July 2016 Magazine | Page 79

perspective and healing each of our bruised feelings. I realized that if I spoke my truth from my perspective, I could build a bridge of understanding with my friend. Phrases like: “What I saw was…,” “What I felt was…,” and “What I experienced was…” helped me break down information according to my truth and allowed me to see the situation in its more complex reality. Talk to Someone Who Was There If someone has gone through a similar experience—or, as is often the case with family members, the same experience—sharing it with those who understand helps us build acceptance. This is part of the reason why group therapy works so well. When we talk about a shared or similar experience, we’re better able to process what happened and recognize its impact. People who suffer trauma often minimize its effect or simply don’t recognize it at all. They might not realize that their depression or their angry outbursts are related to their trauma. Talking about life events that we struggle to accept helps us see how these experiences connect inside of us and how we live them out. Acceptance of your personal experience radically changes the way you approach almost every aspect of your life and ultimately allows you to engage the world in a more positive, productive way. Dr. Kate Siner is an award-winning Entrepreneurial and Personal Development mentor, speaker, author, and radio show host. She has a PhD in Psychology and years of both clinical and coaching experience. Her passion is to help people move past whatever holds them back so that they may embrace all they can be. Kate has developed a series of successful personal development programs, newest of which is LifeWork Virtual. Learn more at www.katesiner.com or email her at [email protected]. eydismedia.com 79