TM

BOUNCE BACK KID

Aleyssa Gavin
- Dec 4, 2022
- 3 min read

THE END TO A Be-A-U-Tiful BEGINNING

I MOVED ON NOT TO STAY STUCK IN THE PAST

It's as though I am stuck on an ex-partner, which makes me feel like I am giving away the energy they no longer deserve.

After thinking things out, I decided this was the last bit of my energy to give the trauma I endured growing up in FSM and having to go through a court battle while being ok with a predator on the loose.

The story is heavy. I could go on days about the things that happen, but this is not what I want a bounce-back kid to be about or centered around.

As we close the year and I approach the last year in my 20s, I've learned a lot, grown a lot, and tried many new things, and I am seeing seeds growing that I planted years ago. Opportunities have been pouring my way, and that's not to say that I still don't endure challenges or discomforts. But my attitude and mindset have changed, allowing me to make it this far. I can no longer concern myself about what others think or are going to think; as long as I am not doing something to harm someone, I don't have to care how others perceive me.

Bounce back is about highlighting resilience, and I've done this for myself by telling my story to the world and holding predators accountable. Telling my story wasn't for them, but this was for me and my healing, and while it helped when it did, it became the opposite. I dreaded having to re-tell my story, again and again, giving energy that could be used towards something more positive and uplifting. I had to not worry about what others would say or think. My decision is Bounce Back, and I am about; growing and not being afraid of being that example. I'm living on purpose, and I see that now. The previous season of my life is over, and if it were not for that season, I wouldn't be who or where I am today.

Despite the trauma, I've taken all the beauty and good things I've learned and gained from the church I once attended. Because of them, I've been able to find the real meaning of spirituality. So many blessings came out of the challenges I endured in my 20s. As I culminate my 20s, I'd like to leave this season where it belongs, behind me. Understand that reliving trauma isn't easy. These are real things that make me sad to think about but courageous to say out loud and hold them accountable, hoping they don't continue to do it to others.

Bounce Back Kid wants to turn its focus to its original goal: to highlight others, resilience, and embrace imperfections.

My resilience and transparency is a superpower, and I feel liberated writing this blog. I no longer feel the pressure of having to prove myself. The ones that have done wrong to me are also human. While I do not and will not feel bad for holding thieves and sexual predators accountable, I can no longer give my organization or energy to continuing authoring about them. Therapy and talking to family, friends, and nosey people have been healing enough.

With love, I forgive them, for they know not what they do. I don't mean they're not aware that they stole money and used it for their gain; people know who they are in the dark, and that is something they must deal with. I also recognize that I am imperfect and desire forgiveness for mistakes I make and will make in the future.

I am worthy of love and beauty. I am worthy of learning lessons. I am worthy of growth, and I choose to live my life in a way that is authentically me. Learning every day in every way that I can, be imperfect, apologize when I need to, become insightful, and spread love and goodness with TRUE intention, not just for show. I don't get paid to do Bounce Back Kid. I do it because people are unique, and you can bounce back from it no matter who or what it is. I do it to give people their flowers while they can still smell them. I do it because I love people; simple.

So if you must, help yourself: https://epublic-access.riverside.courts.ca.gov/public-portal/; if it's worth your time and energy, I'll let the legal system finish telling my story. For those who are invested and have to know, feel free to pay your $1 (lol, they charge) and enjoy as you see fit.