In our experience of healing from past traumas, a profound shift occurs when we start to recognize and appreciate the ways in which we've fought to survive. Each step, every decision, and all the mechanisms we've employed to navigate through our traumatic experiences were not just reactions; they were our personal strategies for survival. And it's crucial to acknowledge that whatever you did to survive was the exact right thing at that moment.

The strategies and responses that served us during traumatic times were developed under extraordinary circumstances. They were our body and mind's way of protecting us, of ensuring our survival against something we should have never had to endure. However, as we journey through the process of healing, we come to realize that what worked for us in survival mode may not serve us as well in our quest for healing and wholeness.

Healing calls us to engage with life and ourselves in more whole and comprehensive ways. It invites us to explore and express the multifaceted nature of our being, to show up in our lives with a depth and authenticity that survival mode simply couldn't accommodate. This process of showing up for ourselves is both challenging and incredibly rewarding, as it allows us to connect with our innermost selves on a level that was previously inaccessible.

One of the most transformative aspects of healing is learning to see ourselves beyond the binary of "good" or "bad." Such labels are reductive and fail to capture the complexity of the human experience. Acknowledging our humanity means recognizing that the choices we make are deeply influenced by our circumstances. This understanding fosters a gentleness towards ourselves and others, as we realize that given different circumstances, our choices might have been different as well.

Being gentle with oneself is an act of radical acceptance. It means embracing ourselves as we are, even when we wish our past actions or reactions had been different. This acceptance is not a resignation but a powerful statement of self-awareness and understanding. It affirms that we are not defined by our trauma or our responses to it.

Consider the phrase: I am recovering because I survived

Directions: Try on this phrase. Allow yourself to say the words out loud or simply let your eyes gaze over the words as you imagine where this idea might take up residence in your body. Consider that you are already recovering, already healing, and already on the path back to yourself. As you allow this phrase to exist around you or within you, what do you notice? As you are able, allow yourself to honor all of the aching parts of you that showed up in just the right way, at just the right time. Notice that you are right here, and that you have survived your hardest days. Honor the parts of you that helped you to be here and let them know that healing is already happening.

As you navigate the path of healing, take time to notice how you've shown up for yourself, even in the smallest ways. Celebrate the victories, no matter how minor they may seem. Recognize the strength and resilience that have been your companions, often in ways you might not have acknowledged. These moments of recognition are crucial stepping stones on your journey towards healing.

You, dear one, are your own greatest asset. Believing in your capacity for healing and growth is not just hopeful; it's foundational to the healing process. When you can truly believe in your worth, your strength, and your ability to heal, the journey becomes not just possible but filled with potential for profound and life-giving transformation.

To everyone walking this path, know that your survival strategies are there for good reason- they demonstrate your resilience and strength. Your journey of healing is not just about moving past your trauma but also about reclaiming your full self, with all its complexity, duality, and multifaceted potential. You are more than your trauma, more than your past, and every step you take towards healing is a step towards a more authentic, empowered, and integrated you.