4 Comments

I like to think of it as writing to let others know that challenges are present for most, but we always have the option of living through and pushing on. I like the posts I see on Facebook, too.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Hillari!

Expand full comment

One of the things that I've enjoyed about your newsletter is when you talk about things you've done, like going to a concert for the first time in years. For people who have experienced trauma, getting back to life as they once knew it can be hard, even impossible, depending on the trauma experienced. So, things like going to concerts or even eating out in a restaurant can be a big deal.

I had taken long-distance solo drives to several places within my home state for many years, for example. After a few harrowing experiences one year, including almost ending off the road during a night of dense fog, I reached a point where driving at night on the highway was impossible without me having flashbacks, so I stopped driving on the highway after dark. To this day, I still cannot drive on the highway after dark, not even between nearby towns; any trips I take on the highway to other nearby towns must be done in daylight. After my dad's passing and my dog's crossing within the same year, I didn't even think about going anywhere much, let alone to conferences I've attended every year. It took three years before I could even think of making the trip, but two years ago I drove solo nonstop for two hours to a conference for the first time in many years. Talk about exhilarating! And my newly-adopted dog and ESA has traveled with me a few places. Most people take for granted many common experiences and activities, but for people who have experienced trauma, it can take a while to do many of those things, including dining at a restaurant or attending a conference.

I've enjoyed reading about your experiences as you navigate through life after trauma, as they help me and others see that it's possible to regain certain aspects of life again and even try new experiences. While I may never drive after dark on a highway again, there are still some things I get to do during the daylight hours. Thanks for showing us through your experiences how to begin again, and keep that part up. Let us continue to experience with you what happens when you may not have all the answers you wish to have. That's as much a part of the experience as the triumphs you may experience.

Overall, you're doing great. It's okay to not always have an answer or know what to do next. Sharing basic success tips is a great idea. I wish you all the best in this new step you're taking with the newsletter.~~Robin

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Robin!

That’s the whole reason I started this in the first place: to show people that you can have a good life, even after severe trauma. I genuinely want people to know they’re not alone. ❤️

I’m really glad to hear that my newsletter does that.

Expand full comment