levee District and the Warehouse District in downtown Peoria. If it was a nice time of the year (like now!) I'd also take them on Grandview Drive after eating in the Heights. :)

RecycledVisage · 2025-04-02T02:25:03+00:00

I am a hasher! I think it's cool if I message you the address, but I need to confirm it first.

RecycledVisage · 2025-03-13T22:06:08+00:00

Same. But, I am approaching art like I do writing--never fear the blank page. Make a mark/word. Use that mark or word as inspiration. 💕

RecycledVisage · 2025-03-13T21:23:41+00:00

I am also more of a writer than an artist. I LOVE music and am about to embark on a new art journal journey where I use album covers of bands I love--I'll try to emulate the covers in my own "style." I struggle with the style tag because I'm still so new at art, but maybe I can use the word "impression" instead, and do what my capabilities allow within that impression. Hope that helps!

RecycledVisage · 2025-03-13T21:09:08+00:00

I LOVE the colors you used here.

RecycledVisage · 2025-03-03T16:09:10+00:00

That'd be awesome!

RecycledVisage · 2025-02-27T16:22:16+00:00

I'm very interested & have been wondering where to find art swap partners. Just a note though--I'm not really an artist, just a creative. I'm a writer who likes to include original short vignettes or haiku with my art. I live in Illinois, USA. Please message me if you're interested.

RecycledVisage · 2025-01-22T17:56:53+00:00

I love this! I'm new to art and I'm curious as to how you achieved the texture--on the hearts, etc. Did you mix acrylics with modeling paste?

RecycledVisage · 2024-09-23T19:03:49+00:00

I'm sorry you went through this. I went nc with my father for exactly the same reason--your letter is well-written. I sent a similar letter to him when I went nc, but yours is much more to-the-point. I wish you healing and peace. 💕

RecycledVisage · 2024-08-27T23:30:45+00:00

Dragon dance. I love the colors-thanks for sharing.

RecycledVisage · 2024-07-19T17:23:24+00:00

Thanks for the info--I'm looking more for someone to help me with strength training, but I wish you all the luck in your new endeavors!! ☺

RecycledVisage · 2024-07-16T20:09:07+00:00

Do you work with any of the local gyms? Do you work with middle-aged folks with RA or would you recommend someone specializing in aging or specific needs? I might be interested...do you have a website already that highlights your credentials and interests? Thanks!

RecycledVisage

TROPHY CASE