Difficulties are part of life. Most people have survived some traumatic event or loss of a loved one. How we accept it and work through grief can make us stronger and more understanding of others. How we describe this process of grieving and healing to ourselves or others can be empowering.
"Instead of saying: 'I'm damaged, I'm broken, I have trust issues,' say: 'I'm healing, I'm rediscovering myself, I'm starting over.' Positive self talk." - Horacio Jones (GoodReads)
Sometimes childhood issues can be affecting adult feelings about oneself. Things that were said or done to a child may subconsciously leave the adult feeling they aren't as skilled or successful as they truly are and may know at an intellectual level. Or sometimes an adult may not feel deserving of love because children can feel at fault for whatever happens in childhood. The topic is discussed in more detail in an article "What You Think May Not Be What You Feel," by Leon F Setzer, PhD., (Psychology Today).
Childhood fears and treatment techniques are also discussed in a blog post: Reframing Fear.
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