I recently worked with a client who experienced a great deal of trauma in his life.  The betrayal and pain he experienced from the people closest to him made him believe that he would never be able to move forward.  No matter what he did to get free he remained paralyzed by his past.  Fast forward to today.  He has created a new life for himself that he never thought was possible.  Through counseling and continuing to show up to life he has created something new.   He created a life full of hope, joy, and fresh beginnings.  A life he previously thought was only for other people who didn’t have severe trauma.  The good news… This is also possible for YOU!

When faced with trauma it can often feel as though you will be defined by it forever.  In this blog I will identify ways that you can create a beautiful life beyond the trauma that you have experienced.

Find Ways to Love Yourself

Trauma often does a good job at making you forget parts of yourself that you once loved. Discovering things that fill you up can help rebuild your life.  Imagine your perfect day from start to finish.  What would that look like for you?  Who is with you?  What activities are you engaging in?  After answering these questions, start to integrate these aspects into your everyday life.  Maybe it means playing a sport or an instrument, spending time with friends, or spending the day reading a good book.  Let yourself be present each day and find things that bring you joy.

Find a Community 

Finding a group of people who love and support you can make a huge difference when you have experienced traumatic events.  You need individuals in your life who are going to encourage and respect the journey you are on.  Think about the people who are feeding into your life right now.  Are they lifting you up?  If you answered no, then it is time to make some changes in your community.  Some ways you can do this are by joining a church group, finding a therapist, or looking for positive relationships to add into your life.

Embrace Forgiveness 

Forgiving someone or yourself can be an unbearably hard act that seems almost impossible at times.  Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you, but it means letting go of feelings such as resentment or revenge that you might be holding on to.  As Christians we have been called to forgive one another because Jesus has forgiven us. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  God never said that this would be easy, but it is a step in the direction of living a life of emotional and spiritual freedom.

Next Steps

If you have experienced trauma and are looking to build a life full of freedom, joy, and hope we are here to help.  At New Vision Counseling and Consulting we have a team of therapists trained to walk with you.  You can reach us at (405) 921-7776 or go to our website at NewVisionCounseilng.org to learn more about how we can best help you.