How to love yourself after trauma
SHE-A! How are you feeling today? Today, I want to talk about something that's so important but often overlooked - and that is how to love yourself after experiencing trauma. As survivors, we know that trauma can leave a long-lasting impact on our mind and soul. It shows up in our parenting, our business/ work life… But the good news is, we can make a choice on what the end of our story looks like. We can rise from the ashes and learn to love ourselves again. And I'm here to give you the 8 most important ways to help you do just that.
If you are new here, I am Kelisha Taylor, a no fluff self love mentor, empowerment speaker and author. I am passionate about guiding women with trauma to seek & reclaim their true self through the powers of SHE Awakening Academy so that they can live a non conformed life free from fear, suppression and oppression.
First things first, being mindful of your feelings. One thing I have learnt is it's okay to feel anxious, scared, sad, or angry. Don't suppress your emotions because every emotion deserves to be recognised and felt. When that emotion is suppressed that's when we become depressed and live out of alignment.
Next thing I want you to do, remember that it's not your fault, none of it is. Stop blaming yourself. Say after me: “none of it is my fault.” You didn’t deserve what happened to you. It's time to let go of the self-blame and shame, this is your time to move on.
It's okay to seek help, it doesn't make you weak! Trauma can have a massive impact on your mental and emotional health, and it's tough to overcome it alone. I should know, too much in the mindset I can do it all by myself BS! Seeking professional help, having a specialised mentor or even both can help you learn coping mechanisms for anxiety or PTSD and deal with emotional pain.
Practicing mindfulness is your best friend, girl! Being mindful is an effective way to balance your emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mental clarity. Take time out of your day to slow down and focus on yourself.
Don't forget your self-care! This is essential for your healing journey, your becoming. Make time for things that bring you joy and peace to your mind and body. It's okay to prioritise yourself and your well-being. Do things that make you happy, like reading, taking walks, or spending time with loved ones. Make sure you are setting alone for at least 5 minutes a day.
Find your tribe. Having a support group that can provide a sense of community and a safe space for emotional release is crucial. Just remember you're not alone on this journey. Your family is both near and far and we are all rooting for you to succeed.
Be positive, even when it feels hard. Easier said than done, yes I know. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Say things like "I am worthy," "I am capable," and "I am enough". This can help reinforce positive thinking and boost your self-esteem. How do you think I got to where I am today hey.
And last but not least, start to celebrate yourself. You heard me! Set achievable goals and celebrate your wins, no matter how small or big they are. You deserve to celebrate yourself and your progress, and yes others will see it as selfish… SO WHAT! If you don’t do something for who will?
You need to remember, healing after trauma takes time, patience, and self-compassion. Don’t think that after a week you will be healed and living your best life and everything will be back to normal like nothing happened ESPECIALLY if you are on the higher end of trauma.
Remember, it's okay to make mistakes and take a step back. But with these 8 ways, you can work towards becoming the best version of yourself and live a non-conformed life free from fear and oppression.
I hope you have found this blog useful. If you're looking for a community of like-minded women striving to become their best, you are welcome to join the SHE Awakening Academy.
You are seen, heard, and appreciated for who you are.