Complex Trauma This Little Light of Mine - LGBTQ, Christianity, religious trauma, mental health

In today’s episode of This Little Light Of Mine I share the part of my story where this project first began.  In today’s episode I take you into my disclosure session with my parents during my stay at a long-term complex trauma and rehabilitation centre in the US.


This is where I really started living.


I’m thankful that we didn’t really have a Pride Weekend in Toronto this year.  I’m thankful for chaos, anguish and trauma that we are all living through right now.  I’m thankful because I hope this signals the start of our collective awakening.


As our world is seemingly falling apart, I know deep within that it has too.  We need to break open so that something new can be born.


I have to admit that my heart is racing and my breathing is quite shallow after sharing this episode with you.  


All of my protector parts inside are telling me to reign it in, play it safe and to hit delete.  But the deeper I get into recovery, the more I heal, the more I know that I have been giving everything that I need to move forward and use my voice with love.


I’m also learning that using my authentic voice doesn’t always feel spectacular.  In fact, sometimes it’s downright scary.  In my personal life I’m being presented with a number of opportunities to speak up, share my truth and break some of the social codes of silence that I  passively learned to accept over the years.  I can see how my privilege gets in the way and how I use that as an excuse not to do what I know is right for me.  


Using my authentic voice can be hard, it’s can be scary and to be honest, sometimes it’s easier just to look the other way and hope someone else will speak up.  AND that’s not the person I was created to be.  This path forward may not always be easy but this is the work I believe we all need to do so that something even better can be born.


We are better and WE are strong together when we come together. I want to extend a massive thank you to Amanda, Coach Carey and all of the powerful women in my life who continue to teach me, stretch me and longingly help me see my privilege.  Amanda, Coach Carey, Erin, Angelique, Muqu, Meghan, Suz, Lynn, Leah & Ashley… I am better for knowing you.


I also


want to thank each of you for joining us today and a huge thank you to all of you who have subscribed to This Little Light Of Mine, shared your ratings and reviews and provided feedback.  Thank you for helping me share a message of unconditional love for ALL people.


We will be back in two weeks with a brand new episode with my personal friend Cathy W where she will share her incredible story recovery and talks with us about the ‘Gift of Pain’.


So what about you?  As you reflect back on today’s episode, what comes up for you?  Do your insides match your outside?  Is there a part inside of you that is yearning to come to the surface?


Know that there is greatness in you… let that light shine.  The world needs you.


You are loved.   


James.


@MyLightShinesBright