4 Things that CPTSD/PTSD taught Me about Freedom

Growing up in a third world county, in the ’80s, I have always been allured by the word freedom. From far away the word “FREEDOM” echoes. I heard it from people from all walks of life; from the vendors in the marketplace to the highest person running our city.

As a child, I have always asked “What is freedom and why does everyone seem so interested in it?”

Freedom! Freedom from slavery! Freedom for poverty! Freedom from torture! Freedom of opinion and expression! Were just some of those freedom chants that youth and student activists like myself have shouted on the city streets during the student-led protests in the mid-’90s.

One of our family student scholars once said “Hey! Your family sent me to school, why are you there? Why bother?” I said, “why not?” I was advocating for my friends who would need to leave school because of poverty. It was already difficult to accept the fact that some parents were not able to send their children to the best universities in the country, let alone me losing my peers.

As I progressed in my profession as a teacher, so does my fascination for freedom. I have shifted my focus from social freedom to intellectual freedom. In my early years as a high school social studies teacher, I have encouraged my history class students to look beyond the narratives written in the books. During my years lecturing student teachers, I have teased those former future teachers’ critical yet creative minds with the TLA – CCC approach.

I hope they still do remember …

To Think big, Look beyond, and Act quickly!

I believe that as teachers, it is our vow to carry out our roles with Care, to build and make meaningful Connections, and to continuously improve and Challenge ourselves.

For over 30 years of living in a constant state of danger, disconnection, flashbacks, and intense fear, anger, and sadness. After hitting rock bottom, I took the call to take ownership of my life – to lead my life as to how I would design it. It’s time to take back control and reclaim my freedom.

Here are the 4 lessons that CPTSD/PTSD has taught me:

1. Your life switch is yours

Your life is what your thoughts make it. If your thoughts can make you jitter and be constantly alerted for danger, then your thoughts can also make you feel calm, happier, and healthier.

Your mind is your switch, you own it. So, own it!

2. The only way out is IN

Solitude is a gift, it’s present to be present.

See the movement of your inner powers, see how the neurological signals are sent throughout your body, experience the physiological effects of your thoughts and emotions, tune in to your mental and spiritual transformation.

Spend time and enjoy the ride inside you.

3. Flashbacks are Clues

Your memories are emotions from the past - your emotions are the language of the body - flashbacks are your life’s movie that needs to be reviewed.

If you mentally review the unknown future with a clear intention, an elevated emotion, and play it endlessly; then from your experience, you should feel the changes in your mind and body.

Write your own script, make the ending wild.

4. Diamonds are formed under pressure

All our mental circuitry is wired only for the positive.

The intense emotions of anger, sadness, fear, shame, and guilt were your reactions to the negative impacts that shocked your original coding.

For as long as you stay on top of your game, help and hope are just at bay. Your brain, far from being fixed in toxicity, can change even in the most challenging neurological situations.

Shine like a diamond, after all red (the colour of anger) is the world’s rarest and most expensive diamond

So, are you now ready to rise and take on the TLA – CCC test with me?

Can you imagine yourself Thinking big, Looking beyond, and Acting quick?

Can you imagine yourself leading your life with utmost Care, where you are building and making Connections, and continuously improving and Challenging yourself?

How do you want your life to be like?
Do you want to live your life in freedom?
Does living in freedom and in harmony feels good to you?
Does feeling free sound peaceful?
Does feeling free make your heart sing?

Journey with me, I am here for you. Let me show you the way.

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