10 Things To Do, To Help You Heal From Trauma.

Life is not lived, without meeting trauma. Those moments bring us to a place of desperation and survival.....needing, not only to escape, but to live beyond our traumatic experiences, with as little injury and scarring as possible.

When we experience loss, of any sort, betrayal, a serious accident; it takes a large chunk out of our sense of self. Those parts of us that brings us enjoyment in life, are arrested for a time, and mentally, emotionally, physically, we begin to operate robotically, as a way of survival and self-preservation, to simply be able to function on a daily basis, and to keep the wheels of life moving along. As an adult, we mainly do this to keep our children fed, our bills paid, gas in the tank and a roof over our heads; to keep our basic needs. Meanwhile, we are still grieving and suffering inside. Howbeit, there is an expiration date on how long our mental health will hang on without cracking, living like a robot day in and day out. Without an active plan for healing, we will break.

I would like to share with you, 10 things that have helped me heal from trauma:

1. Prayer: There is no power beyond or greater than the changing power of prayer. It is in that direct contact with God, where I have found and received my peace, healing to my sufferings, answers to my prayers, and direction from the Lord. One of the greatest set-backs when you experience trauma, is feeling and being lost. It is at that critical point where a lot of people sadly, begin to feel hopeless and decide to give up. "What am I supposed to do now, or next", is a question I asked. My answers were found when I talked to Jesus. (Matthew 11:28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2. Talk: A lot of people have been raised to not have the freedom and support to discuss their feelings. Sometimes that reason is cultural, other times it is a point of toxicity. The problem with both, is that we were created to need the care and support of other humans. When we are incapable of truly speaking and being forced to withhold our words and thoughts, we bottle them up and find other ways; often unhealthy ways to get some relief. Whether it is through therapy, a support group, a Pastor, or trusted friends and family; talking about my trauma and how I felt, alleviated my pain. It also helped me to see my situations from perspectives other than my own.

3. Writing/journaling: I express more through written word, than I do verbally. Writing is my life. Whenever I write about traumas, I am able to take my time and express what I need to get out. I pour my heart out, into my words. I do not have to worry about fumbling my words, finding the right words, feeling like I am not being heard. When I write and have written, it has been like medicine. Writing by itself, is therapeutic.

4. Hobbies: Remembering what I was good at, helped me to redirect my thoughts. I started to place my imagination on ideas for art work. When unsettling thoughts and anger from the trauma of loss and betrayal, came up, I poured it onto a sketchpad or canvas.

5. Education: I dive more into the "Fight" mode, of psychology. When I would pray, I would ask God to remind me of my purpose and to restore it. That lead me into returning to school and earning my 2nd degree. Not only that; I started retaining ideas for future business and ministry.

6. Talents: This goes hand and hand with hobbies and education. Rediscovering what I was great at, placed me in the position of opportunity. Doors have been opened up......and are still opening.

7. Outdoors: You do not even have to be an outdoors person, to go outside and appreciate the natural healing of nature. From birds singing, to watching the passing cars, to the wind blowing through your hair and your skin, soaking up that vitamin D. This can happen at home, or it can be going out. There is a peace that I found, that goes along with changing up my view from time to time; especially being in nature that God made for me to enjoy.

8. Music: It is inspiring, it is calming and interactive. Music is one of those routines that I have at home, daily. I love music and singing. While it is personal for me, it has become a common ground fixture in my home, for my son and I. It is something we share back and forth, and have conversations over; such as the meaning of lyrics, etc. He is 13, so having and sharing his interest in something we both love, is a Blessing.......and that also helps to restore and establish peace and hope.

9. Eating right/Exercise: A good healthy meal and movement, just makes me feel good inside. When I feel good, I think good and I am excited to live and thrive, and not just survive.

10. Helping: My life has more meaning to it, when I am able to help others. However that help looks; if it changes a persons situation and outlook on life for the better, and it changes how they live....my soul is Blessed. I love seeing people win in life.

So there you have it. My list of how I heal and have healed from trauma. Healing is not linear. Sometimes we feel we are on the right path and nothing can stop us, then the next day, it is hard to even get out of bed. If there is nothing else that you remember from this post, remember one thing......PRAYER WORKS!

Raven