Trauma has a profound impact on our lives. It can reshape our perspectives, alter our behaviors, and challenge our sense of self. For those of us on the path to healing, one of the greatest challenges is to remain true to who we are at our core—kind, compassionate, and loving—even as we navigate the painful memories and emotions that trauma brings.
Laura Jean Truman’s powerful words, “Keep my anger from becoming meanness. Keep my sorrow from collapsing into self-pity. Keep my heart soft enough to keep breaking,” resonate deeply with this struggle. They remind us that in the process of healing, it is crucial to maintain a heart that is open and tender, even when it feels like the safest option is to build walls and harden ourselves against further pain.
Imagine the fear of allowing your heart to remain soft enough to break again. It’s a terrifying prospect, especially when past experiences have taught you to distrust others. Trusting again, loving again, and being kind again seem like insurmountable tasks when every instinct screams to protect yourself. However, it is in this vulnerability that we find our true strength and authenticity.
Keeping your heart soft doesn’t mean you allow yourself to be hurt repeatedly. It means you choose to stay true to your compassionate nature, despite the pain you’ve endured. It means recognizing that your kindness is not a weakness but a profound strength. This is the tough line we walk—the balance between protecting ourselves and not losing the essence of who we are.
Truman’s call to “keep my anger turned towards justice, not cruelty” speaks to the transformative power of our emotions. Anger, when channeled constructively, can fuel positive change and advocate for justice. It’s a reminder that our emotional responses can be powerful tools for good, rather than sources of further pain.
In the journey of healing, it’s vital to remember that every step we take, every bit of progress we make, is rooted in love—love for ourselves and for others. This love is what keeps us going, what keeps our hearts beating, and what ultimately heals us.
To everyone who is struggling with trauma, know that your journey is not in vain. Every moment you spend working through your pain is a testament to your resilience and strength. You are not defined by the wrongs that have been done to you or by the relationships that have failed you. You are defined by your courage to keep going, your choice to remain kind, and your commitment to healing.
Remember, it’s okay to feel fear and distrust; these emotions are valid. But do not let them overshadow the light within you. Keep your heart soft enough to break, because it is in this breaking that we find our true selves—authentic, kind, and fiercely loving.
This journey is not easy, but you are not alone. Your story, your struggle, and your strength will resonate with others and inspire them to keep their hearts open too. Together, we can create a world where kindness prevails, even in the face of adversity.
Stay kind, stay true, and keep moving forward.
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