by Debbie Zuckerman, Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach
No matter where you are in your trauma healing journey, it is important to reflect on how far you have come. Recognizing and celebrating the energy, resources, and effort you have put into improving your personal wellbeing is equally as important as actually doing the work. If you have recently begun the process, acknowledging that you have taken the first step can be invaluable for motivation and confidence.
Know that the path forward is not linear, as change is dynamic and fluid, and naturally comes with ups and downs. See if you can move forward through uncertainty with courage and trust in yourself, the people who support you, and the resources that fuel your growth. Just knowing that change can be challenging fosters resilience and reduces resistance. Surrender to what is true in the moment, so you can make realistic and healthy changes.
When old or new obstacles arise and goals seem futile, revisit the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that no longer serve you. Put your energy into expanding self-awareness of mind, body, and spirit to access your fears, strengths, values, desires, and aspirations. Become better acquainted with the relationship between your bodily sensations and emotions, and how these parts of you interfere with or nurture the fullness of your breath.
Practice mindfulness and self-compassion with a focus on nervous system regulation. Regulate, regulate, regulate throughout the day. Each day find something you are grateful for and celebrate what may feel like the smallest achievement to you, but what really is a significant milestone in your healing journey.
Yes, your inner critic and self-doubt may fight to be heard and knock you down. So, when you notice this happening, fill your cup with more self-compassion, more mindfulness, and nervous system regulation.
Recognize how far you have come and where you want to be. Visualize, draw, or find an image of a bridge or ladder.
Ask yourself:
Where am I now, and where do I want to be in a week, three months, one year, and beyond?
What steps will I take and which tools do I need to get there?
What are the supporting goals and resources that I need?
What aspects of my life are holding me back and what can I let go of in order to achieve the outcomes I want?
What obstacles can I anticipate and how do I work through them?
Need help getting started or feeling stuck in the process? I am here to help!
To receive coaching support and wellbeing tools for your trauma healing journey, schedule a session or contact me at debbie@centerpiecewellness.com.