Teddy Bear

Amy Martinez listens to the story of Isabelle from Belle and the Bear, in which Isabelle's bear was stolen by her mother's abusive partner. "I feel like [the teddy bear] stands for something else that has been taken away from her." The sadness that Amy feels for Isabelle relates also to her own experiences in childhood. Now, as a young adult, Amy says she is starting to notice the ways in which people hold power over her. For example, she had a boyfriend who was very controlling. "He knew that I cared so much about him that he could do whatever he wanted and get away with it because he could say certain things to bring me back." Amy's reflection is a curious mix of vulnerability and courage. It takes a lot of strength to allow yourself to publically experience and express strength and there's a lot to be learnt here about emotional resilience and getting to know yourself.