December 19, 2024 • 14 mins
50 Journal Prompts for Trauma Healing
Discover the transformative power of journaling as your ally on the journey to healing from trauma. Inspired by Clara Penrose's insightful blog at Lestallion, this episode promises to equip you with the tools to recognize and process emotions tied to past experiences. We explore a variety of journaling prompts designed to help you uncover and understand these emotions, while also identifying moments of safety and peace in your life. Whether it's through physical activities like running or creative expressions such as painting, expressing anger and frustration in healthy ways is crucial. Patience and self-compassion are your companions on this non-linear path, guiding you through both triumphs and setbacks.
In our second chapter, we reassure you that healing isn't a straight line, but a journey filled with both sunny and stormy days. Connection is a powerful force; therapists, support groups, or trusted friends and family can be invaluable sources of strength. We introduce a reflective exercise, the idea of writing a letter to your future, healed self, fostering connection with your inner resilience. Embrace this empowering journey of self-discovery and healing with the knowledge that support and the right tools make it possible. Let us guide you through this process, reminding you that the voyage to healing is not only achievable but profoundly empowering.
LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
For More Info on LeStallion, check out:
https://lestallion.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome everyone to our deep dive today into 50
journal prompts for traumahealing.
Oh, and it's based on a blogpost from Clara Penrose over at
Lestallion.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Okay, yeah, I've seen those prompts.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Have you?
Yeah, they're reallyfascinating.
Yeah, so the way the blog postis set up.
It's organized into fivecategories.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
With 10 prompts each, and it has some really
insightful commentary.
Nice Along with it too, andwe're going to be taking a look
at these prompts and talkingabout the benefits of journaling
for healing.
Okay, and just offering kind oflike a safe space for
reflection and growth duringthis deep dive.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Yeah, that sounds really valuable.
I think you know journaling canbe such a powerful tool for
processing and healing fromtrauma, and having these prompts
as kind of like a startingpoint can be really helpful,
especially if you're not surewhere to begin.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
For sure, for sure.
So let's dive into the firstcategory, which is recognizing
and processing emotions, and oneprompt that really stood out to
me was what's one emotion youfeel most often when thinking
about your past experiences?
I think that's a reallypowerful question to start with,
because it gets us right intothe heart of those feelings that
might be lingering.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yeah, that's a great one.
It's so simple, but it canreally bring up a lot.
I think it's important toremember that acknowledging our
emotions is a crucial step inthe healing process.
Absolutely, you know, we can'theal what we don't acknowledge.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Yeah, and I think sometimes we try to push those
emotions down or pretend they'renot there, but this prompt
really forces us to confrontthem head on.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Exactly, and it's not about dwelling in those
emotions or getting stuck inthem.
It's about recognizing them,giving them space and then
figuring out how to move forward.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
That makes sense.
Yeah, so it's about identifyingthe emotion and then kind of
exploring why it's there.
What's its connection to ourpast experiences?
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Right, and once we understand the root of the
emotion, we can start to develophealthier ways of coping with
it.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Okay, that makes sense.
So there's another prompt inthis category that I really like
.
It says describe a time whenyou felt truly safe.
What aspects of that experiencemade you feel safe?
How can you bring more of thatfeeling into your life?
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Ooh, that's a good one.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
I think that's really interesting, because it's not
just about focusing on thenegative experiences, but also
recognizing those moments ofsafety and peace and then
figuring out how to cultivatemore of those in our lives.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
I love that.
It's like shifting our focusfrom what's wrong to what's
right you know, instead ofconstantly replaying the
traumatic experiences in ourminds, we can start to create a
sense of safety and securitywithin ourselves yeah, and I
think that can be so empowering,especially after trauma, when
we might feel like we've lostour sense of control absolutely.
It's about reclaiming our powerand creating a life that feels
(02:47):
safe and fulfilling.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Okay, so there's also a focus on expressing anger and
frustration healthily in thiscategory Right, which I think is
really important because thoseare such common emotions that
come up after trauma.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Yeah, for sure.
Trauma can leave us feelingangry and frustrated, and it's
important to find healthy waysto express those emotions so
that they don't consume us.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
So, instead of just bottling it up or lashing out at
others, what are some practicalways that people can express
their anger and frustration in ahealthy way?
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Well, there are lots of different options.
It really depends on theindividual and what works best
for them.
Some people find that physicalactivity like running or
kickboxing can be a great outlet.
Others might prefer creativeexpression like painting or
writing.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
Oh yeah, those are great.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
And sometimes just talking to a trusted friend or
therapist can be incrediblyhelpful.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Right.
It's about finding whatresonates with you and what
helps you release those emotionsin a safe and constructive way.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Yeah, exactly, and it's important to be patient
with ourselves.
It takes time to learn new waysof coping with difficult
emotions.
Yeah, but it's definitelypossible.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
For sure, for sure, and I think it's also important
to remember that healing isn'tlinear.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Oh, absolutely not.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
There are going to be ups and downs, yeah, and that's
OK.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Yeah, it's all part of the process and sometimes we
might find ourselves fallingback into old patterns of
behavior.
But the key is to keeppracticing those healthy coping
mechanisms and to be kind toourselves along the way.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
So true, so true.
Well, I think this is a greatplace to pause for today.
Ok, we've covered a lot ofground in this first category
and I'm already feeling thepower of these prompts.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
Me too.
They're really thoughtprovoking.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Yeah, they are.
So we'll continue our deep diveinto the remaining four
categories in our next episode.
Sounds good.
So be sure to join us, then,for more insightful discussion
and exploration of these journalprompts for trauma healing.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Can't wait.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
I can't wait either.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
I'm looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Yeah, me too.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
You know when we were talking about self-compassion
earlier it's like it paves theway for the next category, which
is understanding triggers andboundaries.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
That does, doesn't it you?
Speaker 2 (04:52):
can't really set good boundaries if you're always
beating yourself up, right.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Yeah, that's so true.
It's like self-compassion givesus the foundation to recognize
our worth and to know that wedeserve to have those boundaries
in place.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Exactly, and especially after experiencing
trauma where boundaries mighthave been completely crossed.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
You know it's crucial to rebuild those defenses.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
Yeah, sure, For sure.
So one prompt that really stoodout to me in this category was
what is one thing that oftentriggers difficult emotions for
you?
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Oh yeah, that's a good one.
I think it's really common totry to avoid or ignore our
triggers.
It is, isn't it?
Yeah?
But this prompt encourages usto face them head on, you know,
to really understand what setsus off and why.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Yeah, it's like, instead of running away from
those triggers, we need to turnaround and face them so that we
can start to understand theirpower and how they're impacting
us.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Right them so that we can start to understand their
power and how they're impactingus Right.
And there's another prompt thatasks us to reflect on a recent
situation where we felttriggered and to think about how
we reacted and what we could dodifferently next time.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Oh yeah, that's a good one.
It's about learning from thoseexperiences and developing
healthier coping mechanisms.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Exactly, and it's also about being kind to
ourselves when we do gettriggered.
You know, it's not about beingperfect, it's about progress.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Absolutely.
We're all human.
We're all going to makemistakes and have those moments
where we feel overwhelmed, butit's about how we respond to
those moments.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Right, and I think self-compassion plays a huge
role in that.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Oh for sure.
It's about treating ourselveswith the same kindness and
understanding that we wouldoffer to a friend.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Mm-hmm, and remembering that we're doing the
best we can with what we have.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Speaking of triggers, I remember a time when I was in
a really crowded store and themusic was super loud Okay.
And I just felt this wave ofanxiety wash over me.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
It was like I was right back in this traumatic
experience from my past.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Yeah, it's amazing how powerful those sensory
triggers can be.
It is, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (06:47):
It was a real wake-up call for me to start paying
attention to my triggers andfiguring out how to manage them.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
That makes sense.
It's not about preventingtriggers altogether, because
that's often impossible.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
It's about learning to navigate them in a way that
feels safe and empowering.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
And I think this category also emphasizes the
importance of setting boundaries, yes, which can be really tough
, especially after trauma.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
It can be, but it's so important for our healing.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
It is.
It's about protecting ourenergy and our well-being.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Exactly, and there's a prompt that asks us to
describe a boundary that we'veset that helps us feel safe, and
to think about why it'simportant and how it protects
our peace.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
I love that.
It's about recognizing that wehave the right to set boundaries
and to say no to things thatdon't feel good for us.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
And that it's okay to prioritize our own needs.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Exactly, and I think a lot of times after trauma we
might feel guilty about settingboundaries.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Like we're being selfish or letting people down.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Right, but it's actually the opposite.
When we set boundaries, we'retaking care of ourselves so that
we can show up more fully forothers.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
That's a great way to put it.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
And there's another prompt in this section.
That's all about communicatingour needs clearly to others.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Yes, that's a big one .
We can't expect people torespect our boundaries if we
don't communicate them clearly.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Right, it's about being assertive and advocating
for ourselves.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Exactly, and it's a skill that takes practice, but
it's so worth it.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Absolutely so.
This category also encouragesus to think about places where
we feel safe and at ease.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Oh yeah, that's important.
Everyone needs a place wherethey can recharge and feel
grounded.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
For sure.
Yeah, there's a prompt thatasks us to describe a place
where we feel most at ease andto think about how we can bring
more of that feeling into ourlives.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
I love that.
It's like creating a sanctuaryfor ourselves, whether it's a
physical space or a mental state.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Yeah, it's about finding those things that bring
us peace and comfort and makingthem a priority in our lives.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Exactly, and it's different for everyone.
You know, for some people itmight be spending time in nature
, For others it might belistening to music or reading a
book.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
Oh yeah, I love that.
It's about finding what worksfor you and what helps you feel
grounded and centered.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Right, and I think this ties in nicely with the
next category, which isreflecting on growth and
resilience.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Oh, it does, doesn't it?
It's like once we've createdthat sense of safety and
security within ourselves, wecan start to focus on our growth
and how far we've come.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Exactly, and this category is all about
celebrating our strengths andacknowledging the challenges
we've overcome.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Yeah, and I think it's so important to focus on
those positive aspects,especially after trauma.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Oh for sure, Trauma can make us feel broken and
defeated, but this categoryreminds us that we're so much
stronger than we think.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Absolutely.
There's a prompt that asks usto think about a time when we
overcame a challenge and what welearned about our strength from
that experience.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Oh, I love that one.
It's so empowering to look backon those moments and realize
how far we've come.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
Yeah, and it's also a reminder that we have the inner
resources to face whateverchallenges come our way.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Right.
We've already proven that toourselves time and time again.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
For sure.
So another prompt in thissection asks us to think about a
personal accomplishment thatmade us feel resilient, and to
reflect on why resilience isessential to our healing journey
.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
I think resilience is like a muscle that's stronger
with each challenge we overcome.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Oh, that's a great analogy.
It's like each time we face asetback, we learn something new
about ourselves and we build upour capacity to bounce back.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Exactly, and it's not about being invincible or never
feeling pain.
It's about having the innerstrength to keep going, even
when things are tough.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
Yeah, and I think self-compassion plays a huge
role in building resilience.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Absolutely.
We need to be kind to ourselveswhen we're struggling and
remember that it's okay to askfor help.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
So true, so true.
This category also talks aboutthe importance of gratitude for
fostering hope.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Yes, gratitude is such a powerful tool for healing
.
It helps us shift our focusfrom what's wrong to what's
right.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
And it reminds us of all the good things in our lives
, even when we're going througha difficult time.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
There's a prompt that asks us to think about a time
when we felt deeply grateful andto reflect on what gratitude
brings to our lives and how itsupports our healing.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
I think gratitude is like a muscle that we can
strengthen with practice.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Oh, absolutely.
The more we focus on the thingswe're grateful for, the more
we'll notice them.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
And the more we'll feel that sense of hope and
optimism.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Exactly, and that can make a huge difference in our
healing journey.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
For sure, for sure.
Well, this category is abeautiful reminder that healing
is not just about processing thepast Right.
It's also about embracing thepresent moment and cultivating
hope for the future.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
It's also about embracing the present moment and
cultivating hope for the future.
I love that.
It's about creating a life thatfeels meaningful and fulfilling
, even after trauma.
Yeah, yeah, it really does feellike a shift from, you know,
just surviving to actuallythriving.
Yeah, and you know we've talkedabout so many powerful prompts
in these last two parts.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
What would you say is like the biggest takeaway you
want listeners to remember.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Oh, that's a good question, I think.
For me, it's the emphasis onself-discovery.
Okay, that healing isn't about,you know, finding this one size
fits all solution, right, it'sabout really going inward and
figuring out what works for you.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Yeah, and I think that's what makes these prompts
so valuable they're not tellingyou what to do, they're guiding
you to find your own answers.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Exactly, and they're encouraging you to connect with
your own inner wisdom andresilience.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Which is something we all have.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
We do.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
You know, it's just sometimes buried under layers of
trauma and pain.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
And I appreciate that these prompts don't shy away
from the tough stuff.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
You know, they encourage us to face those
difficult emotions head oninstead of trying to push them
down.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Because that never works.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
It doesn't.
It just makes them stronger.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
It does and it can actually be really harmful in
the long run.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
Yeah, it's like we're trying to outrun our own
shadows.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Exactly, but the truth is, we can't heal what we
don't acknowledge.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
So true.
So it's about creating thatsafe space within ourselves.
Yeah, to process those emotionsand begin to integrate them
into our stories.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
And these prompts also remind us that healing is
not a linear process.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
Oh, it's so not linear.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
No, there are going to be good days and bad days.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Moments of progress and moments of setback,
absolutely, but the importantthing is to just keep moving
forward.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Yeah, one step at a time.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Exactly, and to remember that we're not alone in
this.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
That's huge.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Yeah, there's so much support available.
Speaker 1 (13:15):
There is.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Whether it's from a therapist, a support group or
even just a trusted friend orfamily member.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
And I think sometimes just knowing that we're not
alone can make all thedifference.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
It can, it can, it can give us the strength to keep
going when we feel like givingup.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
So, before we wrap up , is there a final thought or
prompt you'd like to leave ourlisteners with?
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Ooh, let me think I know.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
Something to kind of ponder as they continue on their
journaling journey.
How about?
Speaker 2 (13:38):
this.
Imagine you could write aletter to your future self, the
you that's fully healed andthriving.
What would you say?
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Oh, that's beautiful.
I love that.
It's like sending a message ofhope and encouragement to that
future version of ourselves.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Yeah, and it can also be a powerful way to connect
with our own inner strength andresilience.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
Absolutely Well.
I think that's a perfect noteto end on.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
To all our listeners out there.
We encourage you to explorethese journal prompts further.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
And to really embrace journaling as a tool for
self-discovery and healing.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Yes, and remember, you are not alone.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
Healing is possible.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
And there is support available every step of the way.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
It's been a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
Take care everyone.
Welcome everyone to our deep dive today into 50
journal prompts for traumahealing.
Oh, and it's based on a blogpost from Clara Penrose over at
Lestallion.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Okay, yeah, I've seen those prompts.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Have you?
Yeah, they're reallyfascinating.
Yeah, so the way the blog postis set up.
It's organized into fivecategories.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
With 10 prompts each, and it has some really
insightful commentary.
Nice Along with it too, andwe're going to be taking a look
at these prompts and talkingabout the benefits of journaling
for healing.
Okay, and just offering kind oflike a safe space for
reflection and growth duringthis deep dive.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Yeah, that sounds really valuable.
I think you know journaling canbe such a powerful tool for
processing and healing fromtrauma, and having these prompts
as kind of like a startingpoint can be really helpful,
especially if you're not surewhere to begin.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
For sure, for sure.
So let's dive into the firstcategory, which is recognizing
and processing emotions, and oneprompt that really stood out to
me was what's one emotion youfeel most often when thinking
about your past experiences?
I think that's a reallypowerful question to start with,
because it gets us right intothe heart of those feelings that
might be lingering.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yeah, that's a great one.
It's so simple, but it canreally bring up a lot.
I think it's important toremember that acknowledging our
emotions is a crucial step inthe healing process.
Absolutely, you know, we can'theal what we don't acknowledge.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Yeah, and I think sometimes we try to push those
emotions down or pretend they'renot there, but this prompt
really forces us to confrontthem head on.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Exactly, and it's not about dwelling in those
emotions or getting stuck inthem.
It's about recognizing them,giving them space and then
figuring out how to move forward.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
That makes sense.
Yeah, so it's about identifyingthe emotion and then kind of
exploring why it's there.
What's its connection to ourpast experiences?
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Right, and once we understand the root of the
emotion, we can start to develophealthier ways of coping with
it.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Okay, that makes sense.
So there's another prompt inthis category that I really like
.
It says describe a time whenyou felt truly safe.
What aspects of that experiencemade you feel safe?
How can you bring more of thatfeeling into your life?
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Ooh, that's a good one.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
I think that's really interesting, because it's not
just about focusing on thenegative experiences, but also
recognizing those moments ofsafety and peace and then
figuring out how to cultivatemore of those in our lives.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
I love that.
It's like shifting our focusfrom what's wrong to what's
right you know, instead ofconstantly replaying the
traumatic experiences in ourminds, we can start to create a
sense of safety and securitywithin ourselves yeah, and I
think that can be so empowering,especially after trauma, when
we might feel like we've lostour sense of control absolutely.
It's about reclaiming our powerand creating a life that feels
(02:47):
safe and fulfilling.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Okay, so there's also a focus on expressing anger and
frustration healthily in thiscategory Right, which I think is
really important because thoseare such common emotions that
come up after trauma.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Yeah, for sure.
Trauma can leave us feelingangry and frustrated, and it's
important to find healthy waysto express those emotions so
that they don't consume us.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
So, instead of just bottling it up or lashing out at
others, what are some practicalways that people can express
their anger and frustration in ahealthy way?
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Well, there are lots of different options.
It really depends on theindividual and what works best
for them.
Some people find that physicalactivity like running or
kickboxing can be a great outlet.
Others might prefer creativeexpression like painting or
writing.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
Oh yeah, those are great.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
And sometimes just talking to a trusted friend or
therapist can be incrediblyhelpful.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Right.
It's about finding whatresonates with you and what
helps you release those emotionsin a safe and constructive way.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Yeah, exactly, and it's important to be patient
with ourselves.
It takes time to learn new waysof coping with difficult
emotions.
Yeah, but it's definitelypossible.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
For sure, for sure, and I think it's also important
to remember that healing isn'tlinear.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Oh, absolutely not.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
There are going to be ups and downs, yeah, and that's
OK.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Yeah, it's all part of the process and sometimes we
might find ourselves fallingback into old patterns of
behavior.
But the key is to keeppracticing those healthy coping
mechanisms and to be kind toourselves along the way.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
So true, so true.
Well, I think this is a greatplace to pause for today.
Ok, we've covered a lot ofground in this first category
and I'm already feeling thepower of these prompts.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
Me too.
They're really thoughtprovoking.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Yeah, they are.
So we'll continue our deep diveinto the remaining four
categories in our next episode.
Sounds good.
So be sure to join us, then,for more insightful discussion
and exploration of these journalprompts for trauma healing.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Can't wait.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
I can't wait either.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
I'm looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Yeah, me too.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
You know when we were talking about self-compassion
earlier it's like it paves theway for the next category, which
is understanding triggers andboundaries.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
That does, doesn't it you?
Speaker 2 (04:52):
can't really set good boundaries if you're always
beating yourself up, right.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Yeah, that's so true.
It's like self-compassion givesus the foundation to recognize
our worth and to know that wedeserve to have those boundaries
in place.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Exactly, and especially after experiencing
trauma where boundaries mighthave been completely crossed.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
You know it's crucial to rebuild those defenses.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
Yeah, sure, For sure.
So one prompt that really stoodout to me in this category was
what is one thing that oftentriggers difficult emotions for
you?
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Oh yeah, that's a good one.
I think it's really common totry to avoid or ignore our
triggers.
It is, isn't it?
Yeah?
But this prompt encourages usto face them head on, you know,
to really understand what setsus off and why.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Yeah, it's like, instead of running away from
those triggers, we need to turnaround and face them so that we
can start to understand theirpower and how they're impacting
us.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Right them so that we can start to understand their
power and how they're impactingus Right.
And there's another prompt thatasks us to reflect on a recent
situation where we felttriggered and to think about how
we reacted and what we could dodifferently next time.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Oh yeah, that's a good one.
It's about learning from thoseexperiences and developing
healthier coping mechanisms.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Exactly, and it's also about being kind to
ourselves when we do gettriggered.
You know, it's not about beingperfect, it's about progress.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Absolutely.
We're all human.
We're all going to makemistakes and have those moments
where we feel overwhelmed, butit's about how we respond to
those moments.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Right, and I think self-compassion plays a huge
role in that.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Oh for sure.
It's about treating ourselveswith the same kindness and
understanding that we wouldoffer to a friend.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Mm-hmm, and remembering that we're doing the
best we can with what we have.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Speaking of triggers, I remember a time when I was in
a really crowded store and themusic was super loud Okay.
And I just felt this wave ofanxiety wash over me.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
It was like I was right back in this traumatic
experience from my past.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Yeah, it's amazing how powerful those sensory
triggers can be.
It is, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (06:47):
It was a real wake-up call for me to start paying
attention to my triggers andfiguring out how to manage them.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
That makes sense.
It's not about preventingtriggers altogether, because
that's often impossible.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
It's about learning to navigate them in a way that
feels safe and empowering.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
And I think this category also emphasizes the
importance of setting boundaries, yes, which can be really tough
, especially after trauma.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
It can be, but it's so important for our healing.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
It is.
It's about protecting ourenergy and our well-being.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Exactly, and there's a prompt that asks us to
describe a boundary that we'veset that helps us feel safe, and
to think about why it'simportant and how it protects
our peace.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
I love that.
It's about recognizing that wehave the right to set boundaries
and to say no to things thatdon't feel good for us.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
And that it's okay to prioritize our own needs.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Exactly, and I think a lot of times after trauma we
might feel guilty about settingboundaries.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Like we're being selfish or letting people down.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Right, but it's actually the opposite.
When we set boundaries, we'retaking care of ourselves so that
we can show up more fully forothers.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
That's a great way to put it.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
And there's another prompt in this section.
That's all about communicatingour needs clearly to others.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
Yes, that's a big one .
We can't expect people torespect our boundaries if we
don't communicate them clearly.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Right, it's about being assertive and advocating
for ourselves.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Exactly, and it's a skill that takes practice, but
it's so worth it.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Absolutely so.
This category also encouragesus to think about places where
we feel safe and at ease.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Oh yeah, that's important.
Everyone needs a place wherethey can recharge and feel
grounded.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
For sure.
Yeah, there's a prompt thatasks us to describe a place
where we feel most at ease andto think about how we can bring
more of that feeling into ourlives.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
I love that.
It's like creating a sanctuaryfor ourselves, whether it's a
physical space or a mental state.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Yeah, it's about finding those things that bring
us peace and comfort and makingthem a priority in our lives.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Exactly, and it's different for everyone.
You know, for some people itmight be spending time in nature
, For others it might belistening to music or reading a
book.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
Oh yeah, I love that.
It's about finding what worksfor you and what helps you feel
grounded and centered.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Right, and I think this ties in nicely with the
next category, which isreflecting on growth and
resilience.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Oh, it does, doesn't it?
It's like once we've createdthat sense of safety and
security within ourselves, wecan start to focus on our growth
and how far we've come.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Exactly, and this category is all about
celebrating our strengths andacknowledging the challenges
we've overcome.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Yeah, and I think it's so important to focus on
those positive aspects,especially after trauma.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Oh for sure, Trauma can make us feel broken and
defeated, but this categoryreminds us that we're so much
stronger than we think.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Absolutely.
There's a prompt that asks usto think about a time when we
overcame a challenge and what welearned about our strength from
that experience.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Oh, I love that one.
It's so empowering to look backon those moments and realize
how far we've come.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
Yeah, and it's also a reminder that we have the inner
resources to face whateverchallenges come our way.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Right.
We've already proven that toourselves time and time again.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
For sure.
So another prompt in thissection asks us to think about a
personal accomplishment thatmade us feel resilient, and to
reflect on why resilience isessential to our healing journey
.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
I think resilience is like a muscle that's stronger
with each challenge we overcome.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Oh, that's a great analogy.
It's like each time we face asetback, we learn something new
about ourselves and we build upour capacity to bounce back.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Exactly, and it's not about being invincible or never
feeling pain.
It's about having the innerstrength to keep going, even
when things are tough.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
Yeah, and I think self-compassion plays a huge
role in building resilience.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Absolutely.
We need to be kind to ourselveswhen we're struggling and
remember that it's okay to askfor help.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
So true, so true.
This category also talks aboutthe importance of gratitude for
fostering hope.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Yes, gratitude is such a powerful tool for healing
.
It helps us shift our focusfrom what's wrong to what's
right.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
And it reminds us of all the good things in our lives
, even when we're going througha difficult time.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
There's a prompt that asks us to think about a time
when we felt deeply grateful andto reflect on what gratitude
brings to our lives and how itsupports our healing.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
I think gratitude is like a muscle that we can
strengthen with practice.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Oh, absolutely.
The more we focus on the thingswe're grateful for, the more
we'll notice them.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
And the more we'll feel that sense of hope and
optimism.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Exactly, and that can make a huge difference in our
healing journey.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
For sure, for sure.
Well, this category is abeautiful reminder that healing
is not just about processing thepast Right.
It's also about embracing thepresent moment and cultivating
hope for the future.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
It's also about embracing the present moment and
cultivating hope for the future.
I love that.
It's about creating a life thatfeels meaningful and fulfilling
, even after trauma.
Yeah, yeah, it really does feellike a shift from, you know,
just surviving to actuallythriving.
Yeah, and you know we've talkedabout so many powerful prompts
in these last two parts.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
What would you say is like the biggest takeaway you
want listeners to remember.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Oh, that's a good question, I think.
For me, it's the emphasis onself-discovery.
Okay, that healing isn't about,you know, finding this one size
fits all solution, right, it'sabout really going inward and
figuring out what works for you.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Yeah, and I think that's what makes these prompts
so valuable they're not tellingyou what to do, they're guiding
you to find your own answers.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Exactly, and they're encouraging you to connect with
your own inner wisdom andresilience.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Which is something we all have.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
We do.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
You know, it's just sometimes buried under layers of
trauma and pain.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
And I appreciate that these prompts don't shy away
from the tough stuff.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
You know, they encourage us to face those
difficult emotions head oninstead of trying to push them
down.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Because that never works.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
It doesn't.
It just makes them stronger.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
It does and it can actually be really harmful in
the long run.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
Yeah, it's like we're trying to outrun our own
shadows.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Exactly, but the truth is, we can't heal what we
don't acknowledge.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
So true.
So it's about creating thatsafe space within ourselves.
Yeah, to process those emotionsand begin to integrate them
into our stories.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
And these prompts also remind us that healing is
not a linear process.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
Oh, it's so not linear.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
No, there are going to be good days and bad days.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Moments of progress and moments of setback,
absolutely, but the importantthing is to just keep moving
forward.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Yeah, one step at a time.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Exactly, and to remember that we're not alone in
this.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
That's huge.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Yeah, there's so much support available.
Speaker 1 (13:15):
There is.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Whether it's from a therapist, a support group or
even just a trusted friend orfamily member.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
And I think sometimes just knowing that we're not
alone can make all thedifference.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
It can, it can, it can give us the strength to keep
going when we feel like givingup.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
So, before we wrap up , is there a final thought or
prompt you'd like to leave ourlisteners with?
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Ooh, let me think I know.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
Something to kind of ponder as they continue on their
journaling journey.
How about?
Speaker 2 (13:38):
this.
Imagine you could write aletter to your future self, the
you that's fully healed andthriving.
What would you say?
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Oh, that's beautiful.
I love that.
It's like sending a message ofhope and encouragement to that
future version of ourselves.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Yeah, and it can also be a powerful way to connect
with our own inner strength andresilience.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
Absolutely Well.
I think that's a perfect noteto end on.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
To all our listeners out there.
We encourage you to explorethese journal prompts further.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
And to really embrace journaling as a tool for
self-discovery and healing.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Yes, and remember, you are not alone.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
Healing is possible.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
And there is support available every step of the way.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
It's been a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
Take care everyone.
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