JOURNAL: HEALING TRAUMA & FINDING HAPPINESS

Discover Your Enneagram Type

Have you ever wondered why you or someone you love interprets the world or emotionally reacts in certain ways? Are you familiar with the Enneagram? It's a tool to better understand our behaviors. Learn about each of the nine Enneagram types and discover...
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My Top 10 Favorite Books

Did you know reading is scientifically proven to be one of the best ways to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, prevent cognitive decline and enhance our overall well-being? If you haven't picked up a book in a while for lack of good choices, I compiled a list of my...
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How to Create Closer Friendships

Recently, I learned about Greater Good in Action, a collaboration between UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and HopeLab. They partnered to develop an über-resourceful site to teach us how to increase closeness and lead more meaningful lives. Let me simply say,...
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10 Trustworthy Charities to Support

Most of us share the common goal of wanting to give back. And most of us are also looking for ways to declutter. Today, we combine the two by gathering-up our gently used books, phones, computers, guitars and shoes. Time to declutter and give to a vetted list of the...
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My Healing Journey After Child Abuse – Journal #1

It's important we address our traumatic experiences before they manifest into serious health issues. And there are useful resources to help us break free and thrive. In his life-changing book about trauma and How the Body Keeps the Score, Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk...
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How to Release Shame – Journal #2

Few of us have come this far in life without experiencing some form of trauma. Many of us have suffered in silence due to the shame we feel. But, there is light on the other side of healing. And all it takes is vulnerability and self-compassion to learn how to release...
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Miracles, Indian Givers and Triple Sex: A Tribute to NaNa

Miracles, Indian Givers and Triple Sex is a heartfelt tribute to the woman I called NaNa. Its a short story about the enduring love we shared and healing after loss. I hope our story inspires you to reminisce about your loved ones and share a few tears and giggles...
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Our stories matter. And I think it’s important we remind each other that we’re not alone in our experiences, good or bad. We’ve all experienced trauma to some degree. And obviously, we’ve all known some form of happiness. The articles within this Journal share the many ways I continue to heal my childhood trauma and continue to bask in happiness.

Trauma Quote, Catherine Woodiwiss

Within this Journal, I share insecurities, disappointments and heartaches, as well as simple joys and therapeutic accomplishments. I write about the techniques I found to help heal my trauma. And I highlight books and activities that helped me find happiness. This is an extra-special space I hold close to my heart.

 

I believe life tosses adversity our way so we can choose to use it for good. My childhood was traumatic. My adulthood isn’t. I’ve made solid choices throughout my life and I’m damn proud of them.

 

Surfing life’s waves becomes much more meaningful through relationships with like-minded souls. Thank you for connecting with me in this sacred space. I’m humbled you’re here. And I look forward to sharing it with you. -xo

JOURNAL ARTICLES