A lot of what I will write about on this website is about healing and growth. After all, putting in the work to heal means that you will look at life a lot differently. You begin to appreciate the small moments and find strength in your vulnerability.

I guess in the clinical world it is what is known as posttraumatic growth.

Life isn’t about perfection, it’s about perspective. Knowing that we are all only human and none of us are flawless. With growth comes maturity. That we should value the good, make adjustments for the bad, and set our boundaries when we need to.

I have definitely learned how to feel and use my boundaries, and I am aware that my recovery doesn’t mean that I won’t be triggered by anyone. I will still be, but instead of reacting in a negative way that makes me hypervigilant. I am able to turn my attention off the trigger and back to myself. This shift allows me to focus on my own well-being rather than getting caught up in the chaos around me. By practicing self-awareness and mindfulness, I can navigate these triggers with greater resilience and understanding.

What growth looks like for me

I personally have picked up on noticeable changes such as feeling comfortable expressing myself and the feeling of being neutral. There is clarity that allows me to navigate life’s challenges with a sense of calm and confidence. I feel as though I am finally shedding layers of past conditioning and embracing a more authentic version of myself. I have access to my emotions, but I’m not overpowered by them. Also, old habits that I used to do for safety are starting to not make sense anymore. There is definitely more ease in communicating my needs to others, too.

One thing that stands out for me is the willingness to know myself and learn from my experiences in order to grow. A lot of self-reflection needs to take place, as does asking more questions about myself. In doing so, I am able to find connections between my actions and previous experiences that influence my decisions. At least that’s how it has been playing out for me.

It does feel strange, but there is also a huge sense of weight being lifted in healing and ultimately in the growth that follows. As an individual who has lived with cPTSD, I was often prone to beating up on myself, being critical, and not believing in myself. However, through the healing process, I have learned to embrace self-compassion and recognize my strengths, and use them.

Taking small steps is crucial

It was important for me to start small in my healing. Recovery isn’t always great strides, but micro-accomplishments that, when pieced together, become the bigger picture. Each small step I have taken has built my confidence and reminded me that progress doesn’t have to be monumental to be meaningful. Learning to stop intellectualizing everything was the breakthrough for me. Do what I was thinking about—not just think about it. It’s the best way to get out of your own head. By doing.

I have also had to remind myself that getting better doesn’t always feel better. That’s because trauma is stored in the body, and it’s our bodies that communicate exactly how we are feeling. Understanding this connection has allowed me to approach my healing with more compassion and patience. I realize that acknowledging the discomfort is just as important as celebrating the progress I make along the way.

The journey of personal healing is a deeply individual experience. How I navigate my path may not work for others, but that’s okay. As I embrace my healing journey, I am not only confronting past wounds but also cultivating a stronger sense of self, creating a future that I can embrace and be happy in, and that is what any of us ultimately want.

So yes, there is a lot to be said for growth, especially when you begin to see the changes within you and recognize that the hard work you have put in to your healing is paying off, because that’s what gives you the motivation to continue moving forward and know growth is an ongoing journey worth embracing.