The Power of Self-Love, Self-Awareness, and Healing Deep Wounds

In our hectic lives, it can be easy to overlook the significance of self-care, understanding, and tending to the wounds that lie deep inside of us. We often focus so heavily on outward successes and connecting with other people that we forget the most essential bond of all - the one we have with ourselves. If we look more closely at our triggers, and treat them as chances to learn more about ourselves and to heal, then we can begin a life-altering voyage of self-awareness and self-approval.

Sometimes we may have a strong reaction to certain circumstances or the actions of people around us. The emotions of anger, frustration, and sadness that often appear are not happening without any cause or purpose though; they are often triggered by something.. These are signs that there are still emotional hurts from our past that have not been dealt with. Instead of dismissing or suppressing these triggers, we can choose to view them as opportunities to peel back the layers of our being and face our hidden pain head-on.

The act of self-awareness is crucial in this process. It requires us to willingly examine our emotions, thoughts, and behavioral patterns without judgment or criticism. When we sense a trigger, we can take a step back and look at our response with interest instead of getting stuck in a reaction. This gives us the chance to uncover the source of our triggers, and start to heal old emotional injuries that have been around for too long.

Exploring the depth of our inner selves can reveal a tapestry of past experiences, traumatic events, and unfulfilled needs. Perhaps it is the sting of rejection, the pain of abandonment, or the echoes of neglect that still reverberates through our present-day lives. These wounds might've been tucked away, hidden from our conscious awareness, but their impact can be felt in how we navigate relationships, our self-image, and the choices we make.

Self-love is an essential part of the recovery process. It involves showing ourselves kindness, sympathy, and acceptance as we grapple with our wounds. It is important to remember that our experiences do not define us; rather, it is the strength we show in facing and overcoming them that does. By cultivating self-love, we can recognize our inherent value and understand that we are worthy of healing, flourishing, and being released from the overwhelming burden of unresolved suffering.

As we take this road of exploration and recovery, we should be aware that it may not always be a smooth ride. Bringing our pain to the surface can be disorienting, and the healing process can be trying. However, by embracing this path, we open ourselves to a life of deeper connection, authenticity, and self-empowerment.

One powerful tool to aid in this process is seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or coach who specializes in guiding individuals through their healing journey. These professionals can provide a safe space for us to explore our triggers, process our emotions, and facilitate our growth.

By surrounding yourself with self-love, self-awareness, and a want for healing, we embark on a journey of transformation. We learn to turn our triggers into catalysts for growth and self-understanding. By diving deep within ourselves, we can break free from the chains that hold us to past pain and emerge as individuals who are more aware, compassionate, and resilient.

Remember, you are worthy of the love and healing you seek. Find comfort in the opportunity to embark on this profound journey. Watch as the wounds you may not even know you had begin to heal, and how your life unfolds with authenticity and joy.

Love and be loved,

Trisha Sullivan

The Trauma Warrior

 

The Power of No: Overcoming Misconceptions and Setting Boundaries

Written By: Trisha Sullivan

    In my last blog post, I asked my readers a question about misconceptions. Today, I want to talk about one of those misconceptions in more detail: the idea that people who are healing give off an air of superiority.

    This couldn’t be further from the truth. We should all be striving for better, but sometimes we get too caught up in trying to help others heal. It’s not our job to do the work for them, and we shouldn’t try to portray ourselves as better than anyone else. Instead, we should acknowledge that we’re all broken and work together to fix ourselves.

    I’ve struggled with being a “fixer” my whole life, focusing too much on other people’s problems instead of my own. But through self-care, I’ve learned that healing starts with yourself. It’s important to take care of your own needs and make sure you’re in a good place before trying to help others.

    Self-care can take many forms: meditation, exercise, therapy, or simply taking time for yourself. Whatever it looks like for you, it’s crucial to prioritize it. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to help others.

    My therapist once told me that you’ll know you’re on the right path to healing when you start setting boundaries for yourself. This can feel uneasy at first, especially if you’ve always been a people-pleaser. But it’s important to remember that setting boundaries is an act of self-love.

    When you start to set boundaries, people may not be happy with you. They may not like that you’re no longer putting their needs ahead of your own. But that's okay. You’re not responsible for their happiness, and it’s not your job to make them feel comfortable. It’s such an important part of self-care and healing, but it can also be one of the hardest things to do. When you’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own, it can feel uncomfortable to start prioritizing yourself. But I want to encourage you to do it anyway, because it’s truly one of the most loving things you can do for yourself.

    When I first started learning about self-care and setting boundaries, I was terrified. I had always been the type of person who would do anything for anyone, even if it meant sacrificing my own needs and well-being. I thought that was what it meant to be a good person, to put others first. But the truth is, that’s not sustainable. Eventually, you’ll burn out. You’ll start to resent the people you’re helping because you’re neglecting your own needs. And worst of all, you’ll start to lose yourself.

    That’s where setting boundaries comes in. It’s not about being selfish or uncaring. It’s about recognizing that you have needs too, and that it’s okay to prioritize them. It’s about saying no to things that don’t serve you, and yes to things that do. It’s about creating a life that feels good to you, instead of constantly trying to please others.

    But here’s the thing- setting boundaries is hard. It’s uncomfortable. It can feel like you’re letting people down, or like you’re not doing enough. And sometimes, people won’t like it. They’ll push back, or they’ll get angry, or they’ll try to guilt you into changing your mind. And that’s where it gets really difficult because you have to stay strong in your convictions.

    But I promise you, it’s worth it. It’s worth the discomfort, the fear, the uncertainty. Because when you start setting boundaries, you’re telling the world that you matter. You’re telling yourself that you matter. You’re taking a stand for your own well-being, and that’s incredibly powerful.

    It can be difficult when you’re with someone who doesn’t understand your traumas and you feel like you’re stuck in the same cycle of fight or flight. It’s important to remember that healing is a personal journey, and sometimes your partner won’t be able to provide the support you need. If you’ve expressed that their actions are hurting you and they don’t see an issue with their behavior, it’s okay to walk away. You aren’t broken, you just need understanding and support from someone who is willing to put in the work. Don’t let your partner’s lack of understanding keep you from healing and growing. You deserve to be with someone who uplifts and supports you on your journey.

    So, if you’re feeling uneasy about setting boundaries, know that you’re not alone. It’s a difficult thing to do, but it’s also one of the most loving things you can do for yourself. And if you need support or encouragement along the way, I’m here for you. Because you matter, and your needs matter, and you deserve to live a life that feels good to you. Remember that you are worthy of love, respect, and care. Setting those boundaries is a powerful way to honor that truth. Keep taking small steps, and know that with time and practice, it will get easier. I believe in you!

    In conclusion, we should all strive for better, but we shouldn’t try to do it at the expense of others. Healing starts with yourself, and it’s important to prioritize self-care. We’re all broken, and that’s okay. By working together and supporting each other, we can all become our best selves. Remember that setting boundaries is an act of self-love and an important part of the healing process.

Chat With Me! 😊💭

Answer one of these questions in the comments or share your personal thoughts with me:

💭-How do you handle situations where someone’s misconceptions or lack of understanding is causing you harm?

💻📢💭-How do you typically respond when someone makes assumptions about you or your experiences? What are some ways you’ve found to correct these assumptions?

💑💭-Have you ever had to set a boundary with someone you care about? How did you navigate that relationship moving forward?

💲✌💭-How can we create a culture that values and respects boundaries and encourages open and honest communication?

⏳😨❌💭-How do you teach your children about setting boundaries and recognizing when someone is overstepping them?

😡😭😂💭-What are some common misconceptions about parenting that you’ve encountered? How have you addressed them?

💞🌱🌈💭-How can we better educate parents and caregivers about the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing misconceptions to create a safer, healthier environment for children?

I can't wait to hear from you- Trisha S.