By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate
Seven months ago, I stood at the edge of my darkest, most desperate place—emotionally bruised, suffocated by fear and pain, and desperate for any escape. I finally found the courage to step away, reach out for help, and reclaim my life. Today, with the unwavering support of friends, family, and professionals, I see the light at the end of the tunnel—and the real me is beautifully returning.
From Surface Smiles to Soulful Happiness
For years, I mastered the art of the “smiley mask,” projecting optimism even as the weight inside built higher and darker. Smiles and witty quips hid a relentless churn of anxiety, sadness, and self-doubt. But now, that positivity no longer lives merely on the surface—it wells up from deep within, growing stronger and more authentic every day.
The Healing Work and Its Psychological Effects
- Rewiring the Stress Response
- Chronic stress had my HPA axis (the brain–body stress circuit) stuck in overdrive—high cortisol, poor sleep, constant hypervigilance. Through therapy, breathwork, and consistent self-care routines, my cortisol rhythms are normalizing. I’m sleeping deeper, waking refreshed, and no longer living in a constant “fight-or-flight” mode.
- Strengthening Executive Control
- My prefrontal cortex—the seat of decision-making and emotional regulation—was dulled by prolonged trauma. Practices like journaling, cognitive reframing, and goal-setting have revived it. Now, I’m able to notice old negative thought-loops and choose kinder, more empowering narratives instead.
- Neuroplastic Growth
- Activities like daily walks, gentle yoga, and learning new skills have sparked hippocampal neurogenesis—literally growing new neurons that help me integrate past pain into a coherent story, rather than reliving it in looped flashbacks.
- Restored Self-Efficacy
- Each small victory—setting a boundary, completing a project, reaching out when I needed help—has rebuilt my belief in myself. Psychologically, self-efficacy combats learned helplessness, replacing “I can’t” with “I can and I will.”
- Deepened Positive Affect
- Oxytocin released in moments of genuine connection (warm hugs, open conversations, heartfelt laughter) now balances stress hormones. My baseline mood has shifted: joy isn’t just a fleeting burst—it’s a stable undercurrent.
Looking Ahead: Years of Love, Harmony, and Truth
My dream is simple and profound: to live my remaining years surrounded by love, harmony, and truth alongside my family. Freedom, for me, is more than the absence of control—it’s the presence of choice, authenticity, and safety. Every day, I cultivate:
- Gratitude for the resilience I discovered within
- Compassion for my own journey and for others on similar paths
- Courage to speak my truth, even when it trembles
- Connection that nourishes rather than depletes
I’ve done the hard work and reaped the rewards. Now, I stand free—free to write new chapters, free to embrace every sunrise with wonder, and free to love without apology.
Seven months ago, I felt utterly lost—trapped in fear and despair. Today, thanks to incredible support and unwavering self-work, my joy runs deep. My brain and heart have rewritten old stories: stress has given way to peace, anxiety to authentic happiness. I’m ready to spend my days in love, harmony, and truth. Freedom at last. 🌿✨
#FreedomAtLast #HealingJourney #Neuroplasticity #SurvivorStrong #DeepJoy
If you—or someone you know—is wrestling with trauma or looking to rediscover authentic happiness, remember: change is possible. Start small, seek support, and honor each step forward.
— Linda C J Turner
Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
