If you’re visiting my blog today from my Proverbs 31 devotion, Just When I Thought I Was Okay, then I’m so glad you’re here. I can only assume you are struggling some trauma triggers of your own, and my heart goes out to you.

A lot of my triggers stem from the painful journey I went through for years in my marriage, and especially from the arduous and joy robbing trek of separation and divorce. However, we all go through different situations and seasons of trauma, yet the emotional impact they have on our hearts is much the same.

Growing from emotional triggers is not easy and takes time, but it can be done through faith and is a transformative and empowering process. Here are some steps to help you navigate this journey:

1. Self-awareness: Begin by developing self-awareness of your emotional triggers. Pay attention to situations, events, or interactions that consistently evoke strong emotional responses in you. Understand the patterns and the specific emotions that arise. If you need to set boundaries with someone in order to protect your own heart, don’t be afraid to do so.
2. Identify core beliefs: Explore the core beliefs that underlie your emotional triggers. Often, these beliefs are rooted in past experiences, conditioning, or assumptions about yourself, others, or the world. Maybe they’re based on what someone else said about you or how they treated you, and although untrue, you hold them as truths. Write down the beliefs associated with each trigger and ask God if what you are believing to be true is the same as what God’s Word says about you.
3. Challenge and reframe: Once you have identified the core beliefs, examine them critically. Ask yourself if they are rational, accurate, or helpful. Challenge their validity by seeking evidence to the contrary. Reframe the beliefs in a more empowering and positive light, aligning them with your faith principles.
4. Seek spiritual guidance: Turn to your faith for guidance and support. Engage in prayer, meditation, or contemplation to connect with your spiritual beliefs and seek clarity. Consult with a Christian advisor, counselor, or trusted mentor who can provide insights and guidance from a faith-based perspective.
5. Practice forgiveness and compassion: Embrace forgiveness as a transformative tool. Forgive yourself for any past mistakes or regrets, and extend forgiveness to others who may have contributed to your triggers. Remember forgiveness doesn’t excuse their behavior, it only releases you from being held mentally captive by it. Cultivate compassion and empathy for yourself and others, recognizing that everyone is on their own unique journey.
6. Cultivate gratitude and positivity: Foster a mindset of gratitude by focusing on the blessings in your life. Practice gratitude daily through prayers, journaling, or simply acknowledging the positives. Look for three blessings in every day, no matter how bad the day might seem. Emphasize positive affirmations and thoughts to counteract the negative emotions triggered by past experiences.
7. Embrace faith-based resources: Engage with faith-based resources such as scriptures, books, sermons, or teachings that provide guidance on emotional healing and personal growth. Draw strength from the wisdom and teachings of your faith tradition to navigate through emotional triggers. (If you are struggling to get past a bad relationship or marriage, separation or divorce, check out my book Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart After Divorce and the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Workbook which comes with a six week video series.)
8. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that nourish your soul and reduce stress, such as exercise, hobbies, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative pursuits. Prioritize self-care to support your emotional healing process. If you don’t take care of yourself, nobody else will.
9. Surround yourself with a supportive community: Seek out a community of like-minded individuals and friends who share your faith and values. Connect with others who have gone through similar experiences and can provide support, encouragement, and understanding. Share your journey, learn from their experiences, and grow together. Find people who have a heart for championing you to be all you can be.
10. Maintain consistency and perseverance: Growing from emotional triggers takes time and consistent effort. Be patient with yourself and trust in the process. Keep practicing self-awareness, challenging beliefs, and nurturing your faith. Remember that growth is a continuous journey, and setbacks are opportunities for further learning and development.

By combining self-reflection, faith, and intentional action, you can grow from emotional triggers and transform them into catalysts for personal and spiritual growth. Trust in your faith, and believe in your ability to overcome challenges with grace and resilience. God will never give up on you, so never give up on yourself!

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Has God helped you heal from past trauma and triggers and you now feel you have a powerful story to share with the world? Do you feel called to write a book, devotion or blog about your story, but have no idea how to take that first step?

Check out my Author Coaching services to see if there a service that will fit your needs.

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