Irene Kuykendall, host of This Mindful Muse, A Podcast, offers perspective on recent triggers and the fears of emotional regression.

The Major Takeaways:

• Triggers are gifts that allow you to shift your attention to unhealed portions of yourself.
• Fear of emotional regression is normal.
• Take time to reflect on how far you have come and to celebrate your success.
• Know that you are no longer the past version of yourself.
• Double-check that you have support systems in place.
• Since you successfully moved through past trauma, you are uniquely qualified to move through whatever lies ahead on your path.
• Guilt and shame can often lead you to unhelpful beliefs that you are ready to release.
• Obstacles are opportunities for growth. Growing may bring "growing pains," but you are safe to shift and crystallize into the new version of you.
• Difficult circumstances aren't just happening to you, but are also happening for you in order to help you develop certain skills for challenges ahead.
• Although it may feel counterintuitive, allow yourself to feel the uncomfortable feelings.
• Develop a self-care routine that is unique to who you are and to your individualized needs.
• You may be experiencing similarities to past trauma to remind you that you have transitioned out of and away from unhealthy situations.
• Triggers may serve as useful reminders that you are carrying unhealed shadows that need to be seen, heard, understood, thanked, and released.