Reason number 38 why I decided to make self-care a priority this year is…
Self-care Keeps Me Safe
If we are honest, then we can all affirm that there has been A LOT going on in the world. I’m not even factoring in what may or may not be happening in your personal lives, but if we add that to everything else then we will definitely see the need and importance of self-care.
In the media we are continually hearing stories of killings, unjust treatment, sexual assault, discrimination, etc. We can cluster all of these things into one word and that is TRAUMA.
Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Trauma can be experience directly or indirectly. The indirect exposure to trauma is known as secondary trauma. Secondary trauma occurs when you hear about a firsthand trauma experience of someone else.
Secondary trauma is something that I am very familiar with as a therapist. I was constantly exposed to secondary trauma. As a healer, I had to sit and listen to the stories of clients in an effort to guide them through their traumatic experiences so they could learn the necessary skills to cope with what happened to them.
My profession required that I practiced self-care so I could remain safe. Safety is a basic need that we all seek.
What makes you feel safe?
Learn what you need to be safe. It could be turning off the news or taking a detox from social media. Sometimes the stories and information that is constantly being shared can serve as a trigger.
What are your trauma triggers?
Recognize the signs of trauma and acknowledge when you no longer feeling safe. Honor those feelings and seek safety through self-care.
Remember, only you know what you need to be safe. Take care of yourself.
Be well,