Look How Far You've Come

Dear Readers,

Life is a constant journey filled with victories, defeats, and countless challenges that test our strength and resilience. Sometimes, in the midst of the chaos, we may forget just how far we've come. We become so engrossed in the present moment, tackling one obstacle after another, that we fail to acknowledge our achievements and growth along the way. However, there are moments when we pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on our journey. And that's when it hits us: we did it.

Throughout our lives, we endure storms that we never thought we would survive. We face circumstances that push us to our limits, leaving us feeling helpless and overwhelmed. In these moments of darkness, it's easy to lose sight of our inner strength, to doubt our ability to overcome the shadows. Yet somehow, we persevere. We weather the storms and withstand the turbulence, one day at a time. The power within us to keep going is truly remarkable.

Like climbing a mountain, life often presents us with peaks that seem impossible to conquer. These peaks represent our deepest fears, insecurities, and self-doubts. We may question if we have what it takes to overcome them, unsure if we possess the capacity to climb any higher. 

But here's the thing: we do. With each step forward, we discover strength and resilience we never knew existed within us. We conquer those mountains, slowly but surely, until we reach the summit. The view from the top is breathtaking, and it's a testament to our perseverance and determination.

When we stop and take a moment to look back on our journey, we realize that we have made it through countless storms and climbed mountains that once seemed unreachable. We find ourselves in a place we never thought we would reach. Yet, here we are, standing tall. That within itself is an incredible accomplishment. Better yet, it's a reason to celebrate.

We often forget to celebrate our achievements, big or small, because we are too focused on the next challenge or goal. We overlook the progress we have made, which diminishes the value of our hard work. But you, my friend, are worth celebrating. Your strength, resilience, and ability to persevere through the darkest of times is remarkable. You have come further than you ever thought possible, and that deserves recognition.

So take a moment to acknowledge how far you've come. Embrace the storms you survived, the mountains you climbed, and the obstacles you overcame. Celebrate the person you have become, the lessons you have learned, and the growth you have experienced. You are a walking testimony that holds the ability to triumph over adversity.

Remember that life is a journey, and the challenges you face along the way are what help shape you into the beautiful person you. You may not always realize how far you've come until you look back at where you've been, but when you do, it's magical. You realize that you made it through the storms you never thought you would survive, and you conquered mountains you once believed were impossible to climb. And that, my friend, is an extraordinary accomplishment.

Celebrate your journey, celebrate yourself, and never forget that you are worth being honored.

Love and be loved,

Trisha Sullivan 

How Your Past Shapes Your Future

Hey friends,

Today, I want to discuss a serious and often unrecognized issue that affects many individuals: the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on physical health. The ACE screen test is a powerful tool that allows us to better understand how childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on our bodies.

Childhood trauma can take many forms, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. It's heartbreaking to think about the pain and suffering that some of us have endured during our formative years. Sadly, studies have shown that these experiences can significantly affect our physical and mental health later in life.

The ACE screen test, consisting of ten questions, helps to assess the level of exposure to traumatic experiences during childhood. It has provided us with valuable insights into the link between ACEs and physical health problems. Heart disease, obesity, and diabetes are just a few examples of the issues that individuals with high ACE scores are at a heightened risk for. It's not only the trauma itself but also the unhealthy coping mechanisms, like smoking and substance abuse, that can further deteriorate our physical well-being.

What's even more concerning is that the effects of childhood trauma can be long-lasting and cumulative. Those who experience ongoing trauma throughout their childhood are more likely to suffer from poor physical health outcomes. The weight of these experiences can take a toll on our bodies, leading to chronic stress and inflammation, which contribute to a range of health problems.

Furthermore, I personally have a high ACE score and have struggled with many of these unhealthy coping mechanisms myself. However, I firmly believe that through grounding and self-regulation, we have the power to teach ourselves how to rewire these patterns and thought processes in our brain. It's important to recognize that we aren't broken; rather, we were raised in a broken environment. As we navigate the challenges of the real world, it often feels like things are moving too quickly, and we may not have a safe place. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that we have the ability to create the safety and security we need within ourselves.

However, it's essential to remember that there is hope and healing on this journey. The ACE screen test has illuminated the importance of early intervention and healing for individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. Research shows that, even if the trauma occurred many years ago, healing can make a significant difference in our physical and mental health outcomes. By addressing these issues early and promoting healing, we can lessen the risk of physical health problems and improve our overall well-being.

To anyone who has experienced childhood trauma, I want you to know that you're not alone. It's not your fault, and healing is possible. Reach out to supportive individuals, seek professional help, and embrace the power of healing. Your well-being matters, and you deserve to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Let's come together as a community to raise awareness, support one another, and work towards creating a world where childhood trauma no longer limits our physical health and potential. We can overcome adversity and thrive! If you have any questions for me or stories you'd like to share about your journey leave a comment. You are as big of an inspiration to my story as I may be to yours.

Sending love and strength to all those who need it, 💗🤟🏼✨

Trisha Sullivan