In a world where victim-survivors of digital sexual abuse are often made to cast aside their feelings because of victim-blaming, heavy censorship, and constrictive gender expectations, collective journaling has the power to create an invaluable space of recognition for things we fear voicing aloud, emotions we struggle to unravel, and experiences that many discount. Our decision to host a journaling party for November’s meet-up was thus a conscious choice meant to foster self-exploration, catharsis, and group-facilitated affirmation.
We began with new and old members introducing themselves by way of penning down and sharing a recent achievement and challenge in their lives. Taking inspiration from Rameez Thonnakkal and team’s unique journaling experience, we also added a twist to this exercise by encouraging participants to devote short write-ups to members whose experiences they felt they could relate to.
Subsequently, we worked on personal entries that explored three themes – release, introspection, and the future:
Release
Pen down something you have always wanted to say to someone but cannot anymore
A letter to your inner critic
Work on a confessional piece to get something off your chest
Introspection
Describe a significant moment in your life that led to a deeper understanding of yourself. What insights did you gain, and how have they shaped who you are today?
Reflect on a negative belief or thought pattern you hold about yourself. How has this belief affected your life, and what steps do you plan to take to address it?
The Future
Think about a goal or dream you have. What parts of your life now are already helping you move toward it, and how can you show gratitude for them?
Write a short story about your future self.
In penning down and sharing our stories, we not only confront and untangle the weight of our individual experiences but also weave them into a shared tapestry of resilience and support. As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast: to continue cultivating counter spaces of care where victim-survivors and allies can heal and empower one another, allowing us to rise above the silencing effects of tech-enabled forms of sexual violence. If you resonate with our vision, we warmly invite you to join us for our upcoming meetups for meaningful conversations and growth.