A way of life in the face of death

Survivorship is a positive and pragmatic approach to quality living even after a traumatic experience of affliction, adversity or loss. This philosophy is shared by survivors of all kinds of trauma, from genocide and torture to breast cancer and bereavement; from war and disability to addiction and human betrayal.

There are three major types of threats to our well being.

   1. Disease and injury
   2. Natural disaster and accidents
   3. Man-made violence - victimization and abuse

The last one—man-made violence—is particularly vexing, because it is about the pain and cruelty we humans inflict on each other. Survivorship requires not just forgiving a sometimes cruel universe, but also each other.

Every one of us will experience moments when life “explodes” and is never quite the same again. There is no going back to how things were before the event, the crisis, the moment, the terrible news.  The challenge is deciding what to do next. How can we go on to not only survive, but thrive?  Survivorship is an ongoing invitation for each of us to grow stronger by reaffirming life’s meaning and seeking to fulfill our potential.

There are 5 Steps out of Victimhood and into Survivorship.

It's natural to feel vulnerable after a traumatic experience, but we must be careful not to get stuck in a victim mentality, characterized by blame, resentment, and self-pity. Victimhood is the path to despair and death. Survivorship is the path to joy and life.

The path out of Victimhood and into Survivorship is outlined in Jerry White’s book, Getting Up When Life Knocks You Down: 5 Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis. The book offers a roadmap to living with grace and personal power after crisis and catastrophe. We can grow stronger and thrive by resolving to follow 5 simple steps to embrace life, even after the worst happens.

   1. Face Facts—about suffering and loss
   2. Choose Life—living for the future, not in the past
   3. Reach Out—by connecting to others who have "been there"
   4. Get Moving—by setting goals and taking action for a healthy recovery
   5. Give Back—with gratitude by contributing to your community and the world.

Communities in pain also need constructive ways to move forward after catastrophe and trauma, rather than falling prey to depression, dysfunction and a vengeful or victim mentality. Survivor Corps is working with thousands of war victims worldwide to help them rebuild their lives and communities and fulfill their human rights. You may find that in helping others, you are also healed.

Are you a survivor? Take the “Survivor Pledge”:

I will not be a victim.
I will rise above.
I will give back.
I will change the world.


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