The question
There comes a time in a person’s life when healing the past becomes unavoidable. Unhealed childhood wounds can fester and hold us back from our authentic selves. Ten years ago, I engaged in the first of three “trauma reduction” workshops I would sign up for during a ten-year period. There was a lot to grieve: loss of family of origin, loss of my father, and loss of innocence.
At the close of the workshop, the therapist asked me: “I’ve worked with many patients who have experienced far less than you have, but they struggle to function. I’m curious, what has made you so functional?"
Nobody had ever asked me that questions. After thinking for a moment, I felt the answer swell from my heart, and I said: “I had a very strict and constant caregiver and role model who gave me structure and a worth-ethic. There was love from grandparents; a sixth-grade teacher who believed in me; a piano playing habit; reading a lot (romance novels); being given academic opportunities; spending inordinate amounts of time outside in nature; and finally, I had a connection with a higher power that told me that I was put on this planet to help people."
The therapist wrote down my answers.
My heart gave me these answers. It is my intention to delve into them in more depth in future posts to explore the topic of resiliency. Many of you may have children. Many of you may be suffering from feelings of unworthiness. I am hoping that my posts can provide something that you can relate to and take into your heart.