Summary

The author reflects on a transformative six-month journey of self-discovery and healing, marked by personal challenges, therapy, and the power of writing and self-expression.

Abstract

The author shares a deeply personal account of their recent experiences, detailing a period characterized by significant emotional upheaval, including a nervous breakdown and the diagnosis of PTSD. They have engaged in EMDR therapy and found solace and strength in writing, which has helped them process their journey. The narrative reveals a path of self-forgiveness, learning to value oneself, and the importance of human connection and boundaries. Despite losses and setbacks, the author has made significant strides in personal growth, prioritizing self-care, and combating negative self-perception. They acknowledge the ongoing battle with their inner critic but celebrate the progress made in finding their voice and redefining their identity.

Opinions

The author believes that their journey, though difficult, has been essential for personal growth and healing.
They express that sharing their experiences through writing has been therapeutic and empowering.
The author has come to understand the importance of asking for help and the bravery in admitting vulnerability.
They have learned that self-care is not selfish and that setting personal boundaries is crucial for well-being.
The author emphasizes the value of perseverance, especially in the face of mental health challenges and therapy.
They convey a sense of pride in their resilience and the gradual silencing of their inner critic.
The author recognizes the significance of community and support systems in their recovery process.
They suggest that personal transformation is possible and that one can emerge from adversity with a renewed sense of self.

Dear Writer

Dear Sam

Just checking in

Hey, Hi…..How you doing?

It has been a pretty crazy 6 months.

We had a small nervous breakdown (or something that felt very much like it).

We have been told we have PTSD and had EMDR therapy.

We have started to share our journey through writing.

We have learned many things about ourselves.

We lost someone important.

We forgave ourselves.

At the start we faltered, always doubting ourselves. Blaming us for what had happened and where it left us now. We kept going despite the horrible voice in our head telling us we would never do it. We are proving that voice wrong.

We went on a journey we never wanted to go on but very much needed to. We have failed, sometimes, more than we won but we never gave up. We valued our self for the first time ever.

We learned that we need people especially when we lose people we love. And that asking for help, admitting we needed it — made us braver. That telling people we were okay when we were not was hurting us badly.

We learned that to care for other people we had to prioritise ourselves so we had something to give. That prioritising yourself does not make you selfish.

Building boundaries around yourself is needed. Treat yourself how you would like others to treat you. People won’t always like you and nothing you do will change that so embrace it.

We stuck with the therapy, even when it was so hard we felt we would never be okay again. We lived with the horror in our heads and battled to change the narrative. We spent days at a time crying so much we thought it would never end. No matter how hard we stayed the course and fought the biggest barrier……our own thoughts.

We are finally getting out of our own way, silencing the evil voice in our head (some of the time). We aren’t winning this war with our head every day. We are winning more than losing and that’s a win all its own.

We are using our voice, we are writing down the things we believe in and are helping ourselves as well as other people. We are stretching out, finding our voice, becoming powerful and heard for the first time in a long time.

Most importantly we started the hard work and didn’t falter. We can finally look in the mirror and see a person we don’t hate, we don’t love her yet but it’s a step in the right direction. All the foundations are in place to finally start again be the person we should have been able to be, the one we know we are deep down. The one other people see in us, she seems nice.

We should be proud of the woman we are becoming, of the woman who has reimagined her power and who is going to set her mark on the world.

Dear Writer

Dear Sam

Just checking in

A Letter to 17-Year-Old Me

If You Only Knew

Dear Future Traveller Self

Take it easy

Dear Writer

A letter to myself in the past, present or future