Cyper, it might be a good idea to get rid of those pictures. I'm still struggling with getting rid of the news paper clippings of my father's murder.

However, I was able to shred my ex-husband's death certificate. That made me realize I was able to accept him and all that happened, then let it go. It was very difficult to do, and it took me a month to actually shred it after I decided that shredding it would be a start of letting go.

I feel the reluctance in getting rid of the news paper clippings of my father is my want to keep him a live. But in the same instance I have other photos of him so I'm keeping his murder alive. The thought of shredding them causes me anxiety but I know that I will do it when I'm ready to let go 100%.

I'm still stuck in thinking that I'm not honoring him by throwing them away when in reality I'm keeping his pain, which has turned into my pain, alive. It's flawed thinking.

My point in telling you this is that it might be a goal for you to tell yourself that at some point you will get rid of those photos of your abuse. I know they validate that you were hurt, but you don't need them.

Take care
Tammy