My Harsh Reality

 My Harsh Reality

By: Trisha Sullivan

    For years, I lived in a state of fight or flight. Unhealed trauma caused me to seek out the wrong partners time and time again, causing deeper trauma over the years. I found myself reaching for every form of self-medication and substance abuse early in life, and depression, anxiety, and PTSD came to live within me. I was stuck in a cycle of pain and suffering, and I didn’t know how to break free.

    But one day, I realized that I wanted better for my children. I knew I needed to take control of my life and start healing from the trauma that had been holding me back for so long. And so, I began what I call my “harsh reality.”

    Tackling my coping skills was not easy. It required me to face some of my past's most difficult and painful parts head-on. But I knew it was necessary if I wanted to live a truly fulfilling and meaningful life.

    One of the most significant struggles I faced was becoming a single mom at the age of 16. I was still a child myself and had no idea how to raise a child. I felt alone, scared, and overwhelmed. I had to learn how to be a mom while also dealing with my own trauma and mental health struggles.

    Despite the challenges, becoming a mother was also a turning point for me. It gave me a sense of purpose and a reason to keep fighting. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I also learned a lot. I learned how to be resilient, how to ask for help, and how to prioritize my child’s needs over my own. I also learned the importance of self-care and how taking care of myself was essential to being a good mom.

    Over time, I’ve learned that healing is not a linear process. There are good days and bad days, and some days it feels like I’m back at square one. But I’ve also learned that it’s okay to take things one day at a time and to be gentle with myself along the way.

    Through my journey, I’ve learned that healing is possible. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to start their own journey toward restoration and self-discovery.

    I hope this glimpse into my journey has been helpful to you. I plan on sharing more of my story soon, so stay tuned for updates. Remember, it's never too late to start your own path to a better you.

Let’s Chat! Answer one of these questions in the comments or leave your own feedback on this topic.

- I’m curious to know what your biggest takeaway from this post is. What resonated with you the most?

- What do you think are some common misconceptions about healing and self-discovery? How can we work to break down those barriers?

- If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is struggling to heal, what would it be?