Unexpected Side Effect

Cloud and Townsend, in their book Boundaries, reminded me one of the unexpected side effects of setting boundaries.  In the process of setting boundaries, I identify my needs.  I remember the first time my counselor asked me what I wanted.  I looked at him blankly.  I had no idea.  As I selected my rights and…

The ‘B’ word

Once you understand that you have rights to protect it is time to add Boundaries to the tool box.  You can review the page that I have on boundaries.  https://ptsd-acceptingcopingthriving.com/coping/boundaries/ These are the books on Boundaries that my counselors suggested: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend http://store.cloudtownsend.com/boundaries-softcover-book.html http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454 This book is based…

I have rights

The next basic tool to go in my toolbox was what rights do I have as a human being?  My abusers convinced me I had no rights.  I had no right to expect respect, no right to expect to be fed, no right to expect anything….nothing belonged to me and I existed because they allowed…

Exercise

Exercise is well known for its healthy benefits, emotionally, mentally and physically.  So why don’t more people do it?  An unused tool in your toolbox is the same as not having it in the first place.  My biggest challenge was jumping in and doing too much too soon and crashing out.  I also paid for…

Sleep

I was so surprised when my counselor started asking me how much I slept.  I wondered, what does that have to do with counseling?  Well I learned.  Sleep is a powerful mood moderator.  Loose enough sleep and anyone can abuse me and I just didn’t care.  I was too tired to care.  Miss a little…

Building a tool box

PTSD follows a life changing event.  Not everyone that has a life changing event has PTSD but everyone with PTSD had a life changing event or series events.  CPTSD, Complex PTSD, is difficult for some people because there is not one main event but many things that build up to create a dysfunctional way of…

PTSD because of the worst thing that happened

PTSD happened because of the worst thing that ever happened to you.  Sometimes, not always, reading about someone worse off helps put a little perspective back into life.  I’ve been poor but not “piss poor”.  I’ve been hurt but lived through the experience.  I’ve been abused but out lived my abuser.  Something that abusers try…

Intentions….

Heard the quote, “The way to Hell is paved with good intentions?” I follow several pages on Facebook concerning PTSD.  I am seeing a disturbing trend that I am apparently coming down on the ‘being judgmental’ side.  These words are usually directed at someone that is trying to be encouraging…..their angry, ‘don’t shame me’ doesn’t…

Coloring works

Art therapy, coloring books, pencil and paper all bring about one thing a moment in time to explorer and relax. I am sharing links that were brought to my attention.  Reminder proceed with caution.  If you virus checker says it is not a safe site or your own intuition says, “Danger,” please listen to yourself. …