"After all, the ordinary hero hiding in each of us
is often the most powerful catalyst for change."
-Tate Taylor
Hi friends,
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me. This week's Mid-Point talks about catalysts for change.
So, what exactly is a catalyst? Aside from its scientific and chemistry definitions, a catalyst can also be defined as: "A person or thing that precipitates an event or change" (Dictionary.com).
My catalyst surfaced in the Spring a few years ago when I was forced to find my own internal hero.
My Story
In 2020, I met my new PCP physician. One of the first things she observed about me was I had signs of trauma. I told her she was out of her mind. Me? Traumatized? I could not comprehend how this was possible. I am fortunate I have lived a relatively uneventful life, and certainly have not experienced severe events that would lead to trauma: Life-threatening abuse, war, cancer, weather disasters, etc. As I am learning throughout my healing journey, though, depths of trauma ranges on a spectrum. It is not just defined by severe or outstanding single-events or occurrences. Trauma can occur repeatedly and on many levels.
Two years later, I found myself struggling to maintain my status as a retail manager. I reached a point where I had to resign from my job title and took a leave of absence. It was during this time I met my first therapist who diagnosed me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Chronic Shock. Again, I was floored that I would be labeled in such a way. However, I learned why this opinion was offered and began the journey to recovery.
After time ended with my first therapist, I met my second therapist who tacked on the additional labels of Complex PTSD, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and Chronic Grief. Once again, I was disheartened that I was labeled with more things considered “wrong” with me. In time, as with the first labels I gathered, I came to a better understanding of why this was considered important to me to understand and heal.
Already a long-time sufferer of Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease, I found myself on a path of restoring my mental health, revisiting my physical health, and how to bridge the mind-body connection to restore my overall wellbeing.
At the time of this writing, I am a woman in her 40s learning how to navigate forging a new identity, while coming to grips with childhood abandonment, neglect, and trauma, and how to forgive myself for the life trajectory that was out of my control. I am learning I am capable of moving forward from everything and embracing the life I always deserved.
What is your story?
Have you experienced your own catalyst for change?
I would like to hear about it! If you are open to share your experience, please send it to me here: hello@upliftandmend.com
Where to Find Help
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
or
Chat online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Supports Call, Text, Chat, and ASL
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