Healing from Childhood Trauma: Reclaiming Power and Redefining "Moving On"

Healing from Childhood Trauma: Reclaiming Power and Redefining "Moving On"

3 min read

·

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

·

3 min read

The Complexity of “Moving On”

We're often advised to "move on," but what does it truly mean, especially when grappling with childhood trauma? My parents' cruelty and abuse cast a long shadow over my formative years. From my earliest memories, fear and apprehension defined my relationship with them. Escaping and moving out became my singular focus, and I was convinced that this would fix everything, and that I would never have to look back.

At 18, I seized the opportunity to flee, seeking solace over 5000 miles away. But geographical distance proved futile in healing emotional wounds. It took years of introspection and therapy to unravel the layers of pain and understand why I struggled with negative thought patterns and behaviors.

The Journey Through Therapy

As I delved into psychology and trauma therapy to heal, my anger surged. Therapy sessions often felt like diving into a sea of bitterness, where every wave threatened to drown me. One pivotal moment came when my therapist asked me, "Why revisit such agony and trauma?" Staring back, I echoed society's mantra, "Isn't that part of understanding and moving on?" But her response struck a chord: "If revisiting such pain doesn't serve a purpose, you're just talking."

Reframing Experiences

It was a wake-up call. I didn't want to be stuck in a cycle of verbal self-flagellation, fetishizing my own sadness, and stuck in a verbal vacuum. Therapy became more than just recounting my trauma; it became a quest for purpose in my pain. Through therapy, I began to reframe my childhood experiences as programmed responses, not an inevitable destiny. I learned that this code incepted into my mind at a young age could be unlearned and reprogrammed.

Liberating Realizations

Though navigating my anger and disappointment towards my parents remained a struggle, it was liberating to realize I wasn't "doomed" by their actions. This marked the first step in rewriting my emotional narrative.

The Journey Ahead

While I acknowledge that I still have a long way to go, I recognize that I am on a journey of learning to release the grip of anger and disappointment towards my parents. Understanding that I am not destined to be defined solely by their flawed parenting has been instrumental in reclaiming my sense of power and autonomy. This realization marks the initial step in reprogramming my emotional responses, acknowledging that my parents no longer hold sway over my decisions and choices as an adult.

Redefining "Moving On"

Perhaps it's time to redefine the notion of "moving on." It's not about erasing our past experiences and traumas but rather about reflecting on our progress with caution, acknowledging how far we've come on our journey of healing and growth.

Embracing Growth Amidst Scars

“Moving on" is not about forgetting the past but embracing growth amidst scars. In Japanese pottery, there's a profound concept called kintsugi—the art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer. Similarly, our healing journey isn't about denying our cracks but celebrating them as part of our unique story.

In essence, healing from childhood trauma is reclaiming power over our narrative. It's about acknowledging our past without letting it dictate our future. Therapy is not about forgetting but learning, not just talking but purposefully moving forward. By reframing our experiences, we can mend our brokenness, one golden seam at a time.

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For Your Mental Wellness

Hi there, I'm Felice. As a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and resilience, I draw from my own experiences to explore topics related to healing and personal growth. Through writing, I aim to inspire others on their journey towards emotional well-being and empowerment.

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Hi there, I'm Felice. As a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and resilience, I draw from my own experiences to explore topics related to healing and personal growth. Through writing, I aim to inspire others on their journey towards emotional well-being and empowerment.

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