Post-traumatic growth

My Mission

I'll be completely transparent with you - I have been on a truth-seeking journey all my life.

My avid interest in research and inquiry comes from a place of wanting to understand things as fully as possible.

A deeply-seated curiousity means I have never accepted the suggestion: ‘...that is just the way things are.’

This is a special talent I bring to my clinical practice, along with deep reflection and ever-further inquiry. Clients often comment: "I can see it on your face!" They are referring to those moments in between when I am working something out and when I get really excited. This excitement means I have figured out another mystery.

To this day and beyond, I remain really excited and passionate about health and solving the mysteries of the gut!

Reflections

At the time of writing this, I am seated in the front room of my house and everything is in upheaval - in the world, in the country, in my home state of Victoria, and even in my own house in Torquay.

Yet, I remain clear and grounded.

All of my possessions are stacked in the garage. We (my two children and I) are camping while renovation work is being done inside our home. The time has arrived for closing this chapter of my life in Torquay, Victoria. I am letting go of everything. It is both scary and exhilarating all at once.

The words 'post-traumatic growth' come to mind. These words feel like a balm for many raw wounds right now. This term seems to describe the impact of my thoughts and emotions at different points in time since March 2020...

Navigating Uncertain Times

The world is such an uncertain place at the moment and I have to admit I haven’t been grounded through it all of the time. There is a sense for me that there has been quite a void for some time now and I have been 'floating' in the darkness wondering: “What next?”

It took a while to get clarity around this, but while floating, I have done a lot of:

• Meditating
• Journal writing
• Praying, in my own spiritual way
• Chanting (sometimes really loudly – to get my vagus nerve to settle down)
• Walking
• Tapping
• Spending time in nature and listening to my own inner authority

There is no doubt that the void is scary; it is uncomfortable, dark, painful, and destabilising.

Benefits of Adopting a 'Growth Mindset'?

Hang in there with me because this is a place of incredible growth for many other people too. This is where you can deliberately make a choice to tune into the deeper inner knowing, slow down, turn inwards, and really listen.

Out of the chaos comes order and clarity.

When the clarity comes there is no denying that action is required. The way it feels in your body is completely different – it feels sooooo right!!  When it is wrong, you know that too – so trust it completely and take appropriate action. This is precisely what I have experienced and this is what I have done.

Positive results can come from learning to manage highly stressful life circumstances. There is light at the end of the tunnel, especially for those of us who are going through some big stuff right now. You CAN do this!

Tips for Embracing Stressful Experiences as Growth Opportunities

There are things you can do to embrace stressful experiences and grow in positive ways as a result, such as:

• Be adaptive, that is, prepared to be flexible in different situations
• Stay open to all possibilities
• Be grateful for what is right now

This growth mindset can contribute to a positive personal process of change, which has a deeper meaning. A growth mindset can also take you to another level - a level beyond what was previously considered normal.

Some related concepts which can be helpful in succeeding through adversity using a growth mindset include:

• Resilience and the capacity to keep going
• Optimism and having the expectation of a positive outcome
• A sense of coherence - being able to comprehend events, manage them and find deeper meaning and relevance

In my recent experience, these key concepts mean we need to stay mindful and keep a positive attitude toward change at the forefront of our minds. As my Dad recently said to me: “The important thing is not to panic.” He is a wise soul and has been through a lot, so I hold those words close to my chest and choose to calmly and confidently keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Kind Words for Anyone Doing it Tough Right Now

The way we speak to ourselves is extremely important, so I invite you to...

1. Remain aware - listen to, observe and adjust your internal dialogue to focus on positive things
3. Keep it positive - find others who support your positive narrative
4. Grow your network - surround yourself with people who support your growth

Mutual support from those that have 'been there' is fundamental. You have the power to reconstruct your story and your life to support your growth.

Believe in yourself and back yourself fully using both your words and your actions.

From lived experience comes WISDOM.

I remain here to support you through this too.