LYTE BYTES

Springtime

At this time of year, melting snows swell rivers and fill ponds.
Buds burst forth, grasses sprout up, and wildflowers bloom. Shades of green
paint landscapes, blossoms explode with delicate scents, and winged creatures
flit about.

Even within this enchanting season, unresolved traumas can
freeze us in an internal endless winter. As if infused with ice crystals,
paralysis sets in. Our immobilized emotions suspend us in time. 

Fortunately, our inner sunshine can help melt our fears and lead
us to new opportunities.  

For example, at age twelve, Sally not only lost her mother, but
her grief stricken father withdrew from his children. Sally tried to perform
household chores and care for her six-year old brother. A child herself, she
felt inadequate. As she grew into adulthood, Sally attempted to forget her former  difficulties. Unconsciously she feared she would repeat the mistakes she made
while mothering her brother; thus, she avoided serious romantic relationships.  

One day Sally reflected upon her childhood. She allowed herself
to cry about her great losses. She was surprised to discover by remembering, her
pain was less than when she struggled to forget. Next, she wrote a list of the
good, which came from her bad experiences. She realized, as a child she
expressed concern for the welfare of others. She felt proud of her kind acts
done without guidance or instruction. She realized she was a genuinely giving
individual, a self-starter, a quick learner, and an independent person. A person
she could always rely upon She put into perspective her mistakes and forgave
herself. Her fears began to melt, her confidence began to grow, and she allowed
romantic love to enter her life.   

The following simple recipe can usher springtime into any season  of your life: 

Sunny Side Up 
(a bright way to greet the future) 
 
One cracked egg (a traumatic experience)  
Pound of reflection (in order to forget you must first remember)  
Magnum of positive outcomes (there are always many)  
Handfuls of self-praise (well deserved) 
Abundance of  self-appreciation
*Sprinkle with  self-forgiveness

Choose a safe place and time to recall a trauma from your past.
It may help to have someone you trust at your side. Write down a list of
positives, which have come from this traumatic event. Praise yourself for the
unique ways you got through this trauma. Praise yourself for the sensitive ways
you reacted to this trauma. Praise yourself for the remarkable paths you chose
to take after this trauma. Appreciate your strengths, value your wisdom, and
love your miraculous self. 

*Remember  to forgive yourself for any mistakes you think you made due to this  trauma.