When I think of “the aftermath”, I think of devastation. Trauma often happens in one catastrophic moment. Someone tells you something that changes everything, or you suddenly realize that someone or something important in your life is not who you thought they were.
In an instant, you become part of a club that you never wanted to join. Your brain tries to make sense of it; tries to help you survive. Suddenly, you find yourself saying and doing things you never thought you were capable of. Or maybe you are just frozen and keep acting like nothing happened.
These responses are normal. This is part of the aftermath.
The word “aftermath” refers to consequences, effects, and issues that are the outcome of a traumatic event. I love the word “aftermath” because its origin comes from farming. It literally means “after mowing” and was used to refer to the new grass that would grow after a crop was completely cut down.
New growth is possible after trauma. In fact, one of the potential effects of trauma is called “post-traumatic growth”.
Whatever the situation that brings you here, I want you to know that you are not alone. I want you to know that there is hope. Often our lives turn out different than we dreamed, but it’s possible to make peace with the trauma and grow.
I’d love to invite you to join me in the aftermath.
-Karla