STRENGTH, n. – ability to resist being moved or broken by a force.
It was her first time visiting a gym. Her first time learning to exercise, really. After all, her trafficker had not been concerned with her physical strength. On the contrary, he had aimed to break her down. Keeping her weak benefitted him. Now free from a terrible situation of exploitation and human sex trafficking, this young woman was about to embark on a journey to find her strength in more ways than one.
Healthy Habits
At Beautiful Dream Society, we believe in helping the women in our care develop healthy habits, such as regular physical exercise. Through a partnership with a gym, we can provide them the opportunity to work out in a safe environment, with a variety of aerobic and weight machines. This particular young lady agreed to join a group going to work out on this day. She received instruction on the best kind of clothing and shoes to wear. Given the decision to approach yet another new environment, she could have shied away from the unfamiliar, and understandably so. Instead, she took the risk of trying something new and received a big return on her risk.
First studying each machine carefully to determine how it worked, she then sat down and tested it. She performed the reps carefully at first, but once she figured it out, she continued with greater self-assurance. She progressed from machine to machine. She worked her way over to the elliptical machine, laughing at first as she got used to the awkward, unfamiliar motion, then smiling joyfully once she mastered it.
Taking Charge
Each time she figured out how to use a new machine, she smiled broadly. Stretching and using her muscles in new ways, she felt proud of herself. Instead of her body being used by someone else, now she was in control. Now she was strong.
Her first trip to the gym served a vital purpose beyond building her muscles. Crucial to the full recovery of a woman who has come out of human sex trafficking is the ability to truly see her worth. It takes time to gain a sense of personal value after years, or in many cases, a lifetime of being told one is worthless.
In this young woman’s case, each new skilled learned, each new machine conquered, each new movement mastered provided a sense of triumph. We all know how even a seemingly simple achievement can leave us brimming with self-confidence and an ability to face the next challenge. Traffickers deprive their victims of knowing any joy or achievement, great or small. That is no longer this young woman’s life.
On this day, SHE achieved. SHE mastered. SHE celebrated her strength.