Encourage Each Other To Heal

Encouraging One Another To Heal 

I think we can all agree that every single person on this Earth has, or still needs healing in one way, shape or form. Some of us though, might not easily admit this is true. What's truly unfortunate about that is that if a person is unwilling to acknowledge that they have unhealed trauma, identify exactly where/how it started, and then heal from it, they are going to keep facing that trauma and others.

I also find that those who can't admit they have unsealed traumas from past experiences, usually end up being the ones most traumatized. To carry that within for neatly a lifetime (for some people) is so damaging, and will almost guarantee that those people will never experience truly fulfilled lives(only surface level ego fulfilled). So today it is my hope to be of encouragement to you reading this, and those around me too, to heal. 

There should be no shame in the need for healing and it should never be viewed as weakness, healing is the hardest adventure I've been on! Also the most rewarding. We all experience bad/hard times in life; if we carry all of our baggage from the past, how can we expect ourselves or anybody else to effectively deal with our present circumstances successfully?

What Unhealed Trauma In Adults Can Look Like: 

• Self-doubt
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Nightmares
• Over or under eating
• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Tension/pain in the body
• Being withdrawn
• Sleep issues
• Sadness
• Flashbacks
• Self destructive behaviors
• Mood swings 
• Numbing (alcohol/drug use)

When we avoid addressing our past hurts and feel alone with them, they transform into behaviors that are destructive to ourselves and the environment around us. Most times when an Unhealed person approaches adulthood they have a very serious unknown impairment of how they think they are supposed to be, or how their partner should act/treat them. In the end, if your unhealed trauma is never dealt with or recognized, you are forever a prisoner of your past/childhood. Any attempts you make to create a new life, will be met by your unhealed trauma time, and time again. 

By acknowledging and nurturing the wounded parts within us, we break free from the chains of childhood trauma (or trauma in general) and are finally able to embrace a life full of joy and authenticity. 

What Doing The Work Looks Like

• Letting your feelings have a voice and be heard 
• Examining your beliefs, values and habits
• Addressing past pain and trauma
• Noticing unhelpful behaviors and defenses which no longer serve you
• Creating and setting clear boundaries 
• Paying attention energizes, drains, and inspires you

Uneasy Feelings Take Come With Healing Include

• The intense need to be alone and disconnect 
• Feeling lost and directionless, questioning your life's purpose 
• The sensation of reliving the struggles you are trying to heal from
• Sensitive to your own energy and those around you 
• Uncomfortable around negative people, downsizing your friend group (sometimes drastically)
• Random influxes of irrational anger or sadness 
• Strong desire to avoid small talk and gossip
• Unpredictable and scattered sleeping patterns 

The path of recovering from trauma is unpredictable but very worth it. Everyone might not celebrate your healing, but those are likely unhealed souls themselves who are just not ready yet. Don't let you joy be in for negotiation any longer! Each step to healing is just as important as the one before it. 

Steps To Recovery:

Acknowledgement 

Understanding the event, relationship or experience was in fact, traumatic for you. The healing starts right here. 

Safety

Safety is the most important part of trauma recovery. You must work towards safety before other processing can start.

Processing

Processing trauma involves acknowledging, understanding, and coping with the emotional and psychological effects of the distressing event or series of events. It involves exploring your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations associated with your trauma.

Trigger, Return To Safety

As your trauma is processed, events will continue to 'trigger' and bring up new content to process and make sense of. This does not mean you are not healing. In fact, it means you are, and are ready to process more! Keep going!

Integration 

Integration is the process of incorporating your traumatic experience into your sense of self and life story but in a whole new way, a way that promotes healing and growth. It's about moving from a state of being overwhelmed, to a place of understanding and acceptance, where your past can no longer dominate your thoughts and emotions. Integrating your new understanding of you, your safety, and your experience into a NEW understanding of your life's meaning and self concept!

-Peace, love, light and HEALING✨