D, I think it's good that you're keeping yourself safe and limiting how much you take on. Kudos for that and for the amazing strides you've made of late.

While I'd happily trade what follows for having never been abused, there are a few strengths I've developed from the events themselves and the journey after.

I have a great capacity for understanding the emotional point of view of other people. Intuitively I can see the world through their eyes, no matter how twisted that reality might be. From the prim and proper church goer to the suicide bomber in a market square, I can put myself in their shoes and this talent is a large part of why I can write.

The abuse forced me to the margins of society and so I grew up looking in from the outside. In essence, I studied people. The self destructive aftermath of the abuse led me to many situations, places, and realities that I wouldn't have otherwise known. And finally, therapy gave me insight into how the inner world works. All of this has somehow combined into more than just insight but in the ability to step into another person's shoes.

So abuse and recovery has had a great impact on who I am and how I see people. It's, at the very least, contributed to my talents, and while I'm not grateful, I am proud of my abilities.

Cyran0