childhood trauma (healing edition) ❤️‍🩹

hey girls,

if you're reading this, chances are you've experienced some form of childhood trauma (join the gang). if that's the case, you're not alone. it's nothing to be ashamed of especially since it isn't your fault.

what is childhood trauma?

childhood trauma is any experience that happens during childhood that overwhelms a child's ability to cope. it can be a single event, such as a car accident or natural disaster or it can be an ongoing abuse or neglect. common types of childhood trauma include:

• physical abuse
• emotional abuse
• sexual abuse
• neglect
• bullying
• witnessing violence
• losing a loved one

how does childhood trauma affect us?

childhood trauma can have a profound impact on our lives, both physically and emotionally. it can lead to a variety of problems, including:

• anxiety
• depression
• PTSD
• substance abuse
• eating disorders
• self-harm
• relationship problems
• chronic health problems

even things such as being hyper-vigilant about noises or freaking out about the dishes not being done and put away can have a major effect.

how to heal from childhood trauma?

healing from childhood trauma is possible. it takes time and effort, but it is worth it. here are a few tips:

• talk to a therapist. a therapist can help you process your trauma and develop coping health  mechanisms.
• practice self-care. this includes getting enough sleep, eating well, taking care of your mind, body and emotions.
• join a support you or online forums. check out safe spaces to vent  and connect with others who have been through similar experiences
• be patient. healing doesn't happen overnight so don't expect to feel better tomorrow morning. trust yourself and trust the process.

check out these additional tips to help you heal from childhood trauma:

• journaling. it may seem lame but journaling can help you process your emotions and identify triggers. it is a good way to help you release pent up emotions. create a flow of transferring your hurt and pain into words and envision it leaving your body. just be sure to write without thinking. don't give your grammar a check until you've completed let all your emotions out.
• create a vision board. a vision board is a visual representation of your goals and dreams. it can help you stay focused on your healing journey.
• establish nature-ly habits. go for walks, sit in a field and enjoy the breeze or even spend time looking at flowers. (this is to help clear your mind for a bit)
• do the things that trigger you in a safe environment. for example, if you got into trouble for eating a whole bag of candy or not cleaning up after dinner, try eating as much candy as you want or leave the dishes in the sink overnight.

sometimes you just have to do the things you weren't allowed when you were younger to satisfy your inner child. let them grow and show that things are okay. you are in control now.

be sure to forgive yourself because it was NEVER your fault. treat yourself with kindness because you are strong, resilient and deserve to be loved and cared for. treat yourself the same way you'd treat your younger self.

"Healing from childhood trauma is not about forgetting what happened, but about learning to live with it in a way that does not define you."

break these habits before they break you 🔨

Habits vary from person to person. A habit that might be easy for someone to break may be the biggest struggle someone else is going through. There are times where you might be doing something without realising it is a bad habit.

Here's a list of bad habits you might have and you need to break ASAP!

1. Go Piss Girl

Like Rue in Euphoria, we find it difficult to get to the washroom and relieve ourselves. There are so many factors of why we might not want to go, from being too lazy or holding it in until we've accomplished our task. Whatever the reason may be, it's a bad habit.

If you keep holding it in you will end up with medical complications which just creates another set of problems. Problems such as increasing risks of UTI, bladder stretching, damage to your pelvic floor muscles and even kidney stones. Let 'em liquid gold flow!

2. Thank You, Next

I don't know who needs to hear this but DON'T SETTLE FOR BEING A SECOND OPTION. It seems tempting to respond to their booty call or be there for them all the time but you need to start caring for yourself first. Start seeing yourself as a priority and don't let anyone walk all over you. 

Sure, you might feel guilty not responding to them but f&@% it. If you have no one else, start getting comfortable with your own presence and sitting in your own company. They can't appreciate you? Walk away. Far, far, away.

3. Say No To Smoking 🚭

Quitting smoking is so important. It's not healthy, it does not have any benefits, it's costly and you jus end up having dark lips, dark lungs and cancer. Neither does it look "cool". Every smoker I know wishes they never started. 

Smoke your last ciggie and end the habit once and for all. If you're struggling, get some aid with nicotine patches or chewing gum. No, vapes or e-cigarettes are not any better.

4. Emotional Eating: Munch, Munch 

Stress eating is a common problem and many people do it to fill the void of loneliness, anxiety, stress or grief. If you don't take control, the chances of you becoming overweight, over-eating and having low self-esteem issues increase more and more.

Break this habit before an eating disorder begins to consume you and an eating disorder is born. Distract yourself with good habits like taking a walk or just going away from where the food is. Or if all else fails, start binge eating on fruits and veggies. 

5. Don't Be Late

Why do some think that being late is okay? It isn't a cute or funny trait to have and all it does it annoy those waiting for you. If you're struggling with time management, set your clock to be five minutes faster. 

6. Cleanliness is Next To Godliness

Your environment reflects your mind. Messy mind = messy environment. It's overwhelming to clean so much in one go so cut yourself some slack and just clean up a bit at a time. Put five tees in the laundry basket or only put your  makeup away. When you are clean, your mood improves and you become motivated to get more things done.

7. Skincare = Healthcare

Your skin is your biggest organ and it's exposed to everything. Sun, dust, dirt, rain, wind and everything else in-between. Be sure to slap on lotion after you've had a shower, apply your SPF, drink your water, eat your veggies and fruits, wash your face and for the love of everything good and kind, DO NOT PICK YOUR FACE!

8. Alcoholics Anonymous

A glass of wine here and there or perhaps six shots of tequila every couple of weeks is fine. What happens when you drink like fish more than three times a week? Sex drive is lowered, you age faster, immune system is weakened and you just end up with a headache. Create a new brainwave pattern where drinking is only good if you really, really deserve it.

Here's a little tip if you do get super hungover, chug water like your life depends on it. A hungover is basically dehydration so fill yourself with some good ole h2o. 

9. Speak with Love (To Yourself)

If you saw your younger self, would you speak to them as mean as you are doing to yourself now? Probably not. Speak to yourself like you are a delicate fairy. 

Instead of saying you hate your legs, thank them for bringing your around. Don't insult your hair when it doesn't corporate. Just take a breather and treat it with a little patience. 

Of course, everything is easier said than done but practice helps.

Repeat these words to yourself everyday and watch yourself change.

I AM BEAUTIFUL

I AM SMART

I AM DISICIPLNED

I AM PEACEFUL

I AM HAPPY

I AM BLESSED

I AM WEALTHY

I AM HEALTHY

I AM A DIVINE BEING

I AM THE BEST

10. Procrastination

Just because you can procrastinate something doesn't mean you should. It may seem tempting to keep putting something off but you will have actual peace of mind when you just do what you have to do. If a task takes 2 minutes, just do it. If a task is too big to handle in one go, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, you have a four page essay due? Spend 30 minutes (undivided attention) a day working on it. 

Procrastination is the killer of dreams, goals and achievements. Don't let this bad habit take control of you. 

Here are 10 habits you have to break girlies. It may seem really difficult but don't let it stop you on your way to greatness.