Has anyone else had this experience while healing? Sometimes when I meditate, flashes of images cycle rapidly across my mind, almost like photographs. But ones I know were never taken. They've mostly been of my mother's face filled with disgust. Or myself at various young ages.

People say you should only compare yourself to yourself and not other people. I say: No comparisons at all. Comparisons still involve judgment, which can end up being harmful. Just be you. Acceptance accelerates change.

Kindness has a far bigger impact than anyone would guess. Especially when you extend it to yourself.

Never forget: Bullies are insecure and weak. They puff up to hide this fact. Not just from you, but from themselves too. They threaten or commit violence when they are MOST scared. Best way to stop their abuse: Stand up to them or get away. Preferably with others in support!

Self-Acceptance will set you free. It will accelerate your growth and change. It will bring you peace and your life will expand. I thought such words were lies before I started healing. Acceptance felt like giving up. I found out: it's the opposite. It's lighting up!

When you woke up today, did you tell yourself: "I love you"? Well, now's not too late.

ICE is intentionally inflicting trauma on non-white communities. It is disgusting. They also are NOT doing this in "red" states. So ICE is also weaponized against "blue" states.

Our trauma brains often have us fighting battles that no longer exist. Healing is what gives us distance from the noise and dust of those wars. So that we can see and FEEL that we are safe now.

Vulnerability is what makes you strong.

Yes! Always...

This is what healing is like: My life is so much better now than it was 3 years ago when I started my healing work. However, I've noticed that some days if I'm not "productive" I can still get "antsy" or "feel off". Yesterday was one such day, we'll see how today goes!

Never compare yourself to anyone else’s healing journey. That’s not reality. That’s your trauma brain talking. Everyone starts from a different place. Has different resources available to them. Different factors of life at play. Be you. Always.

I'm ever thankful for Dr. Tara Brach's "Radical Acceptance". It was there that I found a way to begin extending to myself a measure of grace and forgiveness. Her words like a balm for a deeply wounded soul. Where I could begin to let go of long held self-blame and harshness.

A lot of garbage is being fed to men. I'll speak from experience: Men stop living in an emotional straight jacket. They want you one-dimensional because then you are easier to control. Easier to use. Easier to profit from. Because you ain't free. Healing is your path to freedom brothers.

Whenever fear arises, see if you can let yourself feel it. Then ask, "What's underneath this?" Keep feeling each layer and then asking again. Your fears can peel back like an onion and eventually you arrive at the thing you fear most of all. Then you realize, it won't kill you. You process it.

I hope we can believe in ourselves enough so that we believe in our neighbors too. Inside is outside.

I'd like to hear from other folks healing from trauma: My experience is that allowing pain to surface is painful, but the relief is so vastly worth it. Has that been true for others?

Odd how we are simultaneously a once-in-forever creation. Each of us a true "one-of-a-kind". Yet we are also just a bagged up collection of dust and light that's been lying around for billions of years. Maybe it's the rolling together of the special and the mundane that makes us whole?

The external world matters more the less you are connected to your inner world. Connection inside is the path to greater peace.

You will 100% lose "friends" as you heal. But, I think it's more accurate to say that those who do not welcome the new you--the one that is healing, growing their self-love & acceptance, learning to set healthy boundaries--are welcome to leave your life. It's a realignment, not a loss.

Healing from my complex trauma has changed my life more than anything I've ever done and it's not even close. The wildest part? I'm not even done yet. There's more change to come. And I can't wait! #HealingWorksWonders

I have a big deadline coming up in my work life. I'm no longer trying to convince myself that I'll "get it done" and "do well". Nope. I'm now working on accepting things if I were to "fail". The former keeps me on the old Hamster Wheel of Achievement. The latter: Acceptance!

I've never liked practical jokes, especially the cruel ones. Now I know why. Growing up in a cPTSD home, I've had enough of chaos, confusion, and cruelty. That kind of humor strikes too close to home for me. "It's just a joke" to you, may not be to someone else.

Beware of those who seek positions of power. Often, they're trying to fill a hole inside themselves. And we all end up paying the price.

Plant seeds my friends... My new habits over the past two years: daily journaling, daily meditation, most days walking for 30 minutes. Start with 5 minutes and anything is possible!

What you judge outside of yourself is pointing to unresolved issues you have inside. You can face this and do your work. Or keep projecting out into the world what you cannot see on the inside. You ignore it, but reality won't. The only path to freedom is to face it and work on it.

Having a partner that is open, non-judging, and supportive while you are doing healing work is priceless. A true gift.

You ain't free if you haven't healed yourself. That inner pain is running your life. Most likely you can't see it. That's how it has it's power over you. You want real freedom? Heal. It's also freaking awesome!

Have you noticed any changes to your life as part of your healing work?

What healing looks like: Last night, my wife and I took a pottery wheel class. 1st timers. We both set an intention: we won't worry about "doing well". Just see if we enjoy it. AND WE DID! No worry. No perfectionism. No stress. First time in my life where this has happened!

Have you loved yourself today?

Surround yourself with people who provide you psychological safety. That's where healing can occur.

Normalize feeling it when you are scared, sad, or angry. Normalize talking about it with a trusted person. Repression and suppression are what cause all the problems. Emotions just want to be felt. They want to be heard.

Have you ever read the definition of "love"? ...an intense feeling of deep affection ...a great interest and pleasure in something Now, ask yourself: do you love yourself? Do you give yourself deep affection? Maybe even tenderness? If not, there's a sign of needed healing.

Two years ago I wasn't journaling or meditating. Now, I do both daily. The power of starting small but making it routine. Both have provided me insights, healing, and peace. Want to build a new habit? Start where you can (yes, even 5 minutes!)...and then make it regular.

Our healing is like a stone thrown into a still pond. Sending ripples of healing out into the world. Yesterday, I saw this first-hand. A glorious revelation of growth and self-love by someone I care for deeply. I’m ecstatic beyond words!

Most problems we face in life won't be solved outside. Do your inside work first. See what a difference that makes!

Give yourself the same love and grace you'd extend to a friend. If you can't? You probably have healing work to do. The good news? #HealingWorksWonders

What you judge in others, is a guidepost to inner work that remains within you. What you react to, is pointing you toward triggers that need more work. Those that cause you the most irritation, have the most to teach you. Emotions are messages. Are you listening?

Today is Spread the Joy Day here in the United States! Well, not officially. But we can make it so!

The two most powerful words today: Be Kind. But, start with yourself.

Radically Accept Yourself, Then watch as you Radically Change.

I learned yesterday my dad passed away on Saturday. I feel like I grieved him years ago, as we hadn't had any real relationship. But, I'll simply feel any emotions that do come up. Mostly, I feel that my dad's life was a tragedy. Sadly, a very common tragedy. 1/3

Each breath is a moment of potential life change. A moment to chart a different course. To try something new. Start a new habit. Or end a bad one. To learn something new. Gain a fresh perspective on the world. A world of unlimited possibility. Each breath. Choose wisely.

Each breath is a moment of potential life change. A moment to chart a different course. To try something new. Start a new habit. Or end a bad one. To learn something new. Gain a fresh perspective on the world. A world of unlimited possibility. Each breath. Choose wisely.

Healing requires us to face our past. Example: After hanging out with a friend last night, I then journaled about him in my 'grateful for' part. One thing I wrote: I never feel judged by him. Then it hits me: Pre-healing, I was judgmental as hell.

Truly holding space for someone else is healing. Just by itself. As you are more present, healing will spread around you.

Today, my oldest son is moving to Chicago! I worry, as he's striking out on his own and will need to find work there. But, I'm thrilled to see him embark on his next phase of life. My chest feels hollow, where I'll miss him. But, also happy for my wife and I's "empty nest" time!

What do you yearn for when the noise has been turned down? That may provide powerful pointers towards your true self.

Here's a problem we don't talk about enough: The stunning lack of play that exists for adults. Nope, not competitions. Just light, joyful, fun...play. Why don't we have more of it?