Traumatic Experiences Community Check-In 10 June 2020

Traumatic Experiences Community Check-in June 10, 2020

Todays topic is Empowerment. It is often difficult to see things from a different perspective when going through or recovering from trauma. Once we do however, relief is found. Even minor relief sometimes can be influential towards empowering those who are victims of trauma. It is just as important to learn to accept ones situation and push towards altering negative thoughts in a healthier direction towards either healthier negative thoughts or ultimately positive ones. This is a process which takes time and training of oneself to combat the negative thoughts constantly floating around in the mind of one who has experienced trauma. It can be overwhelming which is why setting the bar too high could quickly become a backstep when those goals are not reached.

As much as we all want to see ourselves become our best self, it is sometimes best to take small steps towards those big changes we desire to experience firsthand. There is no set definition for trauma instead being composed of guidelines towards what trauma can be because it is often viewed subjectively. An individual can experience the same traumatic event and walk away with differing feelings about said experience.

Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individuals functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being. (SAMHSA)

The purpose for discussing trauma and encouraging a victim of trauma to open up about their experience(s) is to help them accept and embrace the pain and empower them at the end of the day. Instead of letting the events completely cripple them, these events could make them a much stronger person. While no one can combat trauma alone, they can do their individual part in beginning the healing process.

There is no set way to begin the healing process so all of you can use these tips based on how suitable they are to your own preferences. The same concept can be utilized in multiple ways benefitting the individual more than using the same method for everyone. One beneficial first step to healing is to admit one needs professional help and for that person to seek it out. Many of you have already taken this step and I admire you all for doing so. It is a sign of bravery to show that they are human after all. Aside from seeking treatment professionally there are other ways to empower oneself. Acceptance is a major factor when struggling with trauma. Accepting ones situation knowing that healing is possible, even after their life or mind changes from the traumatic experience, is a major step towards empowerment. You are not to blame for the trauma experienced. Take responsibility if need be but do not dwell on it as that only furthers the damage done.

Learning to forgive is another vital step in the empowering process. Forgiving oneself and other persons involved prevents the individual from living in bitterness or regret. One thing listeners on this platform always stress to each other is the importance of self-care. Self-care is number one for all of us because we cannot hope to assist others if we are not providing adequate care to ourselves. The same is true for all of us.

Plan fun activities like playing games. Surrounding oneself with people or pets that they love is another good practice. Joining group therapy or even a support group may be a route one would like to take. I personally focus on meditation more than anything else. Always trying to maintain a sense of balance in this ever changing world around me. We will each find our own ways to focus on self care and that is alright as long as we are making the effort to do so. The focus here is not success but to make an attempt for success can never be reached if an attempt is not made towards it. I will ask these three questions of you today:

How are you feeling today?

What steps have you taken or do you plan to take towards empowering yourself?

What is one self care activity you have planned for yourself today?

As always my friends, I hope you have a better today than yesterday in hopes for a much brighter tomorrow!!!!!

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