Feats of Strength 💙 Trauma Healing
@featsofstrength.bsky.social
#cPTSD #recovery ❤️🩹 Recovering from trauma is among the most heroic things we can do. We can heal.
Personal thoughts on mental health & strength training w/a touch of science 🏋🏾🏋🏻
🖋️ scribendo cogito "I think by writing" #lifewriting
Personal thoughts on mental health & strength training w/a touch of science 🏋🏾🏋🏻
🖋️ scribendo cogito "I think by writing" #lifewriting
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This article helped change my life.
I started lifting weights to combat anxiety, but found it also built a sense of self-worth I never possessed from childhood.
"Weight lifting healed trauma through the felt sense of the mind-body connection, which created a more empowered trauma survivor."
I started lifting weights to combat anxiety, but found it also built a sense of self-worth I never possessed from childhood.
"Weight lifting healed trauma through the felt sense of the mind-body connection, which created a more empowered trauma survivor."
Reposted by Feats of Strength 💙 Trauma Healing
So much of “success” is built on repeated, self-compassionate course correction.
Yet many people talk only about discipline, willpower, or grit. Trauma survivors are especially vulnerable to this trap because we’re already so harsh to ourselves.
Just pick up where you left off, no shame.
#cptsd
Yet many people talk only about discipline, willpower, or grit. Trauma survivors are especially vulnerable to this trap because we’re already so harsh to ourselves.
Just pick up where you left off, no shame.
#cptsd
It is February now and for some our "new years resolutions" will have been "derailed" by now. The thing about change, besides it being hard, is it's not "on or off" the track in that we dont "get back on track." We are always in motion on our track forging the new path ahead. Adjustments are ok.
February 9, 2026 at 5:31 PM
So much of “success” is built on repeated, self-compassionate course correction.
Yet many people talk only about discipline, willpower, or grit. Trauma survivors are especially vulnerable to this trap because we’re already so harsh to ourselves.
Just pick up where you left off, no shame.
#cptsd
Yet many people talk only about discipline, willpower, or grit. Trauma survivors are especially vulnerable to this trap because we’re already so harsh to ourselves.
Just pick up where you left off, no shame.
#cptsd
So much of “success” is built on repeated, self-compassionate course correction.
Yet many people talk only about discipline, willpower, or grit. Trauma survivors are especially vulnerable to this trap because we’re already so harsh to ourselves.
Just pick up where you left off, no shame.
#cptsd
Yet many people talk only about discipline, willpower, or grit. Trauma survivors are especially vulnerable to this trap because we’re already so harsh to ourselves.
Just pick up where you left off, no shame.
#cptsd
It is February now and for some our "new years resolutions" will have been "derailed" by now. The thing about change, besides it being hard, is it's not "on or off" the track in that we dont "get back on track." We are always in motion on our track forging the new path ahead. Adjustments are ok.
February 9, 2026 at 5:31 PM
So much of “success” is built on repeated, self-compassionate course correction.
Yet many people talk only about discipline, willpower, or grit. Trauma survivors are especially vulnerable to this trap because we’re already so harsh to ourselves.
Just pick up where you left off, no shame.
#cptsd
Yet many people talk only about discipline, willpower, or grit. Trauma survivors are especially vulnerable to this trap because we’re already so harsh to ourselves.
Just pick up where you left off, no shame.
#cptsd
Great message!
February 9, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Great message!
Spot on, well worded! Definitely speaks to my unease of the message.
February 9, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Spot on, well worded! Definitely speaks to my unease of the message.
Sometimes I think my grief triggers my shame. Eg, I feel grief for having missed out on a childhood experience, but then feel the need (?) to justify it by thinking I must have deserved it, triggering shame. Its easy for me to slip from grief to shame. Anything similar for you? Just curious.
February 9, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Sometimes I think my grief triggers my shame. Eg, I feel grief for having missed out on a childhood experience, but then feel the need (?) to justify it by thinking I must have deserved it, triggering shame. Its easy for me to slip from grief to shame. Anything similar for you? Just curious.
Congrats! 💪❤️🩹
February 9, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Congrats! 💪❤️🩹
Ha! Maybe I was reading it with more charity than it deserves. 🙏
February 9, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Ha! Maybe I was reading it with more charity than it deserves. 🙏
I appreciate your view on the second-person "you" language. It definitely adds to the defensive / accusatory tone of the writing and overshadows any useful recovery message. 🙏
February 9, 2026 at 4:31 PM
I appreciate your view on the second-person "you" language. It definitely adds to the defensive / accusatory tone of the writing and overshadows any useful recovery message. 🙏
I hear you and I'd agree the tone overshadows any possible good / useful recovery message.
February 9, 2026 at 4:28 PM
I hear you and I'd agree the tone overshadows any possible good / useful recovery message.
all survivors are told they need to stop "blaming" caregivers, which is a covert way to protect abusers. In either regard, a big first step in recovery is seeing that only we are responsible for our healing now. It may not be "fair," but it is reality.
February 9, 2026 at 4:14 PM
all survivors are told they need to stop "blaming" caregivers, which is a covert way to protect abusers. In either regard, a big first step in recovery is seeing that only we are responsible for our healing now. It may not be "fair," but it is reality.
I agree. I'm thinking my reaction wasn't due to the content, tho language could be tweaked, but context. Outside of recovery spaces, focus seems to be on the exception, not the rule. That is, on the survivors who are cruel, not on the many more survivors who are not cruel. Consequently...
February 9, 2026 at 4:14 PM
I agree. I'm thinking my reaction wasn't due to the content, tho language could be tweaked, but context. Outside of recovery spaces, focus seems to be on the exception, not the rule. That is, on the survivors who are cruel, not on the many more survivors who are not cruel. Consequently...
I don't know numbers, but for every jerk that hides behind trauma, there are 10x as many folks who are "nice" (fawn) to a fault.
Most trauma survivors aren't cruel, they stay invisible & small, they self-sabotage friendships & careers, they are filled with shame. Let's talk about them more.
#cptsd
Most trauma survivors aren't cruel, they stay invisible & small, they self-sabotage friendships & careers, they are filled with shame. Let's talk about them more.
#cptsd
February 9, 2026 at 3:32 PM
I don't know numbers, but for every jerk that hides behind trauma, there are 10x as many folks who are "nice" (fawn) to a fault.
Most trauma survivors aren't cruel, they stay invisible & small, they self-sabotage friendships & careers, they are filled with shame. Let's talk about them more.
#cptsd
Most trauma survivors aren't cruel, they stay invisible & small, they self-sabotage friendships & careers, they are filled with shame. Let's talk about them more.
#cptsd
...childhood trauma is only a talking point when a$$holes use it to defend the indefensible. Otherwise trauma doesn't exist or is minimized.
So yes, jerks must stop using the past to defend cruelty, but I'm also so tired of all survivors receiving no empathy b/c they're lumped in with the jerks.
So yes, jerks must stop using the past to defend cruelty, but I'm also so tired of all survivors receiving no empathy b/c they're lumped in with the jerks.
February 9, 2026 at 3:32 PM
...childhood trauma is only a talking point when a$$holes use it to defend the indefensible. Otherwise trauma doesn't exist or is minimized.
So yes, jerks must stop using the past to defend cruelty, but I'm also so tired of all survivors receiving no empathy b/c they're lumped in with the jerks.
So yes, jerks must stop using the past to defend cruelty, but I'm also so tired of all survivors receiving no empathy b/c they're lumped in with the jerks.
This post got me twisted, trying to figure out why. I 100% agree folks *must* take responsibility to heal. But the post also toes the line of victim blaming, no? I'm somehow divided.
One problem is this: so much popular convo about childhood trauma seems to be solely through this lens. That is... 👇
One problem is this: so much popular convo about childhood trauma seems to be solely through this lens. That is... 👇
February 9, 2026 at 3:32 PM
This post got me twisted, trying to figure out why. I 100% agree folks *must* take responsibility to heal. But the post also toes the line of victim blaming, no? I'm somehow divided.
One problem is this: so much popular convo about childhood trauma seems to be solely through this lens. That is... 👇
One problem is this: so much popular convo about childhood trauma seems to be solely through this lens. That is... 👇
Reposted by Feats of Strength 💙 Trauma Healing
How writing transforms us - even our health and wellbeing open.substack.com/pub/londonli... My new blogpost for @londonlitlab.bsky.social on our #writing #workshops on #health and #care and the stories we still might wish to tell. There's evidence that #writing can be good for our #wellbeing
How writing transforms us - even our health and wellbeing
Andrew Kauffmann, who will be teaching a series of workshops with us, shares his expertise on the power of writing to transform our lives.
open.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:05 PM
How writing transforms us - even our health and wellbeing open.substack.com/pub/londonli... My new blogpost for @londonlitlab.bsky.social on our #writing #workshops on #health and #care and the stories we still might wish to tell. There's evidence that #writing can be good for our #wellbeing
Reposted by Feats of Strength 💙 Trauma Healing
In learning to be kind to ourselves, trauma survivors may meet an unexpected hurdle – deep sadness, even anger.
It's a realization of the missing care & protection from our most vulnerable years. It's grief.
Just know: grief is a sign of self-compassion working. It's a sign of growth. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
It's a realization of the missing care & protection from our most vulnerable years. It's grief.
Just know: grief is a sign of self-compassion working. It's a sign of growth. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
February 8, 2026 at 8:32 PM
In learning to be kind to ourselves, trauma survivors may meet an unexpected hurdle – deep sadness, even anger.
It's a realization of the missing care & protection from our most vulnerable years. It's grief.
Just know: grief is a sign of self-compassion working. It's a sign of growth. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
It's a realization of the missing care & protection from our most vulnerable years. It's grief.
Just know: grief is a sign of self-compassion working. It's a sign of growth. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
In learning to be kind to ourselves, trauma survivors may meet an unexpected hurdle – deep sadness, even anger.
It's a realization of the missing care & protection from our most vulnerable years. It's grief.
Just know: grief is a sign of self-compassion working. It's a sign of growth. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
It's a realization of the missing care & protection from our most vulnerable years. It's grief.
Just know: grief is a sign of self-compassion working. It's a sign of growth. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
February 8, 2026 at 8:32 PM
In learning to be kind to ourselves, trauma survivors may meet an unexpected hurdle – deep sadness, even anger.
It's a realization of the missing care & protection from our most vulnerable years. It's grief.
Just know: grief is a sign of self-compassion working. It's a sign of growth. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
It's a realization of the missing care & protection from our most vulnerable years. It's grief.
Just know: grief is a sign of self-compassion working. It's a sign of growth. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
Recovery isn’t just ending self-cruelty—it’s recognizing it was never justified.
Self-cruelty that seems to “make sense” is often only an echo of old abuse resurfacing. Be kind to yourself, always. ❤️🩹
Self-cruelty that seems to “make sense” is often only an echo of old abuse resurfacing. Be kind to yourself, always. ❤️🩹
February 8, 2026 at 3:59 AM
Recovery isn’t just ending self-cruelty—it’s recognizing it was never justified.
Self-cruelty that seems to “make sense” is often only an echo of old abuse resurfacing. Be kind to yourself, always. ❤️🩹
Self-cruelty that seems to “make sense” is often only an echo of old abuse resurfacing. Be kind to yourself, always. ❤️🩹
Yes! Its curious how folks (me included) interpret those pre-linguistic self-compassion "feelings" as either signs of weakness or extreme selfishness. We dismiss them as dangerous as opposed to necessary to our health and flourishing! Its a big shift in orientation.
February 8, 2026 at 3:31 AM
Yes! Its curious how folks (me included) interpret those pre-linguistic self-compassion "feelings" as either signs of weakness or extreme selfishness. We dismiss them as dangerous as opposed to necessary to our health and flourishing! Its a big shift in orientation.
Absolutely. Its funny how trauma will make big accomplishments seems so trivial. So much of recovery is not just addressing that, but also seeing small victories as signs of meaningful change. Those details, the everyday, mundane thoughts, matter.
February 8, 2026 at 3:18 AM
Absolutely. Its funny how trauma will make big accomplishments seems so trivial. So much of recovery is not just addressing that, but also seeing small victories as signs of meaningful change. Those details, the everyday, mundane thoughts, matter.
Reposted by Feats of Strength 💙 Trauma Healing
Trauma Brain pushes the Hard Sell that since we aren’t living the lives we want now, then there’s no worth in trying to improve or salvage any part of it.
But remember, Trauma Brian only peddles in hot piles of garbage.
Just work on making the best recovery choices for today. Start small. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
But remember, Trauma Brian only peddles in hot piles of garbage.
Just work on making the best recovery choices for today. Start small. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
February 7, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Trauma Brain pushes the Hard Sell that since we aren’t living the lives we want now, then there’s no worth in trying to improve or salvage any part of it.
But remember, Trauma Brian only peddles in hot piles of garbage.
Just work on making the best recovery choices for today. Start small. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
But remember, Trauma Brian only peddles in hot piles of garbage.
Just work on making the best recovery choices for today. Start small. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
Trauma Brain pushes the Hard Sell that since we aren’t living the lives we want now, then there’s no worth in trying to improve or salvage any part of it.
But remember, Trauma Brian only peddles in hot piles of garbage.
Just work on making the best recovery choices for today. Start small. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
But remember, Trauma Brian only peddles in hot piles of garbage.
Just work on making the best recovery choices for today. Start small. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
February 7, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Trauma Brain pushes the Hard Sell that since we aren’t living the lives we want now, then there’s no worth in trying to improve or salvage any part of it.
But remember, Trauma Brian only peddles in hot piles of garbage.
Just work on making the best recovery choices for today. Start small. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
But remember, Trauma Brian only peddles in hot piles of garbage.
Just work on making the best recovery choices for today. Start small. ❤️🩹
#cptsd
Reposted by Feats of Strength 💙 Trauma Healing
Folks assume survivors of neglect & abuse are held back by fear. In fact, in many cases, we have a problem of conceivability, of permissibility.
It’s not that we're afraid to treat ourselves kindly – we never believed kindness was possible or allowed. Self-compassion is a revolutionary act.
#cptsd
It’s not that we're afraid to treat ourselves kindly – we never believed kindness was possible or allowed. Self-compassion is a revolutionary act.
#cptsd
February 6, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Folks assume survivors of neglect & abuse are held back by fear. In fact, in many cases, we have a problem of conceivability, of permissibility.
It’s not that we're afraid to treat ourselves kindly – we never believed kindness was possible or allowed. Self-compassion is a revolutionary act.
#cptsd
It’s not that we're afraid to treat ourselves kindly – we never believed kindness was possible or allowed. Self-compassion is a revolutionary act.
#cptsd
I hear you. I know many don't have great experiences with sports, but the first time I ever felt part of a "family" was playing high school sports. It also showed me how teammates' families were so different than mine, supportive, encouraging, present. It was eye opening for a young kid.
February 6, 2026 at 3:42 PM
I hear you. I know many don't have great experiences with sports, but the first time I ever felt part of a "family" was playing high school sports. It also showed me how teammates' families were so different than mine, supportive, encouraging, present. It was eye opening for a young kid.
Folks assume survivors of neglect & abuse are held back by fear. In fact, in many cases, we have a problem of conceivability, of permissibility.
It’s not that we're afraid to treat ourselves kindly – we never believed kindness was possible or allowed. Self-compassion is a revolutionary act.
#cptsd
It’s not that we're afraid to treat ourselves kindly – we never believed kindness was possible or allowed. Self-compassion is a revolutionary act.
#cptsd
February 6, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Folks assume survivors of neglect & abuse are held back by fear. In fact, in many cases, we have a problem of conceivability, of permissibility.
It’s not that we're afraid to treat ourselves kindly – we never believed kindness was possible or allowed. Self-compassion is a revolutionary act.
#cptsd
It’s not that we're afraid to treat ourselves kindly – we never believed kindness was possible or allowed. Self-compassion is a revolutionary act.
#cptsd