Recovering from Developmental Trauma and (Re-)Claiming a Sense of Self is a bit like learning to drive a car. There are many different skills required to navigate well. These skills are not automatic or intuitive, we have to consciously practice a bunch of things at once.
Here’s some high level guidance:
- It’s ok to stay on neighborhood roads for a while, don’t push yourself to get on the freeway. Learn the skills here, and then they will work there.
- Read the signs, they are being shown to you for a reason.
- If you become overwhelmed, pull over and take a break.
- Notice whether you are staying on the designated
- side of the road, if not, pull over and take a break.
- Try not to either speed up or slow down too abruptly, unless it’s needed to avoid a crash.
- If you are low on fuel, make it a priority to refuel, else you might end up stranded.
- If you find yourself on a bumpy or winding road, proceed slowly and consciously.
- It will be uncomfortable at first but as you practice you will get used to it and some things that are challenging right now will become easy and automatic.