Very few external things, will make you happy, because feelings of contentment and happiness are own-grown. We must cultivate the saplings of happiness, as though they are the plants of us, and despite the original quality of our soil.

Those of us who endure the lasting effects of trauma, know too well that the soil of us often feels like quicksand. In heavy rain we do not seem to possess the intricate draining system of the forest trees. Scientifically, if a tree in a woodland gets damaged, then all the other plants surrounding it, send their own healing nutrients via their intricate rooting system of the shared soil: they help each other, like we seek help from friends and family.

But ultimately, the damaged tree then grows its own new branches and shoots. It adapts its new form so that it can receive the rays of sun, and the bees still pollinate its flowers. The tree has learned to thrive despite the trauma of the storm. It may be gnarled and twisted, and new buds might be forming at the original main trunk: but it is every bit the equal tree to the rest in the forest.

The other trees do not judge it and the human walkers stop to admire its strength against adversity and its beauty…

We must acknowledge trauma, as though it is a weather condition, like the tree has no control over a stormy day. We can seek help from our friends, family, or professionals, because like the flora, there is a desire to help and we must continue to develop and work on number one, and grow new shoots of us.

I spent far too many years pretending that I did not suffer with PTSD. Mine was caused by a frightening and harrowing childhood.  I incorrectly assumed that trauma carries a stigma: it does not, and moreover every one of us has experienced varying levels of it. It is a normal human emotion in the same way as anxiety or joy, or any human feeling.

Once we realise this, then we are working on number one: the road to our healing journey has been offered a clearing: we too can face the sun.

Nobody says this is easy. I, for example am dealing with a disability which is becoming more challenging as I grow older. My ability to remain mobile must be worked on daily. I must try to be bigger than the physical pain.   I constantly practice gratitude that I can even walk in the first place. I remind myself that many people have far worse pains to manage than I do.

I also know that emotional pain accentuates physical pain. I have learned that exercising and stretching, just as the animal kingdom do: helps my body rid of it. Additionally, a wild animal knows when to rest, and they only eat natural produce; so, they seldom suffer with fluctuating chemical imbalances: refined sugar is a culprit of such in the human world, and lack of sleep is another.

When we are mindful of such factors, we are clearing away the ivy of trauma, we are changing the composition of our quicksand. It becomes solid and climbable…

The forest did not grow overnight and it evolves and adapts. It is incredibly helpful to liken ourselves to a tree. We are reminded that help is available, and that every tree is susceptible to trauma.

No one cares what we look like, we are part of the incredible intelligent human race. Once we modify our outlook, then we are on the path towards working on number one, and improving our lives and for those around us. We are evolving like the forest and we are not competition with anyone but ourselves.

We consistently grow like the trees that oxygenate our world.

I hope you find this helpful. With SUNNY wishes, Emma x