“How long does it take to recover from workplace bullying?” I asked. “A lifetime,” He replied. As I look back on that workplace bullying expert’s words, and an older blog post where I struggled with that very question, I now fully understand just how easily my workplace abuse experience could’ve consumed the rest of my life. But, today, I have a very different answer for fellow targets. Welcome to my final blog of recovery!

By Linda Crockett, founder of the Workplace Bullying Resource Centre (ABRC.ca) and Janice Gilligan White, founder of The Empowered Employee. Hundreds of thousands ‘Volunteers, Students, Employees’ targeted by bullies in their organization ask the question, “why me”? Whenever someone experiences a shock or trauma, people try to make sense of these confusing and threatening experiences. Like a car accident, most targets do not see the harm coming. Unlike a car accident, however, there are many unpredictable shocking and confusing offenses that continue to occur. These offences may occur several times a week for months, or years, to come.

In blog 1 of my 3 part recovery series, I wrote about the 10 things that sucked most about recovering from workplace abuse. For part 2, I wanted to write about the space that exists between that very hardship and what ultimately transpires from all of it.

Because there’s something really special hidden there.

I’m often asked about my recovery and what it took to find that illusive treasure chest filled with peace. And while many of my blogs have touched on different aspects of my recovery, the lack of a clear path can send even the most determined target on a goose chase for closure. You won’t find me rocking any rose-colored glasses of hindsight in this blog. I go straight for the jugular of recovery.

Today I read an article written by a woman who made the TIME magazine cover for becoming a change maker after speaking up against workplace harassment. As I read the article, I was in awe of her bravery and also horrified by the consequences that followed.

300 Days. The maximum number of days in New Jersey I was given to file a lawsuit against my employer... And also the day I was left to find justice outside the courtroom.  This day comes and goes without resolve for many. For me, I simply wasn’t feeling well enough yet to survive the long battle ahead. For others, maybe they weren’t able to find a lawyer. Or couldn’t afford one once they did.  In any case, the day our statute of limitations runs out can be a difficult one filled with many different emotions. At least, it was for me.