If you have endured any type of trauma, learning to enjoy life again will be part of your healing journey. For many people who have lived through traumatic experiences whether one time or recurrent traumas, the brain and body go into a protective mode by shielding itself from any further danger.
This protective mode is only supposed to last until you can cope with the initial shock of the trauma. I am sure you have heard of people who are described as going into “shock” when someone they love passes away. After the initial shock wears off, most people begin the healing process, but for some, the trauma is too difficult for them to process and they remain stuck in the time that the trauma. Repressing trauma is seen frequently in people who have a history of past traumas such as childhood abuse. Other ways one does not deal with the trauma they experienced is through drug addiction (whether street or prescription), high amounts of alcohol, and any other escapism such as pornography.
Uncovering the pain around the trauma, and allowing yourself to truly feel the pain is a stepping stone towards healing, and eventually enjoying your life. (If at any time the pain associated with your trauma becomes unbearable or unmanageable seeking professional help may be necessary, as a professionally trained counselor and now life coach I can guide you on this healing journey).
Allowing God into your pain is one of the most important steps to take toward your healing. Sharing with God how you felt at the time of the trauma and how you are coping now as a result. Ask Jesus to begin to heal your painful memories around the trauma. Start praying that God would close any “open doors” in your life that gave the enemy access to your emotions and soul, such as unforgiveness, bitterness, and anger. Replace all the lies that you have believed about God because of the trauma. There is a strong possibility that you are angry with God and your faith has faltered.
If you have not dealt with your trauma but are ready to begin, take it slow and be gentle with yourself. Don’t condemn or judge yourself for allowing yourself to get so far off track, and don’t compare where other people are at in their walk with God. The enemy will condemn you if you begin to look at others and how they overcome their obstacles so quickly and you did not. If you have not “walked in someone else’s shoes,” you cannot determine why their healing journey is taking longer unless you can peel back their hearts and minds and see everything they have been through.
You will enjoy life again! As long as every day you are making progress towards your healing, and not staying stuck you will enjoy your life again!
→Side note: Trauma can cause chemical changes in your brain responsible for mood regulation. The good news is we do have the ability to increase these feel-good neurotransmitters naturally through exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep, renewing the mind daily by rewiring our faulty beliefs through the Word of God, and positive affirmations, and seeing a nutritionist who can advise you on natural supplements. The natural way to build feel-good neurotransmitters does not happen overnight, you will need to be aware that it will take time.
After recovering from your trauma, you will be more able to experience enjoying life again.
Recovery from trauma takes time.
Take it day by day, and as long as you are not going backward you are healing. Initially, you may not feel like enjoying the things that you used to, start enjoying the small things first.
Learn to enjoy the small things…How?
Sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, watch birds, take a stroll outside and observe the beauty of nature, plan a lunch date with a friend, watch a movie and eat popcorn, take a bike ride, plant some flowers, or have a picnic.
What else could you do that is enjoyable?
Do something small every day that you would enjoy and over time you will begin to explore even more enjoyable things. Don’t push yourself to enjoy what everyone else does. Your enjoyment right now will seem very simple, but sometimes it is the simple things in life that are the most enjoyable. You may not be in a place right now where you can fully enjoy all that life has to offer, but remember to be gentle with yourself as you work through your healing.
➡️ Resources:
To help with negativity, depression, worry, and anxiety: “Disciplining your mind 30 days to a better you!”
✅ Try my mini e-course on self-care.
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