Hi SKB Ladies,
I’ve been sitting on this decision for weeks now, and I feel like I’m at a crossroads. I’m contemplating a trip back to Canada, a place that once held so much beauty for me but is now shadowed by an assault that is still very upsetting for me. Canada is a country where I had once dreamt of making memories, but instead, I was met with an experience that changed my life forever. I’ve spent countless hours in therapy, working through my trauma and trying to reclaim my sense of self. There have been moments of progress, where I felt a glimmer of my old adventurous spirit returning, but there are also days when the weight of what happened feels unbearable.
Recently, I’ve felt a desire to return to Canada, I want to confront my fears head-on and to reclaim the amazing memories I had before everything changed. But that vision is tarred by an overwhelming anxiety. What if the memories come flooding back? What if I find myself paralysed by fear instead of embracing the beauty of the place?
Does anybody have advice on how I can prepare emotionally for a trip back to a place that brings up such painful memories? Should I bring someone along for support, or would that take away from the personal journey? Will it ever be possible to embrace my experience without being overwhelmed by my past?
I want to be brave and change the narrative, but I also don’t want to push myself too far. If anyone has faced a similar dilemma or has advice on how to approach this, I would be deeply grateful.
@lightsknowsbest
Hey girl, it’s possible to make the experience more positive. You can start by understanding your fear and setting clear goals why you’re going back. I would say you plan your trip with care and really avoid triggering places. I think you 100% should ask a friend you trust for support and to go with you too. If you go again, you can enjoy the beauty of Canada and make those new memories again so you write over the old memories. We are all supporting you and send you hugs!
dear lightsknowsbest. Its so brave and really inspiring to read your post. Thanks for sharing it with us. Be brave, be bold and go for it! I cant even imagine how proud of yourself you will feel once you return and know you conquered your fear and made new, happy memories that you didnt get to do before. Just use this as an opportunity for healing and reclaiming control. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up because there’s no rush to “move on.” Please, remember you are not the same person you were in the past, and you have the strength to navigate this journey on your terms. love and blessings to youx
lightsknowsbest – before you go please take some time to process the emotions that bubble up when you think about Canada. By letting yourself feel the sadness, anger, or fear in small doses can make the trip feel more manageable when the time comes. Good luck and all the best x
hey girl, I want to also say that you are not the same person you were when those memories were made so traveling there again can be an opportunity for you to reclaim your narrative and confront your past. I dont know you personally but I want to give you hope and encouragement to create new, positive experiences. Look, it’s okay to feel nervous. I think the most healing journeys come when we face the places that once caused us pain. Good luck and enjoy yourself @lightsknowsbest!