Unlocking Self-Love: My Journey from Trauma to Healing

Happy Girl

Hello, my lovlies!

As a 30+ woman born and raised in 90s Ireland, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. My journey has been a mix of laughter, heartache, challenges, and ultimately, growth. I’ve faced some tough times, including a fair bit of trauma, gaslighting, judgment, and shame. So, like many of us, I found myself grappling with a lot for quite a while.

After years of feeling lost and overwhelmed, I decided it was time to take charge and invest in some therapy for myself. I can honestly tell you—best decision ever! Therapy has been a game-changer for me, and I can now say that I do not regret a single moment spent there. It has given me the opportunity to learn so much about myself, why I react the way I do, and sometimes, why I don’t react at all.

But here’s the most important thing I discovered:

Self-Love. Let’s dive into it, shall we? ❤️

Discovering My Worth:

One of the biggest lessons I learned in therapy was about recognizing my worth. It sounds simple, but discovering that I am valuable just as I am—regardless of my past—was liberating. Understanding that I am not defined by my trauma has made a world of difference.

1. Understanding Your Value: One of the first lessons I learned in therapy was the importance of valuing myself. I realized that my worth isn’t defined by past traumas or what others think of me. Embracing this concept liberated me from the shackles of shame, allowing me to step into my truth.

2. Learning to Forgive: Self-love also meant learning to forgive—myself included. I had to let go of the blame and shame I carried for far too long. Forgiveness isn’t about what others have done; it’s about giving myself permission to move forward and heal.

3. Setting Healthy Boundaries: Establishing boundaries has been another crucial part of my journey. I realized that saying “no” and prioritizing my needs is not selfish—it's essential! When I protect my energy, I can show up for myself and others in a more meaningful way.

4. Positive Self-Talk: I became conscious of how I spoke to myself. Instead of berating myself for mistakes or shortcomings, I started practicing self-compassion. I’ve learned that talking to myself like a friend can be incredibly uplifting!

5. Embracing Imperfection: One of the most freeing revelations was understanding that imperfection is simply part of being human. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be a work in progress, and that embracing my quirks and flaws makes me uniquely me.

Moving Forward with Self-Love

Self-love isn’t a one-time lesson; it’s an ongoing journey, and I’m genuinely enjoying every step of it. By making self-love a priority, I'm creating a strong foundation for myself that empowers me to face challenges with resilience and empathy towards myself.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or burdened by your past, I wholeheartedly encourage you to invest time in yourself. Whether through therapy, journaling, or simply taking quiet moments for reflection—start somewhere. Your journey might lead you to the incredible gift of self-love that I’ve discovered.

Remember, your past doesn’t define you; it shapes you. And with self-love, you can reclaim your narrative and embrace a future filled with endless possibilities.

So, let’s celebrate ourselves, flaws and all! Here’s to creating a world where love, kindness, and compassion for ourselves and each other can flourish. 💐

I recommend the following Apps and Websites if you're not quite sure where to start

APPS:

• Anam VR - (Irish creator) this FREE app helps with all levels of anxiety and even has features such as a journal and guided meditations.

• Day One - This is also a journaling app, you have the option to create multiple journals and with premium theres an option to lock this app.

Online Therapy:

• Fettle - Fettle Online Counselling Ireland gives you in-person results online.

• MyMind - MyMind combines the best of face to face and online therapy.