“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” — J.R.R. Tolkien 

Speaking from my own experience, by working through my own traumatic experiences came a newfound purpose and light. Nothing erases the trauma but I have found ways to heal and honour what I have been through as it shaped me into who I am today. 

“I am building a house where the floor is made up of strength, where the walls are crafted of ambition, where the roof is a masterpiece of forgiveness. I am building myself.” — Noor Unnahar 

From my journey of healing others this is what I have noticed; 

  1. Some people heal through community support, some in silence, some by creating, some through movement. What works for each of us also changes over the years as healing is not static, as you grow your coping mechanisms will change. 
  2. People rarely heal without commitment and dedication to wanting to heal. Practicing mindfulness, emotional awareness, supportive self-talk, and implementing daily healing strategies is what it takes. 
  3. One must listen to understand yourself and others as it acquaints you with root problems and thus real solutions. You see your limitations and strengths. You can make more informed decisions without questioning yourself. You can rebuild your new life on a solid foundation of self-respect and respect for others who have affected your life. 
  4. We owe it to ourselves to take responsibility for how we’re cared for. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who care about your healing journey plays a critical role in the process. 
  5. Accepting that a mentor and therapist is necessary to give you the professional advice that the average individual is unaware of. 

Once you start working through your life’s traumas, you start reevaluating your priorities, you become compassionate with yourself and others. One day you might even look back on painful experiences and call it a gift. 

“Trauma often shatters belief systems and robs people of their sense of meaning. In doing so, it forces people to put the pieces back together… rebuilding beautifully those parts of their lives and life stories that they could never have torn down voluntarily.” — Jonathan Haidt, The Happiness Hypothesis

I encourage you to embrace the traumas in your life, heal your broken parts and watch the beauty in your new life unfold. I am always here to support you on this journey. 

In love, light and happiness

Debbie Taylor