Yesterday afternoon I spent a delightful hour with a dear friend and her six-month-old baby. When I need a pick-me-up, that’s where I go. To these two adored, favorite people.
There’s nothing like baby smiles and raspberry blowing to cheer up your day.
Coincidentally, this friend happens to be a trauma survivor. Naturally, we drop into “healing speak” from time to time. It’s unavoidable given our background and I love sharing hopeful ideas with someone who has been there.
I was thrilled to hear her express how much motherhood is changing her life. The ways that she is finding new meaning and purpose. It is healing her. In ways she never expected.
Who knew that something not obviously connected to trauma healing could make such a difference?
Turns out, Viktor Frankl knew. Dr. Frankl survived the concentration camps of the Holocaust. Based on his experiences, he developed logotherapy, a psychotherapy that incorporates belief in a higher purpose or meaning as a motivation for overcoming mental and emotional challenges.
According to Dr. Frankl, we can find meaning in life in three different ways 1) by creating a work or doing a deed; 2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and 3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering.
The work of healing trauma is no picnic. It takes time, concentrated effort, and patience. You need to be all in on this one if you want to succeed. So before you go there, figure out why you want to do this. Think about what your life could look like after the journey.
Maybe you know there is a wealth of creativity hidden somewhere inside of you, but it is buried beneath layers of trauma wounding.
Perhaps you want to pursue experiences, encounter great adventure, or bring more to your relationships and experience them in new and healthier ways.
It could be that you know this path will lead you to a gift, the gift of your hero’s journey that you can bring back to the tribe.
Whatever it is, start exploring it now. Define why you are doing the work. Because that one step alone will help carry you through this challenging process. You will find yourself going back to your why when things get rough.
You will find strength in being reminded why you want to keep going, doing your healing work with commitment.
It’s an important first step. Take it.
For an exercise to help you define your why click > Finding Meaning & Purpose
The Define Your Why exercise is also found in The Survivor’s Compass Companion Workbook you received when you attended a workshop. Take some time and do it now.
Books to learn more:
“Man’s Search For Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl; this book is about Dr. Frankl’s experiences in the concentration camps and the development of “logotherapy”.
“8 Reasons Your Life Matters” by John Herrick; an inspiring read about all the reasons you and your life matter.
“True Purpose: 12 Strategies for Discovering the Difference You Are Meant to Make” by Tim Kelley; a book full of exercises to help lead you to the true purpose for your life.
DISCLOSURE: These book links contain Amazon affiliate codes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By using affiliate links to purchase your books, you support my effort to support survivors. Thank you!