In the tapestry of my existence, long before I deciphered the enigmatic threads of abuse – the gaslighting, projection, and manipulation – there echoed a phrase that would pierce my soul almost daily: "Misery Loves Company." It was a refrain flung at me whenever I dared to question an action, whenever I stood up for myself, or unwittingly stumbled into the labyrinthine maze of a never-ending, non-productive word salad. These encounters left me tangled in frustration and wounded, with the phrase projected onto me, as if I were the creator of my own misery, and responsible for the unhappiness of all those around me.
But it was amid the process of healing my own wounds that I embarked on a path of self-education, delving into the abusive tactics that had plagued my life. Understanding how these tactics operated was a revelation that gifted me a renewed trust in my ability to forge a life free from the chains of abuse. From childhood, I had carried a burden of feeling unworthy of love, security, and safety. Little did I know that by seeking these very qualities in my adult relationships and friendships, I was unwittingly repeating the same lesson, time and time again, until I reached a profound realisation. The truth was, it had never been about me. Yet my healing was, this was a journey I had to undertake; my responsibility, and mine alone.
The emblem of the 'Misery Loves Company' Collection is a testament to this odyssey, birthed from a tapestry of experiences that not only define its name but also encapsulate the very essence of its existence. The woman depicted is that of a painting that adorned my life for countless years, a reflection of myself in the aftermath of endless hours and days subjected to the cruellest psychological torment. Numb, unable to think clearly, I would find solace in isolation. Much like the woman in the logo, I would sit for hours during these quiet moments. It was here, in the depths of solitude, that the fight-or-flight response relinquished its grip on my body. I could then begin the arduous task of untangling the metaphorical swords embedded in my back.
In these hushed moments, often nestled in the heart of the night when the world lay dormant in slumber, my journey of healing commenced. The woman in the emblem mirrors how I felt – fatigued yet deeply reflective. The resplendent gold circle symbolises the profound safety I found in those moments of solitude. The butterfly, poised on both sides of the circle, is emblematic of the profound transformation that unfolded within and around me.
It was in these quiet hours that I seized back the power from 'Misery Loves Company.' In a moment of epiphany, I realised it wasn't me who desperately needed the presence of others to survive. No, it was they who needed company. The emblem stands as a testament to that very moment when I reclaimed my strength, igniting my journey toward becoming the most radiant and loving version of myself. "Misery Loves Company" is a tribute to resilience, healing, and the immeasurable power of knowledge.
