Have you ever sat and thought about things in the past and started to feel those emotions again? Panic, embarrassment, anger, fear...Funny how we move on and don't forget. Today, I want to give you a message in healing. We all experience things that leaves scars...BUT it is up to you how you live with them.
The first step of healing that I found helps me is realizing that yes it happened, and it's normal to feel the way you do. Although you may feel like you are out of control or “going crazy,” in reality, you are experiencing what are called post-traumatic stress symptoms. Secondly, Talk about your thoughts, feelings and reactions to the events with people you trust. Then, talk about it some more. Keep talking about it until you have no need to talk about it anymore (Venting is key, it took me years to talk about something but finally speaking about it removed it's power over me). Third, Do you need to fall asleep with a friend on the phone for a few nights? Is there a certain song that allows you to just release (Mine is Beautiful by India.Arie)?
Do whatever it takes to create a feeling of safety and tranquility in your immediate environment. Fourth, (Are you taking notes?) As much and as quickly as possible, resume your normal routines. Traumatic events can throw your life into a state of chaos. The sooner you resume these activities and routines, the more normal your life will feel. Structure can provide feelings of security as you etch your way back to stability. Fifth, Take an affirmative action on your behalf. For example, if you were a victim of crime, prosecuting the perpetrator may be an empowering experience. If this is not an option for you, create a blog. Scream with words. Take some action on your behalf. Sixth, Become aware of your emotional triggers and learn to cope with them creatively. You may have a flashback to your trauma by engaging in a similar activity, going to a similar place, seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting or feeling something that reminds you of the original trauma. One way to cope with this is to recognize that you are experiencing an emotional trigger and talk yourself down off the ledge. Seventh, (I know...it takes ALOT) Try to find meaning in what happened to you. True, you were hurt or victimized but you can become a stronger person...a survivor. What have you learned from your experience? Record your thoughts or voice them. You never know who you could help by simply sharing. Eighth and last, Be patient with yourself. Healing takes time. Your recovery will have it’s ups and downs. Acknowledge your growing pains and celebrate your moments of triumph. It's OK. =]
