TOOLBOX FOR HEALING

  During the 1970s, when I taught prenatal education, I used to tell my clients I would give them a toolbox to help them through the birth process. This imaginary box had several levels containing everything from breathing and relaxation to information and practical suggestions. No matter how long or how difficult the labour, there was always something in the kit to keep the expectant mother going. 
    While I healed my incest and other child abuse issues the process felt every bit as intensive and demanding as giving birth. In a way I was giving birth – to myself.
    Here is a check list you can refer to any time you need. It's a sort of basic toolbox for healing:
                Take a breather
                List what to do in crisis
                Action plan for dealing with memories and flashbacks
                Pace Em technique
                Relax – take a power nap
                Balance your day
                List your tasks and goals
                Be your own best friend
                Check your coping skills
                Get help
                Choose a counsellor
                Get clean and sober
                Beat insomnia / shadows / nightmares and nasty dreams.

        Please feel free to print this list if it's helpful. You might want to make it small enough to fit your wallet to carry with you as a reminder. Next blog I'll start to describe each step in more detail.
        
                REMEMBER:  
                                Breathe. 
                                Fun is mandatory: Do something nice for yourself.