The Power of Effective Communication: Resolving Trauma and Offering the Best of Ourselves

Doesn't it feel like life becomes more hectic as we quickly progress into the year? it's during these moments of self-awareness that I encourage you to slow down to contemplate how you're communicating with yourself and others. A simple, proven technique that prevents burnout and overthinking.

Communication is at the heart of every interaction, and the right communication skills can make a world of difference in our personal and professional lives. Today, we’re going to identify three critical aspects where communication can help resolve internal traumas that keep us from unconditionally offering the very best of ourselves.

Right Communication -

Communication is much more than just words as you know. It's the way we present ourselves, the tone we use, and the body language we exhibit to others during interactions. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for people to have communication issues that can cause problems in both personal and professional relationships.

One of the most common communication obstacles is a lack of assertiveness. Being assertive means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct and respectful manner. It's not about being aggressive or confrontational, but rather about being confident and clear. Assertive communication can help you avoid misunderstandings and build healthier relationships.

Another common communication obstacle is a lack of active listening. Active listening means fully engaging with the person you're speaking to, paying attention to their words, and asking clarifying questions when necessary. It's not just about hearing the words they say, but also understanding their perspective and showing sincere empathy.

Lastly, non-verbal communication is a critical aspect of effective communication. Our body language, facial expressions, and tone can all convey messages that are just as powerful as our words. It's essential to be aware of your non-verbal cues and to use them to support your message, not hinder it.

Resolving Internal Pain and Traumas -

Communication plays a significant role in resolving internal traumas. Trauma is any event that overwhelms your ability to cope and can leave you feeling helpless, scared, and alone. Trauma can come from a wide variety of sources, including abuse, neglect, accidents, natural disasters, and more.

One of the most important actions you can take to heal from traumatic events is to talk and openly express your feelings about it. Common sense, but often not common knowledge. Talking about your experiences can help you process your emotions to gain both a sense of acceptance, and generate a new perspective on the matter. It's essential to share and work with someone you trust, whether that's a close friend, family member, or a professional if you feel you are not gaining progress.

In addition to talking about and reframing your experiences, it's also advantageous to practice self-compassion. Self-compassion means treating yourself with kindness and understanding, rather than judgment and criticism. It's about acknowledging that what you went through was difficult and that you did the best you could at the time.

Lastly, it's highly beneficial to implement healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the effects of trauma. This could be anything from exercise to meditation to creative expression. The key is to find activities that raise your self-awareness as you incorporate these new activities into your regular routine.

Offering the Best of Ourselves -

At the heart of effective communication and overcoming trauma is the ability to unconditionally offer the best of ourselves. Giving the best of ourselves means showing up authentically, with vulnerability and compassion. It means being present in the moment, rather than worrying about the past or future. And, it means doing what you can to make a positive impact where you are each day; be it relationships, work, or personal goals you're striving for.

One of the keys to consistently give the best of ourselves is to practice self-care. Self-care means taking great care of our physical, emotional, and mental health. This could be anything from getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, practicing mindfulness, to seeking professional help if needed. When we take care of ourselves, only then do we become better equipped to show up for others.

Another key to giving the best of ourselves is to cultivate meaningful connections. This means building relationships based on mutual trust and respect. It means being there for others when they need us and being vulnerable to ask for help when we also need it.

Offering the best of ourselves takes courage, which also means being open to learning and growth. Can we agree we all have areas for improvement? Whether it's learning new skills, gaining new perspectives, or challenging limiting beliefs, the willingness to learn and grow is essential for each of us to thrive. This means being open to feedback and taking constructive suggestions as an opportunity for growth. It means seeking out new experiences and stepping outside of our comfort zones as well.

In conclusion, communication is the foundation of healthy relationships, both with ourselves and others. Communication also plays a vital role in resolving and healing internal traumas which allows us to offer the best of ourselves in the world.

Thanks for taking the time to read and share this article. I hope it has been helpful and informative. Remember to always communicate with kindness, compassion, and respect, and to take care of yourself and others.

Coach Steven Weisman, MA, CPE, CHPC