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Jax's avatar

Thanks for writing this, Mike. This territory is very familiar to me. I’ve experienced it as a kind of “post-traumatic growth” and am writing about my journey of transformation and exploration. I don’t delve into the trauma itself, as my writing isn’t intended as a healing or cathartic practice. Instead, I focus on what becomes possible on the other side of that transformation. Reading your work here reminded me of the depth and history behind these experiences, and that there is indeed life after post-traumatic stress.

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Thanks for reaching out, Jax, and nice to "meet" you. Yes, looks like we have a similarly positive view of this book and the orientation toward the post-healing side of the journey. I look forward to reading your writing.

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Sandra Ann Miller's avatar

Thanks for this, Mike. I had separation anxiety up until my late-20s. That, they said, was something children of divorce have. Really? Or is it something else. My last episode of it was when a (serious) boyfriend was going home for the holidays. I knew he was coming back. This was no big deal. But the little girl in me had people she loved that just disappeared from her life, so I couldn't trust the obvious. That response, as an adult, was one from trauma, not anxiety.

We spend so much time putting pieces of ourselves together. xo

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Thank you for sharing, Sandra. I had one of the worst beginnings to a life imaginable, then no trauma since I was 8 months old. It's a lifelong challenge.

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Sandra Ann Miller's avatar

It is. And those little landmines can show up at any time! It’s like, “I thought I was done with that.” And the Universe says, “Nope. You missed a spot.” And I’m sorry to hear of your rough start. What do they say? Pressure makes diamonds. You’re a diamond, Mike. xo

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Very well said, Sandra. I can totally relate. A diamond? A high compliment. Thank you so much for that, Sandra.

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Robin Motzer's avatar

Very good, Mike, thank you for writing this essay. I write about trauma, and have been through a lot of it. I love life and everyone so much I created Wildlands. It is a mission and was created due to so much of what you wrote about in this essay. I changed the short description today and lost about 50% of views, which means there is silencing happening on this platform. I just changed my short desc. back to what I had originally to see what happens next. Corruption silences important messages on healing and well-being. Such an important topic..the whole world is full of trauma. We have to keep speaking what is true, and keep going, and support one another. I appreciate you.

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Thank you, Robin. I read Wildlands and find it very valuable. Keep on doing the good work you are doing.

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Robin Motzer's avatar

Thank you, Mike, I appreciate your comment and support more than I can put into words. All blessings to you. And, you keep up the great work as well. It is fun getting to know you, albeit in "waves", as we ebb and flow through this media in these challenging times. XX

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Very true. Likewise.

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Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

I have done two rounds of Cognitive Process Therapy (CPT) that is a 12-week intensive program developed specifically for veterans with PTSD but is now used for others with PTSD. It was very effective and helpful, although it is very difficult, so you need to be ready for it and understand your symptoms will get worse before they get better.

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Very good to know, Kim. Thank you for telling me about it.

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Marco van Eck's avatar

there is a body treatment called tre i will try. it is developed for soldiers with severe ptsd.

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Thank you, Marco. I will read up on it.

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Marco van Eck's avatar

you are most welcome. lots of people have traumatic childhoods and don‘t even know it, because they only hear their own circle‘s stories.

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Very true.

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Marco van Eck's avatar

the literature on complex ptsd – trauma from childhood – is interesting too. ‘complex ptsd from surviving to thriving‘ is a book i find invaluable.

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

I will read it. Yes, developmental trauma disorder -- I can't believe that's not in the DSM-5, so they have to diagnose it as PTSD.

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Marco van Eck's avatar

the common psychologist is hapless when it comes to psychological trauma.

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Richard Bryant's avatar

This is a spiritual marathon – an enduring spiritual challenge. I love this sentence.

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Marco van Eck's avatar

right on!

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Mike Goodenow Weber's avatar

Me too.

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