My journey began when I realized I couldn’t compartmentalize my pain. Experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, in The Body Keeps the Score, , explain that trauma lodges itself in both our minds and bodies. Healing, therefore, must be holistic. If you’re struggling with grief, anxiety, or physical health issues, recognize that they are interconnected.

• Practical Tip: Start by taking stock of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Journaling can help you identify patterns between how your emotions affect your physical health, and vice versa.
• Recommended Read: The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk offers invaluable insights into how trauma affects us physically.

One of the most powerful decisions I made was to seek professional help. Therapy is not just for those in crisis; it’s a tool for self-reflection, growth, and understanding. Unpacking the emotional weight we carry can transform not only our mental health but also our physical state.

• Practical Tip: Find a therapist who specializes in trauma. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are highly effective for addressing past trauma.
• Resources: Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace can connect you with licensed professionals if you’re unsure where to start. The use of Coaching by a Certified, Credential professional is a great consideration.

For years, I hid behind walls to protect myself from further pain. But Brené Brown, a researcher who has spent her career studying vulnerability, says that “vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” Only when I allowed myself to be seen, scars and all, did my healing really begin. Letting others in—whether through therapy, friendships, or support groups—was a turning point in my journey.

• Practical Tip: Practice vulnerability by sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or support group. Consider joining online communities where others are on similar healing journeys.
• Recommended Read: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability in personal growth.

Rebuilding my life wasn’t an overnight transformation—it was the result of small, consistent steps. Meditation, prayer, and daily gratitude exercises helped me ground myself and manage stress. Over time, these practices allowed me to rewire my thought patterns and view my life with compassion and hope.

• Practical Tip: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your routine, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes a day. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through the process.
• Recommended Read: The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh is a wonderful introduction to cultivating mindfulness.

After years of battling with my weight, I realized that my body was reflecting the emotional baggage I carried. Healing meant learning to love my body, not for how it looked, but for how it carried me through my toughest days. Our bodies are not the enemy—they are trying to protect us, even in times of stress.

• Practical Tip: Start small with self-compassion exercises. When you look in the mirror, offer yourself kindness, even if it feels uncomfortable. Movement, whether through yoga, walking, or dancing, can help reconnect you to your body in a loving way. Breath work is very important.  Simply take a big breath in of life through your nose,, hold and then exhale through your mouth all that doesn’t serve you.
• Recommended Practice: Try yoga or gentle stretching, which is both a physical and emotional practice for trauma release.

For me, faith was a key anchor in my healing. Whether it’s faith, meditation, or some form of spiritual connection, finding something that gives you hope and purpose can help pull you through the darkest times. This doesn’t have to be religious or a particular type of religion—it can be anything that connects you to something greater than yourself.

• Practical Tip: Explore spiritual practices like prayer, journaling, or spending time in nature. Reflect on what gives you a sense of peace and purpose.
• Recommended Read: The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer offers a spiritual perspective on how to free yourself from past emotional pain.

Healing is not a destination but a journey. You won’t wake up one day and feel “fixed,” but each step brings you closer to wholeness—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Remember, you are enough just as you are. Start today by taking one small step towards healing, and know that you are worth the effort.

Let’s Thrive. Let’s Heal. Let’s Live Our Best Lives.