As much as I love chocolate, I’ll admit this day gave me pause. Not because I didn’t deem chocolate cupcakes worthy of their own day. In fact, I’d once spent two entire days baking and coring 30 dozen of the sprinkle and fudge-filled batches of the gooey treat for a fundraiser. Happy National Chocolate Cupcake Day! 

 

But October 18 is also National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day. I didn’t want to perpetuate the stigma by ignoring it. I’m pretty adamant that its power grows in silence and have been very vocal about my own experiences in my healing journey. 

 

The number of “me too” women in my personal life far outweighs the Hollywood movement I’ve read about. I wish I’d known that I wasn’t alone back then; I think healing would’ve come faster. 

 

It’s a day to pray for those still suffering in silence. It’s also a day to give grace and understanding. There’s a lot of negative cause-and-effect when it comes to the behavior of those who are or have been a victim of sexual abuse. Show compassion. 

 

But like everything in life, there is a balance. You can acknowledge heavy things and celebrate the fluff as well. You can reveal darkness and bask in the light. You can accept sorrows of the past while being excited about the future. 

 

And you can most definitely enjoy a chocolate cupcake today!