I used to think back and felt like my childhood was very normal — full of happy memories. After a decade, I realized that my childhood was actually the most difficult part of my life up until this point (and I hope I don’t have more adversity beyond what I got back then).
I lost my childhood. A painful realization indeed. But specifically, I lost love and acceptance. I used to think love is earned like a trophy or an award.
In my adulthood, I have the ability to practice self-love and acceptance. Just like any mental illnesses, there’s always this idea of “I must do this...”, “I must do that...”, “I must think this way...”, etc. I didn’t realize I repeated the toxic idea of love to myself during my healing process until I learn meditation.
It’s so calming to just say something like, “oh okay, I notice my survival method showing up” without any sense of judgement. Just simply notice it. It’s very nice and calming to feel that I can always remind myself that I am simply a human being beyond my thoughts, emotions, PTSD, trauma, achievements and struggles — I’m just me. This idea is always accessible when I stopped and notice the thoughts in my head. It’s liberating.
So far, doing this have really makes my chest feel warm and my body less tensed up. I’m happy I am learning this right now and I want to share ❤️