As I glide back and forth in the pool, lap after lap, I relax into the rhythm of the water against my skin.
The water is just right—neither too hot nor too cold—and I marvel at the ease of my strokes. Beneath me, the cobalt blue lines stand out against the white pool floor, steady and grounding.
I didn’t always feel this way in the water. For a long time, swimming stirred anxiety instead of calm. I am reminded that trauma separates us from ourselves, leaving us tense, fearful, and lacking in confidence. Swim lessons have finally yielded moments of complete enjoyment and deep relaxation in the water. The classes have reconnected me to my ten-year-old self who entered the water anticipating fun and excitement, and at the time, had no fear of drowning.
I witness a similar shift in clients when they confront and process traumatic experiences. As clients progress along their trauma recovery journey, their language, self-talk, and actions change.
Trauma recovery phrases clients often say spontaneously:
- “I feel more connected to myself.”
- “I feel lighter.”
- “I had a sense that it was the right decision.”
- “I feel stronger.”
- “I stayed present.”
- “That was hard, but I got through it.”
- “I finally spoke up, and I don’t regret it.”
- “I can hear my own voice.”
- “I am okay.”
- “I feel stronger.”
How they act:
- Set a boundary with less guilt.
- Become more open to practicing self-care.
- Have more self-compassion towards themselves.
- Take risks towards growth; changing jobs, leaving unhealthy relationships and situations.
- Celebrate wins—embracing progress, pleasure, and the freedom to enjoy life again.
These may seem like simple phrases or choices on the surface, but each one is a powerful marker of recovery. They reflect greater body awareness, trust in inner guidance, and a growing capacity to live fully in the present.
Just like swimming, healing takes practice, patience, and support. But with time, it’s possible to come back to yourself—and to move through life with more ease, strength, and confidence than you thought possible.
At Transcultural Clinical Services, I engage your cultural values, your language, and your stories as essential parts of your healing journey. Therapy should never ask you to leave yourself at the door—it should help you come home to who you are.
If you’re unsure how to navigate the space that opens up as you read this post, contact me for a 15-minute conversation to help you find clarity and next steps.
