SELF WARMTH

In the realm of trauma recovery and the pursuit of self-warmth, every stride, even the seemingly inconsequential ones, manifests as a courageous testament to self-love and healing.

Navigating the aftermath of trauma necessitates a tender and patient approach. Trauma is about the way a traumatic event has affected you, rather than the event itself.

Shift your perspective: Something may have happened to you, but it doesn't define the entirety of who you are.

Approach this journey with patience, gentleness, and a non-judgmental stance.

Repeat affirmations to yourself like, "I am enough, just as I am," and acknowledge the brilliance in all of your coping mechanisms that have brought you to this point.

Engage in these practices at a pace that brings comfort rather than distress, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from a trauma recovery coach when needed.

Now, let's explore some steps in learning how to cultivate self-warmth with a trauma-informed approach:

1. Inner Safety: Begin by recognizing and respecting your emotional boundaries. Approach your emotional states with a non-judgmental care that involves becoming aware of and naming your emotions without attempting to change them. Remember, emotions are messengers; they seek to be heard.

2. Safe Space: Establish a secure environment where you can explore your feelings without fear of vulnerability. This might be a quiet, interruption-free room or a private outdoor space. Validate your experiences by acknowledging and affirming your pain, challenges, and experiences without passing judgment or minimizing them. Practice observing the effects of trauma without succumbing to overwhelming memories.

3. Utilize Grounding Techniques: Employ grounding exercises such as identifying three things you can see, hear, and touch to stay in the present moment. It's essential to remind yourself that your reactions have been normal responses to abnormal events.

4. Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Counter negative self-talk by gently challenging and transforming critical or pessimistic thoughts with compassion and understanding.

Negative Self-Talk: "I always mess things up. I can't do anything right."

Ask yourself, "Is this thought based on facts, or is it an exaggeration?"

Look for evidence that contradicts the negative thought. For example, recall past successes or times when you did things well.

Replace the negative thought with a more positive and realistic affirmation. In this case, it might be: "I am capable of making mistakes, but I also have a track record of succeeding and learning from my experiences."

5. Embrace Daily Affirmations: Incorporate daily affirmations that introduce gentle and believable thoughts promoting a kind, loving relationship with yourself. Feel free to adapt these affirmations to resonate authentically with your experiences and emotional state.

Examples include:

- "In this moment, I choose to honor my journey, recognizing that every step, emotion, and experience is a valid part of my path."

- "I gently hold my pain with understanding and allow myself the grace to be, to heal, and to evolve at my own pace."

- "My worth is intrinsic, unbounded by past experiences, and I tenderly accept all facets of who I am, realizing that I am perpetually enough, just as I am."

6. Practice Self-Kindness: Engage in acts of kindness toward yourself, acknowledging that you are deserving of care and consideration.

Celebrate progress, no matter how small, in your journey toward self-compassion. This may involve self-care rituals like taking a warm bath, wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, practicing mindful stretching or yoga, immersing yourself in nature during mindful walks, and allowing yourself to be fully present with your surroundings.

“I am enough, just as I am."

“You have shown brilliance in using the coping mechanisms to get you to this moment!”