Is it possible that after experiencing a traumatic life-altering event, we can actually feel more content, enriched, engaged and at ease in our lives?

According to Tedeschi & Calhoun who coined the term in 1995, there is a human potential to grapple with the impact of trauma and to resurface with greater peace and meaning in our lives.

So we evolve when exposed to massive trauma? The concept is echoed in the voices of so many individuals I have worked with over the years.

Examples:
A woman struck by a vehicle resulting in catastrophic physical injuries gained a deeper sense of self and learned to challenge old behaviors (i.e., drinking, poor relationship choices, etc).

A man who lost a young child to cancer reflected on his addiction to work and his inability to be available for his wife and the two remaining young children. He acquired a deeper sense of joy in family and friends.

A woman who was bullied and sexually harassed at work by an abusive supervisor learned to recognize her own value and voice and the roots of her historical trauma. It led to deeper personal work and self-care.

All examples above are of real people who took major life detours towards better, more rewarding lives after exposure to something difficult, life-threatening or emotionally devastating.

Tesheshi & Calhoun identified 5 important trends among those presenting as PTG.

1. New opportunities or possibilities in life
2. Increased sense of personal strength
3. Change in relationships with others
4. Greater appreciation for life in general
5. Deepening of spiritual life

TODAY's CHALLENGE
1. Of the 5 PTG elements, can you identify one that you are noticing in your life? Or can you reflect on one that really is of interest for you to further develop?
2. Give yourself a 10-minute self-reflection on this identified PTG element.
3. Quietly reflect on how you might grow even more toward this PTG element and embrace it further in your life.
4. If you find that you are really interested in working with this, do the same reflection on each of the PTG elements. Do one a week for 10 minutes each day and see how these reflections unfold in your life.

Give it a try.

Season 4. Episode 14.
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