From Anger to Gratitude: A Journey of Transformation

Hello Trauma Warriors,

How often do you find yourself consumed by anger? Maybe it's that driver who cut you off in traffic, a co-worker who just can't seem to do their job correctly, or a partner who left the toothpaste cap off...again. No matter the trigger, anger is an emotion that can consume our thoughts and actions, often leaving us feeling like we're at the mercy of our own fiery temperament.

But what if I told you that being an angry person isn't necessarily a negative trait? In fact, understanding and harnessing your anger can provide a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. By searching into the depths of your anger, you can begin to unravel its underlying causes, ultimately leading to a more profound level of self-awareness and gratitude.

The issues lying within our anger often stem from a combination of external stimuli and our own internal narratives. While some people may have a predisposition towards anger due to their genetic makeup or previous life experiences, it's crucial to recognize that anger is a natural response to what we perceive as threats or injustices. However, it becomes problematic when it starts to seep into our daily lives, tarnishing relationships and hindering personal growth.

Anger is the flame that burns fiercely within, but it is our choice whether to let it consume us or wield its power to ignite change.

To shift our anger to gratitude, the first step is acknowledging the root causes behind our fiery temperament. Is it a deep-seated fear of being taken advantage of? Are we harboring unresolved past hurts that resurface in the form of anger? Taking time for deep introspection and honest self-reflection is essential in this process. 

Consider seeking professional help or joining support groups that specialize in anger management. They can provide effective strategies and tools to navigate the complex terrain of anger.

Furthermore, developing a practice of mindfulness and emotional intelligence can help us identify and understand the triggers that elevate our anger. By cultivating an awareness of our emotions in the present moment, we can begin to recognize the subtle shifts in our mood and preemptively diffuse the rage before it consumes us. 

Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and journaling can aid in this process, granting us a clearer perspective on our emotional landscape.

Making the shift requires a conscious effort to reframe our perception of events and situations. It entails taking a step back and actively looking for the positive aspects in every encounter, no matter how challenging they may be. It is acknowledging that each experience, even the infuriating ones, contributes to our personal growth and offers valuable lessons. 

Adopting a mindset of gratitude allows us to appreciate the opportunities for growth that anger presents, providing a fertile ground for introspection and self-improvement.

Finally, practicing forgiveness is a powerful tool in the journey towards living a more peaceful life. Holding onto anger and resentment only serves to poison our own well-being. By letting go of grudges and embracing forgiveness, we liberate ourselves from the chains of anger, allowing room for healing and personal transformation. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or condoning hurtful behavior, but rather releasing the power anger holds over our lives.

Rather than seeing anger as a negative quality, let’s look at it as an opening for personal growth and self-realization. We can use introspection, mindfulness, reframing, and forgiveness to turn anger into a pathway for greater gratitude and a more fulfilling life. Are you ready to tap into the potential of your anger?

Love and be loved,

Trisha Sullivan

The Trauma Warrior

The Healing Power of Emotions: Feel to Heal

Hello! If you are new here, welcome to my healing journey. I choose to write about the methods needed to emotionally overcome life's harmful moments and share my story along the way.❤️✨

We all encounter moments that leave a mark on our hearts, moments that require us to embark on a healing journey. This process often encompasses various stages, each carrying its own unique set of emotions. 

While it may be tempting to suppress these feelings or project them onto others, it is essential to understand the significance of processing and acknowledging these overwhelming emotions. When we embrace these feelings we start walking on a path of growth and self-discovery.

Recognizing that the road to healing is not linear is the initial step to unlocking the process. Being aware of this truth gives us the opportunity to be compassionate and patient with our feelings. Always remember, like fluids flow so do the state of our emotions.

Accepting the belief that we must “experience it to improve it” can be difficult. This means that we must face our feelings directly, even if they can be overwhelming. Nonetheless, by permitting ourselves to really go through these feelings, we make room inside us for a restoration to happen. When it comes to our emotions, keeping them down leads to stagnation, whereas real healing lies in recognizing them.

As we navigate the healing process, it becomes crucial to respond to these emotions in a manner that promotes personal accountability. Rather than projecting negativity onto others, we should embark on an introspective journey to understand why we react the way we do. This practice, often referred to as shadow work, unveils the hidden aspects of ourselves that contribute to our reactions. By shining a light on these shadows, we gain a deeper understanding of our behavior and empower ourselves to heal and grow.

Managing our emotions without projecting them onto other people can be a difficult challenge. We have to confront our insecurities, hurts, and anxieties directly. Nevertheless, this is essential for personal growth and healing. Being able to process our emotions internally allows us to accept accountability for our emotions and decisions, breaking any negative loops that impede our progress. When we confront our internal issues, we can better understand the origin of our reactions and make lasting changes.

The journey to a peaceful mind may not be an easy one, but it is a necessary one for us to bloom in the next chapter that awaits. By embracing the truth that feeling is an integral part of healing, we allow ourselves to embark on a transformative process. Through honoring our emotions, and taking responsibility for our behavior we become conscious architects for our own growth.

So, my fellow warrior, lets not run from the storm of emotions, but instead learn to dance in its rain. It is through feeling that we find our path to healing.

Love and be Loved.

Trisha Sullivan

Discovering Harmony: Embracing Self-Growth and Love in Unison

Hello Trauma Warriors!

In a world where connections are fleeting and superficial, it becomes crucial to delve deep within ourselves and embark on a journey of healing. The process of self-discovery, understanding our past trauma, and seeking a partner who aligns with our spiritual path can be transformative. This blog post aims to explore the significance of self-knowledge and finding a like-minded partner, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and mutual respect.

Healing begins with knowing yourself. To truly heal and find peace, one must start by unraveling the layers of their own being. Understanding who you are, acknowledging your scars, and embracing your strengths are essential steps towards becoming whole. This process allows you to set the foundation for a healthy relationship.

We often underestimate the power of our intuition, brushing aside the faint whispers that guide us. However, when it comes to healing and choosing the right partner, listening to our inner voice becomes paramount. Intuition acts as a compass, warning us of potential mismatches or danger in relationships. Ignoring it may lead to triggering past traumas and plunging us back into a state of fight or flight.

As survivors of trauma, we must acknowledge that certain situations, words, or actions can evoke painful memories within us. Being in a relationship where our partner fails to understand these triggers can be detrimental to our healing journey. It is a courageous choice to prioritize our well-being by seeking a partner who can empathize, support, and navigate the effects of our past trauma with us.

Finding a like-minded person who respects boundaries and provides a sense of security can enlighten the healing experience. However, before diving into a relationship, it is essential to be comfortable with being alone. Embracing solitude allows us to cultivate self-love, strengthen our identity, and build resilience. It is through this process of self-discovery that we attract a partner who complements our growth, rather than defining it.

Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect, and boundaries play a pivotal role in establishing it. It is essential to evaluate whether a potential partner has set their own boundaries and respects yours. Boundaries act as protective barriers, ensuring your emotional and physical well-being. Remember, respect is a two-way street; don't expect from others what you wouldn't be willing to offer yourself.

Embarking on a healing journey requires courage, self-reflection, and a commitment to prioritizing your well-being. Knowing who you are, listening to your intuition, and seeking a partner who understands and respects your trauma are vital aspects of finding wholeness. Remember, while healing takes time, the journey to self-discovery and finding a like-minded partner is worth every step. Embrace your healing, set boundaries, and never settle for anything less than the love and respect you deserve.

Love and Be Loved,

Trisha Sullivan

Rising Above- My Journey Through Trauma

Hello Everyone! 

My name is Trisha and I'm the author of this blog. I wanted to include this section to tell you about my history and how this journey of mine began.

I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read my healing journey- as I hope it can inspire you to start your own or help those who have already begun. 

#Love&BeLoved

January 17th, 1995 I was born in Portland, Oregon. My mother Angela was 15 and my father Jason 17. 

Before I start talking about how my appearance into the world changed things, I'll talk a bit about what life was like before I was born.

Jason and Angela were the cutest-looking couple. Many of their friends envied the family they had began to build. But- there was much more to the story than what was meeting the eye. 

For starters, I was a planned teen pregnancy.

My parents had gotten pregnant before me and miscarried. This was devastating for the reality they had started to build already, so they decided to plan for me.

Throughout my mother's pregnancy, she dealt with many of life's stressful moments. My father had problems with his anger/substance abuse, and this effected the nature of their relationship.

For the first three months of infancy, I lived in my grandmother's home with my mom and dad. My father had trouble with his temper and drug usage, and my mother was caught in a hostile situation with her own trauma/ abusive relationship developed with him.  

*(TRAUMA WARNING)* This next paragraph contains child abuse description-

When I was 6 weeks old I was burnt by a bottle, at 3 months old I had 3rd degree burns on my body from bathwater, and at 6 months old I was taken to the hospital because I wouldn't lift my arm. X-rays were done and multiple breaks were presented. This was my entrance into the foster system.

For the first few years of my life, I moved from one place to another. Family visits between my mother and grandparents would be arranged. However, I was strictly not to have any contact with my father up until my adoption was declared final.

At the age of three and a half, I was adopted by my biological grandmother on my father's side. My grandma had struggles with her health, and she had verbally abusive tendencies that made life no less challenging.

 As I grew older, I witnessed the hardships caused by my father's imprisonment due to drugs, violence, and alcoholism. 

My mother's path stumbled very dark for a while after I was taken away. She had to fight many of her own demons to become who she is today. 

As history likes to repeat itself, at the young age of 16 I became a teen parent myself, facing the responsibility of raising a child with the little guidance I had received. I navigated my way through life, learning valuable lessons, and sometimes taking hard losses.

The absence of a stable family led me toward drug addiction. In fact, mine literally handed me the pipe.  Despite this, I found my way out of the grip of substance abuse. I wanted better than the life I had to live for the past 18 years.

I experienced the devastating loss of many close friends, who were taken far too soon... Whether it was suicide, car accidents or drug overdoses. These tragedies deeply impacted me and shaped my perspective on life. 

Grief became a constant companion on my journey, a heavy burden that I carried with me. Eventually, I chose to channel my pain into understanding and appreciating the fragility of life. I realized that every day is a gift, and it is essential to make the most of it. 

These experiences have taught me the importance of treasuring the relationships I have and cherishing every moment, for we never know when it may be our last.

 

While grief continues to be a part of my life, it has also become a catalyst for healing and personal growth, reminding me to live with gratitude and compassion towards others.

Over the years, I have encountered numerous obstacles, including abusive relationships, failed marriages, addiction, depression, and the dysfunction within my own family. Rather than giving in to the difficulties, I have chosen to escape from the damaging cycles that have affected my life.

My story is not one of defeat, but rather a tale of resilience and triumph. I have fought against the odds and have emerged stronger, determined to create a better future for myself and my children. Through therapy, self-reflection, and a commitment to personal growth, I am steadily breaking free from the chains that once held me captive.

Today, I stand as a testament to the power and ability to overcome adversity. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others who may be trapped in a similar situation. Life may have dealt me a challenging hand, but I refuse to let it define me. I am determined to forge my own path, one that is free from the pain and dysfunction of my past.

I look forward to sharing more stories with you.

-Love & Be Loved 

Trisha Sullivan