Can’t Stop the Filters
The Inevitable Triggers This week, I was triggered while doing this work. This isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last. I always journal privately about my triggers. The writing is raw and...
My Relentless Pursuit of Gratitude
Gratitude doesn't come easy for survivors of trauma. We have to pursue it consciously, find evidence of the beauty around us, and change those parts of us that disagree. I recently wrote an...
Spectator Sport
An Expression of Joy I told a joke to my kids the other day. They were sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast, and I was making their school lunches. They take vitamins that are shaped...
Change is Here
Generational Skills When I was in my 20’s, people were always telling me I should be a lawyer. They told me I argued well. They told me I used logic well. In reality, I never listened to the...
Time to Say Goodbye
The Internal Family System Since I discovered my inner child early in my recovery process, I have worked hard to establish a relationship with my inner parts. I have allowed them to be mean to me...
Going Places
I have discussions often about what makes someone take the plunge in to recovery. I have heard many opinions from those on the journey. And I have come up with a few theories. 1) Those who are...
The Future is Bright
Inner Battles Planning for the future is hard for survivors. In many cases, we spent a childhood seriously questioning our ability to live to the next day, year or decade. The end always seemed...
Suicidal Ideation: How to Avoid the Thought Trap
This week, I experienced a physical release in my body. I get these often as a part of my recovery. The emotions and memories have been stored in my body and I am releasing them as I recover. But...
Beneath the Emptiness
The Emptiness Over the past few days, I have been feeling an unusual emptiness. It isn’t sadness or depression. I am used to those feelings. It is as though a part of me has dropped away. But...
