Traumatic Experiences Community Check-In 22 June 2020

Traumatic Experiences Community Check-In June 22, 2020

I often tell a joke I read in a comic once. It goes like this. Heard a joke once: Man goes to the doctor. He says he's depressed. He says life seems harsh and cruel. He says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. The doctor says, 'Treatment is simple. The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.' The man bursts into tears. He then says, 'But doctor…I am Pagliacci.' Good joke. Everybody laugh. Roll on snare drum. Curtains.

The point of it is that we often do so much to lift the spirits of others yet we often find we cannot lift our own spirits. This is why practicing self care is so important for all of us. So we dont feel like Pagliacci. Many of us find we can make anyone laugh except ourselves.

There are many ways to practice self care and it is very true that one cannot truly hope to be beneficial to others unless they are beneficial to themselves. Whether that activity be riding a bike or painting a picture, we should all do something everyday which truly brings joy to us. There may be some out there who dont have that ability and for them it is truly difficult to find a happy place. Finding joy in the small and simple things may be the only cause of escape from the difficulties in their lives. I use aroma therapy because its an easy practice to utilize and costs very little to obtain the essential oils used for it. Lavender provides me with a calming feeling that takes away all the negative vibes even if it is only for a moment. Sometimes even therapy doesnt provide us with the satisfaction we seek and in these moments it is truly up to us as individuals to utilize what resources we have to lift ourselves up from our despair and find solace.

I often mention meditation because it has truly helped me to cope and overcome my past struggles, but the truth is there were times I couldnt concentrate long enough to meditate on anything. It was only through constant studying and trying to understand why I felt how I felt that I was able to learn how to overcome my own struggles. We each ultimately have to find the way forward which works for us as individuals so no it truly doesnt matter what strategies I may present for all of you to try. So instead of pitching ideas I will ask you all what you do when you fall into despair. I will ask you what helps you to overcome the pain and the memories. Whether it be horseback riding, painting, running, or simply breathing. All of us have done something to prevent those memories from taking over. I will keep this check in short and sweet because I originally had another one planned and was going to go with it but Ill save it for Wednesday. I felt this one should be more personal. I will end this check-in by asking you all four questions:

1. What helps you to overcome the memories when they come flooding back?

2. How often do you try to bring joy to the lives of others?

3. What will you do today as a self care activity?

4. How are you feeling at this moment?

5. This is not a question I just want you all to know that I care.

As always I want to wish you all a better today than yesterday in hopes for a much brighter tomorrow my friends!!!

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