I struggle to keep writing in this blog. While I have
received positive feedback, I have also received cold shoulders. Getting sad or
putting myself down due to unsettling feedback is non-sense. If I stopped being
who I am by hiding my experiences, I’d be completely lost. I refuse to keep my
mouth shut for the sake of someone else’s sheltered conformity.
My first week in the 12 week Journey’s program at the VA was
pretty tough. Still apprehensive on whether this trauma focused program will do
what I need it to:overcome. It’s more apparent now that many of my quirks and bad traits
are a result of my past traumas. I’m doing my best to force smiles
but I fear many can see through them. The courage that got me this far is
tapping my shoulder to remind me why I’m writing in the first place. I’m
writing with the intent to help others find their courage, and to continue
finding mine.
I’ve decided I’m going to share my experience in the 12 week
trauma focused Journey’s program here on my blog. So far my notes consist of
tools to keep me grounded.
Week One Notes/Tools:
*Pay attention to internal and external observations.
*Stop judging your emotions
*TIP Skills for interpreting anxiety mind
Temperature (cold water/ice on your eyes invokes a divers response
and slows your heart rate).
Intense Exercise – (I miss running and working out more than I ever
thought I would. Don’t take things for granted)
Paced breathing (put your diaphragm into it)
*Growing up in an unsupportive environment with traumas will
exaggerate your Monkey Mind (lizard brain).
*Mindfulness Skills:
-Observe
(be like teflon and let it slide off)
-Describe
(put words on the experience)
-Participate
(become one with the experience)
*Depression is a mood; sadness is the emotion
*Judging – can be good and bad; using either can flaw
the reality you see re: the thing being judged.
When you’re not living in the present, you’re missing
out on life. Live in the moment!
*Acknowledge your accomplishments
1) Change
the situation (interpersonal skills)
2) Change
how you feel (emotion regulation)
3) Radical
Acceptance (accept rather than approving or liking)
4) Stay
Miserable (complaining and ruminating)
5) Make
things worse
*A group member referred to their PTSD as The Hulk, “lil
green monster”– this gave me a good chuckle.
The core of this trauma-focused program is judgment:
*Less
judgment = more success
* Stick to
the FACTS = less judgment = less hyperarousal = win
*Dear Man is a
concept on how to see situations in a better light:
Describe – ONLY
facts
Express – how “I” feel
Assert – what you want or say NO
Reinforce – pat on the back, rewards
Mindful – focus on your goals and maintain your position, don’t get
distracted, don’t get off topic
Appear Confident – use confident voice
and stay in the present
Negotiate – be willing to give to get
The notes for week one don’t stop here, but I wanted to
highlight the top discussions. These tools can be useful for everyday life. As I continue writing, I’ll do my best to keep this blog interesting
and informative. Please don’t be shy if you would like me to elaborate
personally.
Keep fighting the good fight, while smiling!
Thanks again for reading! Until next time…
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