8 Daily Habits to Overcome Your Traumatic Past CHAMPION
Dr. DawnElise Snipes
CEO at AllCEUs Continuing Education. YouTube Influencer 400,000+ subscribers
Dealing with the effects of a traumatic past can be challenging, but by incorporating specific daily habits into your routine, you can transform your life and become a champion of your own story. These habits, remembered by the mnemonic “CHAMPION,” are designed to help you take control of your past's impact on your present and future.
Every day when you wake up, you have a choice. You can let your past drag you down, or you can choose to let it be a part of who you are and use it to propel you forward. Choosing how your past impacts you is the first step to becoming a champion. It's important to be honest with yourself and others about your thoughts, wants, and needs. Ask yourself what you need right now to move toward a meaningful life. This honesty helps you understand and communicate your current desires, separate from your past experiences.
Acceptance is another crucial habit. There are things in your past that cannot be changed, and some of those things are difficult and painful. However, accepting these unchangeable aspects allows you to decide how they will influence your future. You can choose to let them make you stronger rather than letting them keep you in a state of depression or shame.
Mindful, compassionate awareness of your needs is essential. Each morning, check in with yourself and ask how you are feeling. This practice involves being non-judgmental and kind to yourself. If you recognize that you are feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, be compassionate and allow yourself the time and space to address those feelings. Many people who have survived trauma tend to ignore their own needs, so it is vital to relearn how to listen to your body and mind.
Purposeful action is about using your energy wisely. Just like a mobile device with limited battery life, your energy each day is finite. Choose to spend it on activities that bring you closer to a meaningful life rather than dwelling on things you cannot change. This might mean investing time in relationships, hobbies, or self-care practices that nurture your growth.
Take inventory of who you are today, not who you were in the past. Holding onto guilt or shame for past mistakes is not helpful. Acknowledge the growth and changes you have made. Forgive yourself for past errors and focus on the person you have become and what you deserve now.
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Observing your cognitive distortions is a daily practice that can significantly impact your mental health. Traumatic experiences often lead to distorted thinking patterns, such as all-or-nothing thinking, mind reading, and personalization. These patterns can make you believe that everyone is out to get you, or that you are always to blame for negative events. By recognizing and challenging these distortions, you can start to think more clearly and realistically.
Nurturing your inner child is also important. If your trauma occurred during childhood, your inner child may still feel scared, ashamed, or unloved. Take time to comfort and reassure your inner child, letting them know they are safe and loved. Even if your trauma happened later in life, reconnecting with the carefree and joyful aspects of your inner child can bring happiness and balance into your life.
By integrating these eight daily habits into your routine, you can start to overcome the lingering effects of your traumatic past and move towards a richer, more fulfilling life. Remember, each day is an opportunity to choose how your past will shape your present and future. Be honest, accept what you cannot change, be mindful and compassionate, act with purpose, take inventory of your growth, observe and challenge your thoughts, and nurture your inner self. You have the power to become a champion of your own life.
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