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Trigger Warning: This post explores themes of sexual assault. ⚠️
Today's Emoji-A-Day post honors RAINN Day and International Moment of Laughter Day. These awareness days remind us that even after the pain of sexual assault, healing and finding joy again are possible. ✨
The Pain is Real 💔
Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that leaves deep wounds. It's important to acknowledge the pain, anger, and sadness you may feel. It's real. It's valid. You are not alone. If you are struggling, please reach out to RAINN or another trusted resource for support. ❤️🩹
Support for Everyone ☎️👂
RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, is America's largest anti-sexual violence organization. They offer a 24/7 confidential hotline and online chat service where you can speak with a trained professional and receive the support you need. Importantly, they provide services to all individuals affected by sexual violence, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. 🫂
Finding Your Strength 💪
You are a survivor. In the depths of your pain, there's an incredible resilience within you. It might be a quiet flicker at first, but it's there. Allow yourself to lean on loved ones, seek professional help, and discover what empowers you. Step by step, you can reclaim your power and rebuild your life.
Hope & Healing 💔🩹
Healing isn't about forgetting what happened. It's about finding ways to carry your scars with strength, rather than letting them define you. It's a process, with good days and hard ones. Seek out moments of peace, practice self-care, and find gratitude in the small joys life offers.🌞
Rediscovering Laughter 🌈
There will come a day when you laugh again – truly laugh. It might seem impossible now, but it's a sign of healing progress. Allow yourself those lighthearted moments. Surround yourself with people who make you smile, and don't feel guilty for experiencing joy. Laughter is powerful medicine for the soul.😊
For more personal perspective, check out the Chief Moji Muser's post on RAINN Day and moving through surviving to healing to thriving.
✅ MOJI BITS & BYTES ✅
Here are some facts and stats to empower you on your journey or that of someone you care about:
- Alarming Numbers - According to RAINN, nearly 1 in 6 women and 1 in 3 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. These are just the reported cases. ⚠️
- Suffering in Silence - Only 5.4% of sexual assaults are reported to the police. Many survivors suffer in silence and alone. 🤫🚫
- Breaking the Silence - By talking openly about sexual assault, we can help end the stigma and create a safer world for everyone. 🗣️
- The Body Remembers - Our bodies store memories of trauma, but they can also heal. Practicing self-care like yoga or meditation can help us process those memories in healthy ways. 🧘♀️🙏
- It's a Journey - Healing from sexual assault is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and know you are not alone. 🏆
- Help is Here - RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). They are the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. 💔🩹
- Here for All - RAINN provides support to ALL survivors of sexual assault, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Everyone deserves to heal. 🌈
- 24/7 Support - RAINN offers confidential support through their hotline and online chat, available anytime, anywhere. You are not alone. ☎️
- It's a journey, not a destination - Healing from trauma takes time and varies for everyone. Be patient with yourself. 🧘♀️
- Talking is healing - Talking to a trusted friend, therapist, or support group can be incredibly helpful in processing trauma. 🫂🗣️
- Self-care matters - Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for healing. Prioritize rest, healthy eating, and activities you enjoy. 🥗😴
- Laughter boosts the Immune System - Laughter increases the production of infection-fighting antibodies, keeping you healthy. 💪
- Laughter is the Best Medicine - Studies show that laughter can reduce stress hormones, boost the immune system, and even improve mood. So go ahead, share a funny meme with a friend! 🤣😌
- Laughter is Contagious - Hearing laughter can actually trigger the release of feel-good endorphins in others. So watch and listen to good things, and spread the joy and share a good laugh whenever you have a chance!😆
Note: These statistics may be triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to RAINN or another trusted resource. 😄
Question of the Day 🤔
What small step can you take today to support your own healing journey, or that of someone you love? ✨
~ Your mind cannot heal without laughter ~
- Catherine Ripperger Fenwick, Author
~ Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness ~
- Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican Bishop and Anti-apartheid Activist
~ Sometimes you don't realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness ~
- Susan Gale, Actor and Singer
Moji Challenge Prompt
➡️ Emoji Power-Up: Expressing Hope & Healing 🌟
The Concept - Use emoji to share ways you find hope, healing, and moments of joy on your journey.
- Strength & Resilience: Create a scene with emoji showcasing strength (💪), resilience (🌱), and the support you rely on (🤝).
- Safe Space - Use emoji to depict a place or activity where you feel safe, calm, and at peace (🏡, 🧘♀️, 📖).
- The Path to Healing - Build a scene symbolizing your healing journey – bandages (🩹), a helping hand (🤝), and a sunrise (🌄).
- Rediscovering Laughter - Share a scene that makes you smile a funny meme, a playful pet, a silly face (😂, 🐶, 😋).
Examples
- 💔🩹 + 🤝 + 🌅 = Healing with support
- 🧘♀️ + 😌 = Finding peace in mindfulness
- 💪 + 🌱 = My strength is growing
- 🤣 +🐶 = My dog makes me laugh
- 🩹 + 💪 = Healing takes strength
- 🐕 + 😂 = My furry friend always makes me smile
- 🎧 + 🎶 = Music is my escape
- 🙋♀️ + 📞 + ❤️ = Reaching out to a friend
Share & Inspire! Tag your friends and celebrate healing and/or finding joy! 📱Use #MojiChallenge #SurviveToThrive
- Moji Magic 🪄
Level Up Your Healing
Take the time to take care
- Practice Self-Care - Commit to one self-care activity today, even a small one like taking a walk in nature, soaking in the tub, doing yoga, or enjoying your favorite music. 🧘♀️🌳🛁
- Seek Professional Help - If you're struggling, consider therapy. It can be incredibly empowering to have guidance on your healing journey. 🗣️
- Laughter Break - Watch a funny video, read a humorous book, or share jokes with a loved one. Give yourself permission to laugh!😊
- OPTIONAL LEVEL UP - Upload your favorite emoji artwork to the Moji Customizer to create custom merch that supports your healing.
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Moji Mashup 😭 + 😂 = ?
In this Moji Mashup we paired Loudly Crying Face 😭 emoji with Face with Tears of Joy 😂 emoji to celebrate learning to laugh through your tears. Check out our Facebook or head on over to Pinterest to see our creation from the Google Emoji Kitchen today! 🌟
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Sunrise Over Mountains on Emojipedia 🌄
Dig into the sunrise over mountains description, tech origin details, and unique emoji design versions across different platforms at Emojipedia, the ultimate emoji encyclopedia! 📚📲
- Playlist - Our Survive to Thrive Playlist is your soundtrack for surviving, healing, and finding the strength to thrive and smile (for real!) once again. From pain to power, these songs are your battle cry and your victory song. Hit play and let the music lift you up.😀🎵
Wrapping Up - From Surviving to Thriving
Today, we honored the pain of sexual assault and the powerful possibilities in healing, joy, and laughter. This journey is different for everyone, and there's no single right way to move forward.🌄
Here's what matters...
- You Are Not Alone - RAINN and countless other organizations stand ready to support you. If you're struggling, please reach out. 🫱
- Healing Takes Time - Be patient with yourself. Some days will be harder than others. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. 💗
- Seek Support - Whether from trusted loved ones, a therapist, or a support group, don't try to do this alone. Connection is key. 🫂
- Joy is Possible - While the pain is real, don't let it rob you of future laughter. Allow yourself those lighthearted moments that are essential to a full life. 🌞
- Your Strength is Immeasurable - You are a survivor, and your resilience will guide you to better days. 🌻
We see you. We believe in you. You are not alone. There is strength within you, and with support, you can find your light again. #YouMatter
See ya tomorrow for another Emoji-A-Day adventure where we keep learning, creating, and discovering together! Believe in yourself – we sure do! ✨
🤳 COMMENT & SHARE 📲
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Emoji-A-Day™ uses emoji, awareness days, music, and art challenges as universal elements to weave mosaics that bring us together to celebrate shared experiences.