Are you tired, jaded and resigned or are you a go-getter that stops at nothing?

A couple of weeks ago, I attended and spoke at a fantastic conference called the Canadian Burn Survivors Conference that was attended by burn trauma survivors and their family members, medical staff that work with burn trauma survivors, firefighters and others in the burn community. This community is my family, as we are bonded through trauma.  

I had many amazing conversations and saw some great speakers. My takeaway from this conference is that we are all on a healing journey, and what works for me may not work for someone else. That's ok because, for the longest time, I just wanted to help others heal and get back into the life they knew. That need to help others was self-fulfilling on my part because my struggles were worth it if I helped someone else heal. It takes a big person to sit with someone struggling as they find their way through the healing journey. Sitting with others' trauma can be very challenging because it reminds me of everything I went through and had to overcome. When others develop the tools to work through their trauma, they have a greater chance to process healing when they are triggered in life, and the reality is they will be triggered again. 

  "At home, my parents and siblings loved me and were also struggling with their stuff, so life was not easy for me in my early life."

Healing from childhood trauma can be equally as challenging as surviving a fatal car crash and brings on its challenges. We may not even be present of the impact of it on our lives. I grew up being bullied a lot because of my indigenous heritage, which I hated for the longest time because, in my young mind, it only brought negativity from others. I saw that I was less than and resisted learning any of the culture or heritage of my indigenous ancestors. I was not proud of it by any means. At home, my parents and siblings loved me and were also struggling with their stuff, so life was not easy for me in my early life. Additionally, I was raised in the catholic religion, which felt like everything was bad and wrong, and they love to cast judgement, shame, and make you feel guilty. At least, that is how it occurred for me as a young child growing up in this environment. 

 "You can work through your past traumas to have the life you desire."

I share this with you because I want you to see that we can achieve healing despite everything we have gone through. You can work through your past traumas to have the life you desire. We can be victims of our trauma and keep reliving it, and we keep it in play for a reason. We can survive our trauma and tell everyone how much we have dealt with, as it shows confidence and strength. Healing is resolving our traumas and letting go of them so that we can live the beautiful life we desire. If you are triggered by this post or the thought of letting go of the trauma you have overcome, that is ok, as this is just food for thought on your healing journey. Take what works for you, and throw away the rest. Trust me; you can heal and let go of all that pain; you don't need to keep reliving it. When we can let go of the story of the past, we can truly experience the beauty that today brings. 

​Have a beautiful day.