Hard times

A moss covered path through the woods
A beautiful, safe and enclosed path through the forest in my backyard

Things have been tough for me lately.  Over the past few months, I have been learning more about trauma, the major impact it’s had on me, and how it is the root of so much of my struggles.

I have been at low points in my life, but none have felt quite so low as what I felt a few weeks ago.  In an attempt to process and understand my feelings, I wrote these words:

I am here, learning anew how to hold space for my most vulnerable, broken, victimized and traumatized parts.

I am here, learning to hold deeper and more compassionate space for the parts of me who have been dragged through life, so terrified of the wounds being created and the deep hurt and fear that stays behind.

I am here, picking myself up, untying the knots that have kept me bound and frozen, unable to stand and claim my safety.

I am here, learning to become the safety and presence I have so deeply needed and desired.

I am here, feeling broken and exhausted, but hopeful for my emergence as all I have ever needed.

I am here, breathing and smiling, it feels lovely to even dream of finally starting to feel more safe, held and supported, within and outside of me.

I am here, writing this to show myself how much I matter.

I am here.

A lot of my writing has the words, “I am here.”  I think that is because no matter how hard things may be, at least I can still be here with myself.  When I was younger, I didn’t know how to do that, and I spent quite a bit of time numb and disassociated from my experience.

Learning how to be present through my feelings is a very positive and courageous change, even though it’s uncomfortable and I’d sometimes rather run away.  Instead, I am writing, putting my hand on my heart and saying nice things to myself, and getting support.  No matter what you are going through, I hope you have all the support within and around you to ease your struggles.

I will end this post by sharing another photo from the forest on the land where I live.  May it soothe your soul.  With so much kindness and care, thanks for reading!

Bradlee

© Bradlee Zrudlo 2024. All Rights Reserved

Published by Bradlee Zrudlo

Hi! I'm Bradlee! I'm working on becoming an expert in being me, and I chronicle my journey at www.PhDinBeingMe.ca. "With every breath you take, may you love, care for and honour your sweetie self."

4 thoughts on “Hard times

  1. Thank you Bradlee for sharing beauty pieces of your soul, pain and heartache. I felt every word you wrote in the poem. Many times I have been struggling through my tramaua ebs and flows like a river. Normally will hide push away or sweep under a rug suffering on silence. Now embracing the fear even when it’s extremely uncomfortable. Putting my hand to heart. Trying to do my best lil steps towards healing even going backwards at times.Sending healing love and blessings. Love you lots Carla xo

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment and for sharing your experience too Carla 💖💖. I completely relate to the ebb and flow, and the going backwards too. We have both come so far since our high school days, and I am so incredibly inspired by how far we’ve each come! And we’re still cute, caring people despite it all ♥️. That’s a real damn triumph! Yay for us! I love you lots! Xoxoxo

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  2. Thank you for sharing how you’re doing, Bradlee.♥️ I can feel how writing is healing for you and at the same time, helpful to your readers. May we all tap in to what heals and support us, so we can approche life with optimism and hope.

    Enjoy your day and weekend 🌷

    Georgette

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    1. Thanks so much for your caring comment and for the blessing for everyone too. It was a great reminder that sharing my struggles is healing for me, and also for others too. Much love to you xoxoxo

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