The Gap Year Feedback
The Gap Year Feedback: My thanks to all of you who read and offer your reflections to me and other readers. Here is the feedback you’ve sent these past few weeks. My gratitude, Tricia
Reflection # 57 Regrets
Hi Tricia, I really appreciate your post today. And agree whole heartedly. I know that those regrets that I have not forgotten have made me a more compassionate human. -D
❤️ Just what I needed today. Thank you, Trisha! -H
Trisha, Always the wise woman! I am content in all if those you listed. But they are at different levels. Such as:
~ Awakened: surprised I’ve been missing it
~ Awkward; still tripping
~ Awareness: moving towards freedom
~ Acknowledged: “Don’t Go There” internal voice. Thanks for your guidance!-C
Reflection #50 The Toxic Myth of Hard Work
Thanks, Tricia! Very helpful! I have difficulty knowing how to interact with a brother, sister, sister-in-law, and a couple of nephews & a niece, about Trump. Harder as we get older. Money has a lot to do with differences, all the way around, it seems. –F
Reflection 55: Harvesting
A retirement party would have been nice. I had already been laid off a few months, before my official retirement at a meeting. Pretty much an official announcement & done. -FC
Reflection #55 Harvesting
Once again, thank you for affirming confirming my daily 'exercise' that allows me to be thankful,fulfilled,smiling,and confirms my "Two Word Life Approach": 'Fantasy & Denial' As I'm sure you are aware, the actual living-definition with me is quite different than the words might suggest to the 'uninitiated'. Reality is always there...people, politics, war and peace, relationships. But, there is always that overriding appreciation/thanksgiving of past experiences and relationships.As I’m reminded:"I enjoy life.I'm having 'fun'. And I have the x-rays to prove it!”. -D
Reflection #56 Forgo the Drama
I personally have a negative reaction to the use of the word, "Drama," to describe ways that (most likely traumatized people) have learned and adapted to living in their worlds. I hear it as judgmental, rather than descriptive, or understanding. Another way of expressing this reality might be something like: "Many people in our society have suffered trauma and have not received the support they need in order to recognize and process its impact. The impact of trauma on the brain includes heightened sensitivity to potential danger and harm around us, and the tendency to get caught up in and focus on it.'One way to recognize that you are in a trauma-informed state is that you notice that your entire thought process is steeped in negativity' (Healing from Trauma, by Jasmin Lee Cori, MS, LPC, p. 18).When we or others get caught up in negative/victim space, it's important for us to remain calm, reassuring and compassionate, for the sake of the one struggling, and to also to make sure that we take care of ourselves, to avoid being overwhelmed." It is my firm belief - and in line with the science of trauma research, that no one chooses to get caught up in a negative cycle. Such persons, who are among my closest friends, Do need attention (as you have surmised), along with empathy, compassion and reassurance - because they have not received it, probably beginning in childhood. Getting caught up with them in the negative cycle is not helpful, which is what I think you were pointing to. But if we can set a boundary, and provide support, we can have a positive influence! It might take time, and we might not be able to see the impact; but the more "trauma-informed" we all become, the healthier our society might become! -D