a path to you

Healing from Within: Releasing Trauma and Embracing Self-Love

For years, I carried the weight of experiences that were too heavy to bear, memories and emotions that felt tangled up in my body and mind. No matter how much time passed, they lingered, influencing how I saw myself and the world and ultimately affected my decisions and reactions. It wasn’t until I began the journey of truly healing from within that I learned how to let go and create a life rooted in self-love and compassion.

I share this journey with you because, if you’re reading this, perhaps you too are seeking peace from something you’ve been carrying. Maybe you’re looking to put the heavy burdens you carry down and live a little lighter. Healing isn’t easy, and it’s rarely straightforward. But with patience and a few transformative practices, it is possible to release the trauma we hold and open up to a new way of being.

Recognizing the Need for Inner Healing

Healing begins with acknowledging what we’re holding onto. For me, it wasn’t until I started paying attention to my physical and emotional patterns—chronic tension, negative self-talk, and a constant sense of “not enough”—that I realized I needed to address what was beneath the surface. I used to believe that healing was something that would just happen over time, but I came to understand that true healing required conscious effort and the courage to confront the feelings I had tucked away.

The Journey of Releasing Trauma

Releasing trauma is an ongoing process that involves both letting go and gently transforming what’s inside. In my journey, I’ve found that healing isn’t about erasing painful experiences; rather, it’s about acknowledging and releasing the hold they have on us. Here are some practices that helped me on this path:

• Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: I started practicing mindfulness, especially when difficult emotions surfaced. Instead of pushing them away, I allowed myself to sit with these feelings without judgment. It was like holding space for the parts of me that had been hurting. Over time, I noticed that each time I met myself with compassion instead of criticism, I felt a little more free. It’s important that in this space of allowing to not try and control or manage the feeling that come up just allow notice and hold this compassion.

• Journaling and Reflection: Writing became a refuge. I began journaling not just to vent, but to understand and make peace with my experiences. By reflecting on the beliefs I’d formed and the stories I’d told myself, I gradually found ways to reframe my past in a more compassionate light. I began asking, “What does this part of me need to heal?” and “How can I support myself through this?” This is where you can actually learn more about who you are too. If you’re a feeling a lost sense of self this safe space to write and notice brings you back to you. Have a journal with you all day or use your note app. Write down things that make you happy or irked you or thoughts that come up and reflect on this in the evening. You will be surprised at what comes up.

• Movement and Breathwork: Trauma often lives in the body as much as in the mind. I found solace in yoga, breathwork, and gentle movement practices. Moving with intention helped me release pent-up energy, and each breath felt like a step toward freedom. I’d encourage anyone on this journey to explore what feels right for them—whether it’s yoga, dance, or simply going for a mindful walk. Movement is magic and you will benefit by working out the places you hold tightness, numbness, or even emptiness. I know it sounds a bit silly but there are postures in yoga that cause certain emotions to get stirred up. Its important to be open, notice and breathe.

Embracing Self-Love

As I slowly released the hold of past traumas, I discovered something beautiful beneath it all: a capacity for self-love I hadn’t known was possible. The relationship we build with ourselves is one of the most powerful parts of healing. Self-love is not about perfection; it’s about accepting ourselves, flaws and all, and treating ourselves with the same kindness we’d offer a dear friend.

In my own journey, self-love took many forms: taking time for things that bring me joy, honoring my boundaries, speaking kindly to myself, and practicing gratitude for all I’d been through and learned. When I look back, I see how my trauma shaped me, but I no longer let it define me. Instead, I choose to define myself by the strength, resilience, and compassion I gained from the process of healing.

Finding Peace and Moving Forward

Healing is not a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. There are days when old memories resurface, but now I meet them with understanding rather than resistance. Each day, I remind myself that I am worthy of love and healing, just as you are. There is no timeline, no right or wrong way to go about it. Trust that your journey is uniquely yours and that with each small step, you’re moving closer to peace.

To anyone reading this, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Healing from within is a courageous act, and the path is yours to walk in your own way and time. Embrace yourself with love, meet each part of yourself with compassion, and remember that even the smallest steps forward are victories.

Thank you for being here with me on this journey. If my story resonates with you, I hope it offers a bit of light, and perhaps the courage to take that next step forward. Healing is possible, and there’s a beautiful world of self-love waiting for you on the other side.

Resousrces

Below are some books that helped me on this journey

Audible makes reading more accessible for me, so I linked the books for you.

Love

T