Reclaiming your sense of self after experiencing trauma is not easy. It’s a journey filled with deep emotions, brain fog moments, and many waves of confusion. Whether the trauma was mental, physical, sexual, or psychological, it’s not just about what happened—it’s about the aftermath. The brain fog, forgetfulness, feelings of being triggered by certain voices or words, and even the tremors in your hands. You might find yourself sensing patterns in other people’s relationships or noticing these behaviors in society. It’s a difficult place to be.
But here’s the truth: Recovery is a slow and often quiet process. You can either get stuck in the wreckage, feeling like a shadow of who you once were, or you can start making small, important steps toward healing. It’s often one tiny moment of clarity—maybe it’s a phone call to a doctor, walking outside, or even something as simple as getting out of bed. These actions might feel insignificant, but when you’ve been through trauma, they are huge milestones. Celebrate them. Every small win counts.
Why Bottling It Up Doesn’t Work
There’s a temptation to bottle up the pain. To say that it no longer affects you, that you’re “used to it” and don’t need to address it anymore. But let me tell you: That’s just the trauma talking. The reality is, we tell ourselves these things to avoid feeling the pain. We convince ourselves that we’re fine. But eventually, that pain surfaces again—usually in a moment when we least expect it. When the conversation comes up, or the topic is touched on, the emotions rush back in.
That’s why you have to deal with the emotions. Address them. Process them, even if it’s in small increments. Don’t bury it—acknowledge the pain, the hurt, and allow yourself to heal. It’s part of the journey. You don’t have to have all the answers, but being honest with yourself about what’s going on is the first step to reclaiming your sense of self.
Celebrate Every Small Step
Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. The road to healing is unique, and the journey can be long. But every small step you take matters. No matter what works for you, no matter how small, celebrate it. Whether it’s a smile to yourself in the mirror, a thank you to someone who’s supported you, a quiet moment of reflection, or even just going to the shops and sitting down for a coffee—these are wins. Celebrate them.
And as you rebuild yourself, remind yourself that it’s okay to take it one day at a time. Celebrate the little steps because they are leading you somewhere. Every tiny step adds up, and before you know it, you’ll be further along the path than you thought possible.
You’ve Got This!!!!
