I’ve reached a point where I’ve shared all there is to share about my trauma. It’s like standing on the edge of an expansive unfamiliar landscape. The words have been spoken, the pain expressed, and my story has been laid bare. But what happens next? What comes after the catharsis of release? This is a stage in the healing journey that is often less discussed, yet it is a crucial turning point in reclaiming personal power and life. This is where I find myself today.
The Shift from Speaking to Being
Sharing my trauma—whether in therapy, with trusted friends, or through writing—was an essential part of my healing process. It allowed me to confront what was once buried, to give voice to the experiences that shaped me, and to begin untangling the web of emotions surrounding my past. But once this has been done, a shift begins to occur—a movement from external expression to internal transformation.
This can be a confusing space, and if I were to allow it, I would become uncertain of the path ahead. Instead, I choose to recognize this shift is about applying and living what I’ve learned and experienced in my everyday life. It’s about moving from simply talking about my pain to living in a way that reflects my growth. My story no longer defines me; instead, it becomes a chapter in the larger narrative of my life. This transition marks the beginning of a deeper, more nuanced phase of healing
Embracing Silence and Stillness
After the words have been said, the next step involves embracing silence and stillness. This doesn’t mean suppressing my emotions or ignoring my past but rather allowing myself the space to sit with what is. This has been particularly challenging for me because chaos was my constant companion for so long. Now, silence becomes fertile ground where I can listen to my inner voice without the need for external validation or explanation.
In this space, I’ve begun to reconnect with parts of myself that were overshadowed by trauma. I’ve discovered new aspects of my identity, interests that had been neglected, and dreams I had forgotten. The stillness allows for a reconnection with my authentic self, free from the noise of the past, discovering my Moreness.
The Power of Acceptance
As I move into this next phase, acceptance plays a crucial role. Acceptance doesn’t mean condoning what happened or diminishing its impact; rather, it’s about acknowledging my experiences without letting them control my present. This is where the true meaning of UnBound Living comes into play—living in a way that is no longer shackled by past trauma but is instead guided by self-awareness, acknowledgment, and acceptance.
Acceptance allows me to see my trauma as part of my story, but not the whole story. It empowers me to release the grip that the past had on my decisions, behaviors, and self-perception. This stage is about making peace with my past, not through forgetting, but through understanding and compassion for myself.
Rebuilding and Redefining
With acceptance comes the opportunity to rebuild and redefine my life. What values are important to me now? How do I want to engage with the world? This phase is about constructing a life that aligns with who I’ve become after the storm. It’s a time of exploration and experimentation, where I can try new things, meet new people, and challenge old beliefs that no longer serve me.
I’ve also realized that this rebuilding process is about setting boundaries—both with others and with myself. It’s about recognizing what is healthy and nourishing for me and making choices that reflect my commitment to my well-being. It’s a time to practice self-trust and honor the boundaries that protect my newfound freedom.
### The Journey Forward
The path forward after sharing my trauma is one of continuous growth and self-discovery. It’s about embracing the unknown with curiosity rather than fear and allowing myself the grace to evolve. Healing is not a linear process, nor does it have a definitive endpoint. Instead, it’s a lifelong journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning.
In this new phase, I’ve found that my focus shifts from what happened to me to what I can create from here on out. The question becomes not about the trauma itself, but about how I can use my experiences to live a life that feels true and fulfilling. This is the essence of UnBound Living—living in a way that honors my past, but is not confined by it.
A New Story
Now that I’ve said all there is to say about my trauma, the journey doesn’t end—it transforms. The words may fade, but the lessons and growth continue to shape me. What comes next is an ongoing process of self-discovery, acceptance, creation, and sharing the journey. It’s about stepping into my life with a sense of UnBound Freedom, guided by the wisdom of my experiences, not limited by them.
This new story is mine to write, filled with the promise of possibility and the resilience I’ve cultivated along the way. It’s about living UnBound, discovering and embracing the fullness of who I am, and stepping forward into a life that aligns with my authentic self.