How do I go from Work-Related PTSD to a Delightfully Curated Life? My Journey So Far to Wellness and a Counselling Psychology Degree is a *slow* progress.

Waiting for my abundance at a coffee shop - journaling, creating, writing, growing.

Hey there, fellow travelers on the winding road of life! I'm thrilled to share with you my journey from the depths of work-related PTSD to the brink of a beautifully curated existence and a masters degree in counseling psychology. Strap in, because we're about to embark on a rollercoaster ride of resilience, reinvention, and a whole lot of wit. 

So here's a warm welcome to the Delightfully Curated Life website, your destination for a holistic approach to personal growth and empowerment. I'm Daria, and I'm excited to guide you through an exploration of self-discovery, wellness, and fulfillment, utilizing some of the principles of Yalom's (2005) therapeutic factors (in this blog post and beyond). 

1. Instillation of Hope: Picture this: I'm knee-deep in spreadsheets, drowning in deadlines, and feeling like I've hit rock bottom. But guess what? Even in the darkest moments, hope has a funny way of sneaking in through the cracks. It's like a tiny spark that refuses to be extinguished, whispering, "You've got this." And let me tell you, that tiny spark? It's what fueled my journey to where I am today—a place of endless possibility and promise.
2. Universality: When I first started my journey to recovery, I felt like I was the only one grappling with the aftermath of work-related trauma. But as I opened up and shared my story, I quickly realized that I wasn't alone. In fact, there's a whole community of resilient souls out there who have faced similar challenges and emerged stronger on the other side. Talk about a reality check! Knowing that I wasn't the only one struggling was like a breath of fresh air, reminding me that we're all in this together.
3. Imparting of Information: Knowledge is power, my friends. And when it comes to navigating the murky waters of mental health and wellness, information is your greatest ally. That's why I've made it my mission to arm myself with all the tools and resources I need to thrive—from mindfulness practices and stress management techniques to insights from the field of counselling psychology. Because let's face it, life's too short for spreadsheets and stress-induced headaches (ok but my work stress was much higher than just the regular kind of spreadsheets, IYKYK).
4. Altruism: They say that giving is the ultimate form of self-care. And let me tell you, ain't that the truth! As I've journeyed towards healing and wholeness, I've discovered the profound joy that comes from lifting others up along the way. Whether it's offering a listening ear, volunteering in my community, or simply spreading a little kindness wherever I go, giving back has become my secret weapon in the battle against work-related PTSD.
5. Corrective Recapitulation of the Primary Family Group: Ah, family dynamics. They're like a never-ending soap opera, complete with drama, dysfunction, and the occasional plot twist. But here's the thing: unpacking those early childhood experiences can be the key to unlocking a whole new level of self-awareness and healing. Through therapy, reflection, and a healthy dose of humor, I've been able to confront the ghosts of my past and rewrite the script for my future. And let me tell you, it's been one heck of a ride and I am still on it because healing is not linear. 
6. Development of Socialization Techniques: Navigating social interactions can be a bit like tiptoeing through a minefield—especially when you're dealing with the aftermath of work-related trauma. But with a little practice and a whole lot of grace (and in my case chips and cheese), I've learned to navigate the choppy waters of human connection with confidence and ease. From setting boundaries to honing my active listening skills, I've discovered that healthy relationships are worth their weight in gold. I am still learning to let go of the unhealthy ones. Have I recently dropped you off my friends list? Sorry, I am still growing and changing and trying to figure out how to be my most authentic self. There are sooooo many days where I still struggle and not hearing from you all has been more painful than just not watering  that dead plant. I really hope it will green up with spring.
7. Imitative Behavior: They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And when it comes to modeling positive behaviors, I couldn't agree more. As I've surrounded myself with resilient, courageous individuals who have faced their own demons and emerged victorious, I've been inspired to follow in their footsteps. From embracing vulnerability to prioritizing self-care, I've learned that sometimes the best way to heal is by borrowing a page from someone else's playbook (and listening to my psychologist). 
8. Interpersonal Learning: They say that you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends. And let me tell you, I've been blessed with some truly incredible friends who have become my chosen family. Through shared experiences, heartfelt conversations, and the occasional dance party in the kitchen, I've learned that true connection isn't just about being seen—it's about being fully, unapologetically yourself.
9. Group Cohesiveness: There's something truly magical about finding your tribe—the people who lift you up, cheer you on, and remind you that you're never alone. As I've connected with fellow survivors of work-related trauma, I've discovered the power of solidarity and support. Whether it's sharing stories, offering words of encouragement, or simply sitting in companionable silence, our bond is unbreakable. And let me tell you, it's made all the difference. I will sit in the silence with you, if you need it. 
10. Catharsis: They say that laughter is the best medicine. And let me tell you, there's nothing like a good belly laugh to chase away the shadows and lift your spirits. As I've journeyed through the ups and downs of healing from work-related PTSD, I've learned to find humor in the darkest of moments. From awkward therapy sessions to epic self-care fails, I've embraced the absurdity of life with open arms—and let me tell you, it's been downright cathartic.
11. Existential Factors: At the end of the day, life is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and evolution. And as I've wrestled with the big questions—Who am I? What am I here for?—I've come to embrace the beauty of uncertainty. Because here's the thing: life is messy, unpredictable, and utterly beautiful. And as I've learned to lean into the unknown, I've discovered a sense of freedom and possibility that I never knew existed. So here's to embracing the journey, wherever it may lead.

As I embark on this next chapter of my journey—a masters degree in counselling psychology and continues search for my own authenticity and vibes —I invite you to join me in embracing the Delightfully Curated Life philosophy. Together, let's navigate the twists and turns of life with resilience, courage, and a healthy dose of wit. Because when it comes down to it, we're all in this together. So here's to laughter, healing, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Cheers to a life that's beautifully simple, delightfully curated, and utterly extraordinary. Let's do this thing.

Reference: 
Yalom, I. (with Leszcz, M). (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). New York: Basic Books. (Affiliate link to the Amazon Book: https://amzn.to/49o1LOW) 

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