This is my 🌎 as I see it!

October 3, 2018,  Shontice and I attended a workshop titled, “The World and Me: The Effects of Trauma and Helpful Tips” with Amanda Conelly. This was an eye opening experience as I didn’t expect it to be so intimate and personal, but I enjoyed every minute of it. The purpose of this meeting was to gain more knowledge of individuals dealing with trauma, so that we could better assist those we will encounter. I discovered that I learn best when I can apply it to my own life. This experience was no different!

She began by defining trauma as, an emotional shock following a stressful event or a physical injury, which may be associated with physical shock and sometimes leads to long-term neurosis. She then introduced an activity from “The PTSD Workbook”, a self- help workbook. This activity required us to draw a picture of how we see ourselves, the world, the role we play in it, family, and etc. This was a bit overwhelming for me, as I painted this picture of my life I began to recall trauma I encountered over my lifetime. My mind began to race as I knew for a fact if I drew every detail I would run out of room on the paper and time. The picture above represents my interpretation-of the activity!

The question followed, “What did you learn about yourself in completing these drawings?” We didn’t share openingly but I would love to share here! From completing these drawings I learned that I don’t give myself enough credit for all the things I have overcome. It also allowed me to see how aware I am of the chaos in the world and clear reasons as to why I am being a change agent. While focusing on the negativity around me, I began to recollect the negative events that occured in my life and my accountable role in each event. I then had an epiphany, my trauma lead me to my purpose in life!

Don’t get it twisted I didn’t deserve the trauma I went through,  no one does, but through it I blossomed into a strong, bold, outgoing being. We all have experienced trauma and may never fully heal from some of it but I’m here to tell you that positive outcomes can come from traumatic experiences.

1. Forgiveness-  I learned that through forgiveness I was free. Forgiveness frees us to live in the present. When we don’t forgive, we live with resentment and hate in our heart preventing us from trusting others. It is a known fact that forgiveness benefits the forgiver more than the forgiven.

2. Appreciation for life- When I open my eyes in the morning I’m so thankful that I get another chance at life. A new day, new beginning, new experiences, and new memories.

3. Enhanced resilience- When I look back on what I lived from, I know I can overcome ANYTHING!

4. Compassion for others- Experiencing trauma gave me the ability and the want to relate to others. It helped me be more mindful and patient with others!

5. Challenge…Comment with a positive trait, action, or attribute that could have possibly derived from trauma.

~ Cedrica💫