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SOPHILIA'S HAPPY MEETIUM

February 5, 2020

#complexptsd #effectivetreatments #sophilialarkwoodbury
​COMPLEX PTSD TREATMENTS (FIRST LINE APPROACHES)// When it comes to treating complex PTSD, there have been many recommendations about the best way to help sufferers heal from the debilitating condition. This video explains first line approaches for cptsd treatment as recommended by trauma experts in terms of evidenced-based approaches as effective first line treatments for managing cptsd. The treatment options are embodied in two primary approaches including the phase-based treatment model and the trauma-informed treatment model. Watch here to see which model the experts recommend.
​​

January 29, 2020

#complexptsd #effectivetreatments #sophilialarkwoodbury
COMPLEX PTSD TREATMENTS (FIRST LINE APPROACHES)// When it comes to treating complex PTSD, there have been many recommendations about the best way to help sufferers heal from the debilitating condition. This video explains first line approaches for cptsd treatment as recommended by trauma experts in terms of evidenced-based approaches as effective first line treatments for managing cptsd. The treatment options are embodied in two primary approaches including the phase-based treatment model and the trauma-informed treatment model. Watch here to see which model the experts recommend.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/

God Space Creators Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/42091...

RESEARCH ICD-11 Complex PTSD Review Article:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/...

Treatment of Complex PTSD: Expert clinician survey - file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/Treatment_of_complex_PTSD_Results_of_the_ISTSS_exp.pdf

FREE Guides and Checklists:

Body Awareness Mind-Body Guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/bod...

Religious Trauma Recovery guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...

Social: Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial... TWEET THIS VIDEO: https://ctt.ac/3Qb96

Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com.
• Obsibilo: Soixante-8 (Free Music Archive)
• Audio Hero: Dream of Grandeur (Zapsplat)
• Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat)
• Scott Holmes: Positive and Fun (Free Music Archive)

​CREDIT: Subscribe Button by RjTech2K-
https://mega.nz/#!aNI2mIiY!-xuRXHBWfO...

January 22, 2020

#cptsd #trauma #cptsdsigns #sophilialarkwoodbury TRAUMA AND THE BODY (WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF COMPLEX PTSD?)// What is the difference between complex PTSD and standard PTSD, and how can you recognize the signs? Complex trauma and its effects can spawn great suffering in a variety of forms. This video will share the symptoms, traits, and common patterns of CPTSD that distinguish is from standard PTSD so that you’ll have better understanding of what complex PTSD behavior looks like and how it both relates to and is different from traditional PTSD.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/

God Space Creators Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/42091...

RESEARCH ICD-11 Complex PTSD Review Article:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/...

FREE Guides and Checklists:

Body Awareness Mind-Body Guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/bod...

Religious Trauma Recovery guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...

Social:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

TWEET THIS VIDEO:
https://ctt.ac/DmznI

Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com.

• Obsibilo: Soixante-8 (Free Music Archive)
• Audio Hero: Dream of Grandeur (Zapsplat)
• Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat)
​• Scott Holmes: Positive and Fun (Free Music Archive)

January 15, 2020

​#bodyawareness #activities #healingtrauma BODY AWARENESS ACTIVITIES (HEALING TRAUMA THROUGH BODY AWARENESS FOR DEEPER WISDOM AND GROWTH)// Need guidance on healing the mind, body, and spirit after trauma? The keys to health and healing starts with understanding how trauma gets stuck in the body and then fostering body awareness to release trauma to heal the physical body. This video will show you the key steps for healing trauma through body awareness for deeper wisdom and growth. You’ll learn how to attend and befriend the body and jump start its natural rhythm to rebound from trauma and achieve long-lasting holistic health.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/

God Space Creators Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/42091...

Centre for Clinical Interventions Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/me...

FREE Guides and Checklists:

Body Awareness Mind-Body Guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/bod...

Religious Trauma Recovery guide: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...

Social:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

TWEET THIS VIDEO: https://ctt.ac/ecL3m

Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com.

• Obsibilo: Soixante-8 (Free Music Archive)

• Audio Hero: Dream of Grandeur (Zapsplat)

• Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat)

• Scott Holmes: Positive and Fun (Free Music Archive)

CREDIT: Subscribe Button by MrNumber112


Youtube Video link: https://youtu.be/nukbjzZ48cY

#bodyawareness #activities #healingtrauma

January 8, 2020

#traumarecovery #OCDrecovery #Mentalhealth TRAUMA AND RECOVERY FROM OCD FOR COMPLETE FREEDOM// Want to gain complete freedom from OCD? Maybe you’ve been through a traumatic experience or several traumatic experiences and have developed obsessive compulsive disorder as a result. This video aims to help you learn the truth about OCD and what you need to know as a trauma survivor to cope with and achieve recovery from trauma-related OCD. You’ll learn the symptoms and therapy options such as exposure and response prevention therapy to help you deal with intrusive sensations, urges, and emotions.

RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/

Self-screening for OCD:
https://adaa.org/screening-obsessive-...

What is EMDR therapy?:
https://www.healthline.com/health/emd...

God Space Creators Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/42091...

RESEARCH:

Trauma-related OCD:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

http://www.jneuropsychiatry.org/peer-...

FREE Guides and Checklists:

Body Awareness Mind-Body Guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/bod...

CBT worksheet (evidence gathering):
https://www.iwanttochangemylife.org/t...

Religious Trauma Recovery guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...

Social:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

TWEET THIS VIDEO: https://ctt.ac/2bYZa

Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com.

• Obsibilo: Soixante-8 (Free Music Archive)
• Audio Hero: Dream of Grandeur (Zapsplat)
• Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat)
• Scott Holmes: Positive and Fun (Free Music Archive)

CREDIT: Subscribe Button by MrNumber112


Youtube Video link: https://youtu.be/DfCyY37H7eA

#traumarecovery #OCDrecovery #Mentalhealth

January 1, 2020

#traumaandOCD, #mentalhealthtreatmentforOCD, #sophilialarkwoodbury

CAN TRAUMA CAUSE OCD (TRAUMA AND OCD GO TOGETHER)// Can trauma cause OCD? Increasingly, people are asking questions about the interplay between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and traumatic experiences. This is because after experiencing a traumatic event, many recognize obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms that were not present in their lives before the trauma. Trauma can often spell the origins of OCD and have a significant impact on recovery. This video explains how OCD can be a sign of trauma in many cases and how common it is for trauma and OCD to go together. This video will also briefly address the science of how trauma-related OCD works and how it can be healed.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/

Self-screening for OCD:
https://adaa.org/screening-obsessive-...

God Space Creators Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/42091...

RESEARCH:
Trauma-related OCD:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... http://www.jneuropsychiatry.org/peer-...

FREE Guides and Checklists:

Body Awareness Mind-Body Guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/bod...

Church Trauma Healing Checklist:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/chu...

Small group leadership guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/the... Religious Trauma Recovery guide: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...

Social: Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

​Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com

Obsibilo: Soixante-8 (Free Music Archive)
Audio Hero: Dream of Grandeur (Zapsplat)
Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat)

CREDIT: Subscribe Button by MrNumber112
https://youtu.be/Fps5vWgKdl0

Youtube video link:
https://youtu.be/AocXiEaIPIw

December 18, 2019

#holidaysadness #copewithloneliness #sophilialarkwoodbury HOLIDAY SADNESS (WHAT TO DO TO COPE WITH LONELINESS))// Looking for tips to manage loneliness during the holidays? Celebrating the holidays when you’re alone can be a stressful time, leaving you scratching your head about what to do to cope with loneliness. But there are ways you can healthfully spend the holidays alone and thrive. If you struggle with holiday sadness, seasonal affective disorder, or depression around the holidays and are looking for tips for managing stress and sadness, this video will show you 3 tips to fight holiday sadness and cope with loneliness.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/ The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Christ...
Safety Planning worksheet:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org...
Research:  Mechanisms of change in Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...  Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for PTSD: A Case study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
FREE Guides and Checklists: Church Trauma Healing Checklist:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/chu...
Small group leadership guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/the... Religious Trauma Recovery guide: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...

SOCIAL:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com.
• Audio Hero: Dream of Grandeur (Zapsplat)
• Obsibilo: Soixante-8 (Free Music Archive)
• Makaih Beats: Love Chances (Zapsplat)
​• Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat)

December 11, 2019

#healingtrauma #mindbody #biblicalapproaches #traumaandbrain EMOTIONAL TRAUMA AND THE BRAIN (BIBLICAL APPROACHES TO HEALING MIND AND BODY))// Many wonder if the Bible speaks to contemporary issues such as emotional trauma and the brain. Emotional trauma healing takes an understanding of traumatic effects on the brain, effects on behavior, and if the trauma started in childhood, an understanding of its effects on child development. The Bible does, in fact, speak to trauma, and offers examples of how a person can achieve deeper healing in the spirit, brain, mind and body. If you have experienced emotional trauma and wonder if the Bible offers help in on how to heal, this video will show you 6 Biblical approaches to healing mind and body.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/ Church Trauma Healing Checklist: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/chu...

FREE Guides and Checklists: Small group leadership guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/the... Religious Trauma Recovery guide: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...

SOCIAL: Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com.
• Mid-Air Machine: Untamed Wings (Zapsplat)
• Makaih Beats: Love Chances (Zapsplat)
• Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat)
• Livio Amato: Desiree (Zapsplat)
​
CREDIT: Subscribe Button by MrNumber112
https://youtu.be/Fps5vWgKdl0
#traumainformed #organizationalsuccess #trauminformedorganization
TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH KEY TO ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS))// Organizational trauma is a real phenomenon that affects thousands of organizations on a daily basis. The key to resolving the tragedy of workplace anxiety, stress, and hostility lies in an approach where leaders understand that in order to transform their organizations, they must promote a culture of safety that empowers their followers embrace the organizational mission as their own and implement collaborative practices that brings the organizational vision to life. This video will discuss 3 top benefits of a trauma-informed approach to creating organizational success.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Website:
http://www.thehappymeetium.com/contac... Church Trauma Healing Checklist: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/chu...

FREE Guides and Checklists: Small group leadership guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/the... Religious Trauma Recovery guide: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...

Social:
​Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com.

• Mid-Air Machine: Untamed Wings (Zapsplat)
• Makaih Beats: Love Chances (Zapsplat)
• Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat)
• CREDIT: Subscribe Button by MrNumber112
https://youtu.be/Fps5vWgKdl0
#complextrauma #healing #lifeofpurpose
3 WAYS TO OVERCOMING TRAUMA (HOW TO HEAL COMPLEX TRAUMA))// After becoming aware that you suffer from the effects and symptoms of complex trauma, what happens next? The healing stage can be just as scary as the memories of trauma, but it is what is necessary to begin a new, healthy life that acknowledges your uniqueness and purpose. All human beings are created with purpose, not necessarily according to the parents, but according to the creator. This is the lens through which we can come to know the true meaning for our lives and how we can live with intentional and safe connectedness with others. This video provides a 3-stage process for how a person can heal from complex trauma and lead a fulfilling life.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Website:
http://www.thehappymeetium.com/contac... Attachment Healing Worksheet: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/att...
Daily Inventory of Character management sheet:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/dai...
FREE Guides and Checklists: Small group leadership guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/the... Religious Trauma Recovery guide: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...
Social:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

​Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com. • Mid-Air Machine: Untamed Wings (Zapsplat) • Makaih Beats: Love Chances (Zapsplat) • Mr. Mason: Jazz (Zapsplat) CREDIT: Subscribe Button by MrNumber112
https://youtu.be/Fps5vWgKdl0
#traumatalk #trauma-conscious #reconciliation HEALING THE WOUNDS OF TRAUMA: CHURCH’S ROLE IN HEALING TRAUMA// The church, particularly small groups can play a crucial role in helping individuals with difficult personalities and presentations navigate painful experiences and find healing and wholeness. However, this is not just a trial-and-error, “see what sticks” kind of approach to helping those in need. Leaders need basic understanding and skills to facilitate a process that demonstrates the trauma-informed core principles of safety, trust, support, collaboration, empowerment and humility. This video will walk you through 4 simple steps to help groups members and other leaders play a key role in healing trauma in the church.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/conta... Peace making principles guide: https://www.cmalliance.org/resources/...
The Small Group Leadership Guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/the...

Other Free Resources: Religious Trauma Recovery Guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/rel...
​
Social: Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

Royalty-Free motivational and inspirational music obtained from Free Music Archive.com and Zapsplat.com.
Audio Hero: Dream of Grandeur (Zapsplat)
Scott Holmes: Our Big Adventure (Free Music Archive)
CREDIT: Subscribe Button by MrNumber112
https://youtu.be/Fps5vWgKdl0
CLERGY ABUSE (HOW CHURCHES CAN PREVENT IT)// Since the mid-twentieth century, church sexual abuse scandals have rocked the foundations of the body of Christ as allegations, convictions, new revelations and cover ups filled the news reports with fodder for public consumption and Christian shame. Only recently, after deafening outcries around the world, has the church stepped up its efforts to implement reform to laws and policies that have for too long, aided in the cover up of child sexual abuse by priests, pastors, bishops and nuns. This video discusses 4 ways the church can prevent clergy abuse and help congregations heal. ​

RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: https://www.thehappymeetium.com/conta... The Small Group Leadership Guide: https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/the... Pope Issues new Catholic church laws on sexual abuse: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/... Southern Baptist Convention sexual abuse accountability measures: https://www.npr.org/2019/06/12/731919... Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial... ​

MOST COMMON PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA SYMPTOMS// According to the The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), women are more likely than men to develop PTSD symptoms because they are more prone to rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse as a child. According to a research study from the McGill Journal of Medicine, many women victims experience PTSD within the first 2 weeks following the incident. This video explores some of the most common psychological trauma symptoms that people experience, particularly women, after they encounter a disturbing event that exceeds their capacity to cope effectively.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
​Website:
https://www.thehappymeetium.com/conta...
The Small Group Leadership Guide:
https://thehappymeetium.lpages.co/the...
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/...
Sexual assault and posttraumatic stress disorder article by Kaitlin Chivers-Wilson:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

Social: Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/slarkwoodbury/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHappyMeetium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilia.lark.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophilial...

HEALING RELATIONSHIPS IN SMALL GROUPS// Trauma comes in many forms and has many sources, but one of the most prominent sources of trauma is relationships. Whether through spousal abuse, family abuse, religious abuse, community abuse, etc., relational trauma requires healing in a relational context. This video discusses 3 ways that safe small groups can help women who have experienced relational trauma achieve healing through trauma-conscious practices that validate, empower, and propel them toward spiritual and psychological growth. ​

ISSUES OF THE CHURCH (WHY CHURCHES AVOID CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS)// God is love and as followers of Christ we make it our goal to reflect this love in our daily interactions with others. But, the love of Christ is not only demonstrated in those things that are pleasant to do, feel, or see, but it is also shown in dealing with the hard things – things some people deem as controversial – if we do them with gentleness and respect. This video dives into some of the “taboo” topics of the church and explores 3 top reasons why many churches avoid broaching these subjects, leaving room for the outside world to fill that space. ​
FAITH AND MENTAL HEALTH (SHOULD PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS BE CHURCH LEADERS?)// With the recent onslaught of public suicides and the renunciation of faith among pastors and influential church leaders, many are wondering if people who openly struggle with mental illness are qualified to be leaders in the church. No doubt, satan has struck a mighty blow within the body of Christ, but those who have ears to hear and eyes to see what the spirit is saying know that God is always in control. His plans cannot be wiped out, no matter the depth of attack satan inflicts. This video discusses the recent suicide of Jarrid Wilson, pastor of Harvest Church in Riverside, CA, and two opposing viewpoints in response to that event. ​
WHY CHURCHES DON’T TALK ABOUT TRAUMA// There is a giant elephant in the room, and nobody wants to talk about it. Trauma is one of the most ubiquitous psychological struggles in the world, and the one entity that is supposed to be binding up the broken-hearted, proclaiming freedom for the captives, and defending the oppressed is silent on it. If you haven’t already guessed, IT’S THE CHURCH! Why is it that the one place people are supposed to trust for its safety the most silent organization on the issue of trauma? This video begins the RADICAL RED RANT series where discussion is focused on controversial topics that churches often avoid. This video will specifically discuss why churches don’t talk about trauma and provider deeper insight about changes that could be made.
3 KEY WAYS TO RESPOND TO DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN SMALL GROUP// In a perfect world, small group leadership would be totally inspirational, motivational, God-honoring, and growth-oriented. There would be no need to game plan for disruptive behavior or boundary violations in small groups, but we do not live in a perfect world. Leadership is sometimes hard, particularly as it relates to confronting boundary violations and managing disruptive behavior in small groups. This is often because leaders fear the exacerbation of conflict or that they will upset the person they’re confronting and cause him or her to leave the group. But effective leadership sometimes requires hard decisions and approaches to maintain the integrity of the group and keep all members safe. To do this, a leader needs to learn 3 key boundary violation intervention skills (BVIS). This video will show you how. ​
HEALING FROM RELIGIOUS TRAUMA: 5 STEPS THAT LED TO MY RECOVERY FROM RELIGIOUS ABUSE// Most people have never heard of Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) primarily because it is not an official DSM diagnosis, and because it is still considered strange or in some cases, taboo, to raise questions about toxic faith and abuse in religion and the church. But, RTS is a real phenomenon, and it has exacted a horrendous toll on hundreds of thousands of people who will carry its scars for life. But, here’s the good news: it is possible to recover from RTS and live a fully thriving and meaningful life. This video will show church small group leaders and congregants alike how to create God space to access God’s power for strength to choose life-giving responses that lead to growth and freedom. ​

Week 12: A timeline of my health journey

3/8/2018

0 Comments

 
My world
As I near the end of my work in Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross’ “Emotional eating” workbook, I am reminded of the very beginnings of my search for life meaning, health, and happiness. The search started at age 21 when I was admitted, for the first time, into a behavioral health inpatient facility for re-stabilization and mental health recovery. The coping tools and insights I gained during that time have led me to greater life clarity, understanding and meaning. I want to share my journey toward holistic health and how I came to realize that its accomplishment was only possible in the context of a lifestyle change.
I am the oldest of eight children. My parents are still together and have been married for almost forty years. However, when I was ten years old, life took a tumultuous turn that would end up deeply impacting my holistic well-being for over two decades. In the late 80s, near tragedy struck our family when my brother was hit by a speeding water truck while trying to cross the street toward a convenience store we often frequented. He and I had decided to race across the road to see who would make it to the store first. He never made it, and I was devastated when I turned back to see him outstretched on the pavement as people began gathering around.

I ran into the store, and I remember thinking, “this is a movie. It’s not real.” I walked through the aisles with the image of my brother stuck in in my head, and then suddenly, I clasped my chest, eyes bulging, as I heard a frantic, but familiar voice. “Say Jesus, Say Jesus.” My mother had rushed to my brother’s side and was cradling him in her arms as she shouted to him, “Say Jesus, Say Jesus.” Fortunately, my brother had remained conscious and was able to repeat the words to my mom as they waited for the ambulance to arrive. I don’t remember how long it took for the emergency services to get to the scene, but eventually they came and transported my brother to the hospital.

In hindsight, I realize how critical this moment was in shaping the rest of my childhood and early adulthood. It was the turning point for everything in my family. Particularly, and most notably, it was when we got the first real look into my mother’s struggle with mental illness. Furthermore, it was the moment that sent me headlong into the use of food to cope with adversity. As the months progressed, my mom began displaying more symptoms of depression with psychotic features including unexplained crying outbursts, irritability, paranoia, worry and anxiety. The worse she got, the more I turned to food. My dad, who was already emotionally unavailable due to unresolved trauma from his childhood, struggled to adjust to this new family crisis and became even more distant. Suddenly, I was devoid of emotional attachment from both of my parents.

What followed was countless moves from state to state (from Arkansas to Tennesee to Arkansas to Oklahoma back to Arkansas back to Oklahoma and finally back to Arkansas) over the course of seven years. The instability led to my development of extreme anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and suicidal thoughts. By the time I was in the ninth grade, disordered eating had become a regular part of my lifestyle. At times I would barely eat – due to a bevy of reasons and circumstances – and other times I would be ravenous. This back and forth (yo-yo) approach to eating eventually manifested physically after I graduated high school. By the time I was 19 years old, in my first year of college, I was overweight. For over 20 years, I struggled to maintain a balanced approach to eating, which had negative implications for my weight, body image, and self-esteem. Except for a brief period when I lost 30 pounds to meet the requirements for entering the military, I have been over weight my entire adult life.

Call to adventure
Six years after my mental health crises and inpatient hospitalizations, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This is the first time I felt like I needed to become more intentional about taking care of myself. I began studying about PCOS and made subsequent changes to my diet and began exercising; however, those changes were short-lived. But again, at age 35, two and a half years after giving birth, I received news from my son’s pediatric developmental team that my son was autistic. As I tried to make sense of this situation, I became depressed and briefly struggled to make meaning of this new life situation. However, I eventually realized that I couldn’t allow myself to go back to my past. I knew I had to make self-care a priority. This was no longer just about me.

Refusal of the call
I think I initially refused to follow the calls for self-care due to a feeling of helplessness brought on by thoughts that “it’s too hard. I can’t take care of a disabled child and ensure my mental health at the same time.” But this is exactly what I had to do, and as I later found out, it could be done, regardless of how hard it seemed. This was the turning point – increased insight about my power to change my life and be an advocate for my son.

Mentors
Various mentors helped me arrive at this point of enlightenment including God, my books, and university instructors who pointed out my talents, skills, and abilities. My grandmother was an early mentor, and I wish I had gotten the opportunity to pick her brain a little more before she passed away in the summer of 2000.

Crossing the threshold
The first time I committed to a lifestyle change was when I received a book called, “Purpose Driven Life.” I was at my wits end, finally ready to give up on life, and as I’ve said many times to those with whom I have shared my story, “God met me at the corner,” and changed my life. It was the summer of 2017, and my marriage was in dire straits; I was also struggling with suicidal thoughts. I had no reason to believe that my life had any real purpose, so I was trying to decide whether I wanted to end my life or just leave my family. Rick Warren’s message resonated like nothing ever had before, and that’s when I decided to go all out and give life the ultimate chance. I started slowly, one step at a time, but with each step I experienced tremendous peace as I saw change happening right before my eyes. I had finally found my life’s purpose.

Tests, trials, and tribulations
Some things didn’t change immediately, however, including marriage problems and parenting issues surrounding the on-going, around-the-clock care of my son. I continued to struggle with lack of a support system as it related to respite care, and the communication between me and my husband seemed non-existent. I felt like I didn’t know him anymore. But, I refused to give up and began working on a plan to understand my role in the growing distance between us.
 
The wall
My husband’s defensiveness and lack of understanding of my combined struggle with mental health and around-the-clock care of our son was almost too much to handle. I started to experience a lack of compassion and love as I continued to reel from the fact that I did not have a close relationship with my family who I blamed for not being there to support me in my struggle with raising a special needs child. This caused me to reflect on what really needed to be healed in my life.

The ordeal
I realized that if I was going to get through this stage of life successfully, it was going to have to start with me. I needed to stop blaming other people for my feelings and start taking action on the things that I could change. This is when I came to terms with the role I had been playing in my marriage problems. I realized that I needed to get my spiritual life back on track, which included working on deep issues I had never fully explored and resolved in the context of my faith. I began attending a recovery support group and counseling. At that time, I also felt a sense of shame and embarrassment by being in a group with people who were in “recovery.” It sounded like I was an alcoholic or drug abuser. I knew I needed to work on busting this myth and stop judging myself and others.

Lessons and rewards
As I have gone through recovery, I’ve learned that we all go through recovery in some form throughout our lives. Recovery doesn’t always mean that we are seeking to redeem ourselves from drugs or alcohol. It can be recuperation from any debilitating life circumstance such as marriage problems, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, etc. I have learned to take responsibility for my own happiness, to get out of my own way so I can see the best life has to offer, to see the good in others, and to accept human imperfection as a way of life. In essence, I have learned to see people the way I believe the creator sees them – with love, compassion, understanding, and openness. Granted, I am not perfect, so there are days when I forget to see others through the eyes of the creator, but that is my goal and purpose in life and I plan to live it out as fully as possible.

Challenges
Challenges in life persist and sometimes I find myself getting sucked back into the chaos of the life I walked away from. It’s one of those “Just when I thought I was in the clear, here comes murphy’s law” moments. For example, my son struggles with asthma around certain times of the season. Shortly after turning five years old, he developed asthma and had to be hospitalized for stabilization and treatment. Currently, takes daily treatments to keep the asthma under control. Depending on the weather, an asthma attack could strike any day. This has been a constant struggle for me as his primary giver, because I also run a business full time, and if he suddenly gets sick, that means that I have stop everything I’m doing to provide care for him. Without a strong support system, besides my husband, it is very difficult to make consistent business gains. This can be quite discouraging at times, leading to bouts of depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. However, my recovery work has helped me to understand the importance of creating a network outside my immediate family that can provide some relief and keep me from relapsing.  
 
Life change
I no longer focus on my weight, get on the scale, count calories, or stress about a personal trainer or nutritionist. Rather, I focus on creating and maintaining a lifestyle change through consistent holistic health practices such as meal preparation, group exercising and eating whole foods. I have also enlarged my sacred space and have become active in the practice of contemplative prayer. These changes have facilitated my focus on my life’s purpose.
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Gifts
The gifts I have gained from this entire experience so far include a deeper connection to the divine, greater creativity, increased confidence, and a willingness to put myself out there. I now have a business where I mentor moms of children on the autism spectrum to help them de-stress using healing artforms, build resilience through shared key processes, and become transformative agents through informed advocacy. All of this has come as a result of me discovering my life’s purpose and consciously living it out with the aim of making a positive difference in the lives of others.
 
 
 
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    Sophilia Lark-Woodbury

    I am a healing artist, and I believe it is my mission to help other moms like me become masterful life synthesizers and empowered agents through the healing arts. 

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