We had family over for Memorial Day.

So what? Lots of people do this very thing.

For survivors of trauma, it’s a big deal.

For many people, large groups trigger big feelings. Memorial Day can trigger memories of loss and grief, trauma and craziness. Families trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, the way it used to be, the way it’s supposed to be, etc.

Having lived with, and overcome my own post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), I can tell you I’ve experienced all of these things. It is so difficult when you want to be around family, but you can’t. Or you want to invite people over, but you don’t know how kids from trauma backgrounds will be able to deal with it. The tension in your own home is so thick, you don’t know if it will be a good day, or if it will all fall apart.

Have you ever been hurt or sick for an extended period of time? You know how all of a sudden one day, you don’t hurt anymore? You may not even notice at first, you’re just so happy to be able to move and live your life. That’s how it was this weekend.

We went to a family birthday party on Saturday and it was fun! On Monday, we invited family over for a BBQ. I cooked all the food (which I haven’t been able to do for several years). We all got along. There was no drama. No trauma. No chaos.

I woke up today thanking God for a chaos-free 3-Day weekend.

If your life is filled with trauma and chaos, I hope this will bring you hope. Hang in there. Continue to seek help and healing for yourself. Life does move on. People grow up. Wounds heal.

If you need help, and don’t know where to turn, click here to schedule a phone appointment for a Life Coaching session with me. I’d love to walk with you as you move to a life after trauma.