Reflection
Looking back on your past as a survivor is never easy. The true gift, though, lies in the learning and the wisdom you’ve gained along the way, usually without even realising it.
Most of us would rather not revisit the past. It was traumatic, frightening, and understandably triggering. But what if I told you that how you approach your past could make all the difference? What if, by gently reflecting, you could make sense of it and gather some valuable insights about the child you were, and the adult you’ve become as a result?
There is real value in understanding more of who we are. In doing so, we begin to regain mastery over our lives—even the painful parts that once devastated us.
By seeing clearly who you are beyond the trauma, you give yourself the gift of peace, by tapping into the core essence of you.
Buddha once discussed the difference between good and bad experiences The learning was that all experiences are good. What he meant is this—whether something in life brings you joy or heartache, there is always a gift hidden within it.
If the experience is good, you get to enjoy it. If it’s bad, there may be a lesson or learning, that helps you grow.
The reason to look back at your life is not to dwell, but to understand what it has shaped in you. That understanding, in turn, benefits you enormously.
Too often, we search outside ourselves for answers. But the truth is, our greatest wisdom lies within. That’s where your internal compass, your own GPS if you like, resides.
So how do you begin to look inward and learn what is needed?
It starts with stillness. Find a quiet space, one where you feel safe and calm. You might treat it like meditation, allowing your mind to settle and open up to receive whatever messages are ready to come through. Then, simply ask yourself:
“What do I need to understand about me today? Where is my lesson?”
As you learn to trust the process, your inner voice—the one that always talks deeply within you, will become much more powerful. This deep knowing will guide you.
This is why reflection is vital. You can’t know if you are learning or evolving unless you pause to look back. One simple way is to ask is what am I feeling aligned with? Is there contentment and joy?
If yes, congratulations. You’re living in synergy and walking in mastery.
If not, be gentle. It may simply mean a little more reflection is needed to reconnect with your direction.
There’s a well-known truism: Nothing stays the same. Life is always moving, and evolving, whether we want it to or not, whether we are ready for it to, or not.
The choice we face is whether to resist it or embrace it.
It’s much easier to flow with life than to fight it. Most of us instinctively resist change, especially when it feels uncertain. But my challenge to you is this:
Stop resisting and start allowing.
You’ve already survived so much. You are strong, wise, and deeply courageous. Let this be the time where you begin to turn inward, not to relive the pain, but to reclaim you’re your authentic self.
You just don’t know where this kind of reflection could lead. But one thing we do know is that it will bring you closer to the beautiful truth of who you really are.