Blurred Vision: A Poem

Hello lovely readers! I wanted to share this poem I wrote with you. I hope you enjoy!

Blurred Vision-

In shadows cast by the moon's soft glow,

A teardrop falls, the journey commences slow.

With each tear, my world begins to stir.

Vision altered, through the watery blur.

Like cascading rain, they distort my sight,

Transforming colors to hazy twilight.

Within my soul, are a multitude of words.

Thoughts unspoken, yearning to be heard.

A treasure chest of emotions, locked within.

The echoes of my spirit, too bright to be dimmed.

These words are my companions, yet they speak to none.

Their presence an isolation beneath the sun.

I long for an ear that will listen and esteem.

To unravel these tales, as if within a dream.

But loneliness calls, it’s a heavy cloak to bear.

For a heart that's filled with words, yet no one to share.

Echoes unvoiced reverberate in my core,

Aching for connection, an open door.

 I hold onto hope, though tears may obscure.

That this waiting, this pain, has a purpose to endure.

For in the depth of sorrow, I find strength that’s renewed.

A testament to resilience, born from what we go through.

So I'll embrace the tears, in the altered sight I see.

For they shape and define the person I'll come to be.

And as I keep waiting, I'll build my fortitude,

Knowing that the wait, the pain, will be understood.

Tears can cleanse, and words have power untold.

In their delicate dance, all truths shall unfold.

And when the moment comes, with words set free.

I'll find solace in the listener who waits for me.

Let the tears obscure my vision, let the loneliness reside.

In the depths of our longing, we shall not hide.

For the wait, though painful, simply trust it will reveal.

A connection so profound, only love can heal.

#LoveandBeLoved

Trisha Sullivan

Avoiding Vulnerability At All Costs

Hey there Trauma Warriors,

Living with PTSD can be an incredibly challenging journey, and one of the hurdles that many individuals face is the difficulty of being vulnerable. The experiences of trauma can often lead to a heightened sense of self-protection, making it harder to open up and share emotions with others. However, it's important to remember that vulnerability is not a weakness, but rather a courageous act of self-expression.

For those with PTSD, the fear of judgment, rejection, or triggering painful memories can make it even more challenging to let their guard down. The healing journey can feel overwhelming at times, as if the world is against you. But it's crucial to understand that vulnerability is an essential part of the healing process. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and fosters a sense of understanding and empathy.

So, how can we open our hearts to vulnerability while still protecting our emotions? It starts with creating a safe and supportive environment for ourselves. This means setting healthy boundaries, both with ourselves and with others. It's about finding a balance between sharing our experiences and protecting our emotional well-being. By practicing self-care and seeking support from trusted individuals, we can navigate the healing journey with more resilience and strength.

While vulnerability may feel daunting, it's important to remember that it's a personal choice. Opening up about our experiences and emotions should only happen when we feel ready and safe to do so. It's okay to take small steps and gradually build trust with others. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive network of friends, family, or even a therapist can provide the encouragement and understanding needed to embrace vulnerability.

Another way to foster vulnerability while protecting our emotions is through self-reflection and self-compassion. Taking the time to understand our own triggers and boundaries allows us to communicate them effectively to others. By practicing self-compassion, we can give ourselves permission to be vulnerable without judgment or self-criticism. Remember, vulnerability is not about being perfect; it's about being authentic and true to ourselves.

It's crucial to celebrate the small victories along our healing journey. Each time we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we are taking a step towards growth and resilience. Acknowledge the courage it takes to share our experiences and emotions, and to be proud of the progress made. By embracing this, we create space for healing, connection, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life.

The healing journey for individuals with PTSD may feel challenging, but it doesn't have to be a lonely battle. By understanding why vulnerability can be difficult and learning how to protect our emotions, we can navigate the healing journey with more grace and self-compassion. 

Remember, vulnerability is a strength move, and it allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. So, let's open our hearts, embrace vulnerability, and support each other along the way. And remember, you're doing an amazing job!

Love and be loved-

Trisha Sullivan

The Trauma Warrior 

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 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