Post Traumatic Growth
Leala King
We’re always, almost dead.
Last year, I was visiting my brother in Colombia, when my intestines decided to twist themselves around the scar tissue from my appendectomy (from 13 years ago) and die inside me. There was nothing I could do to prevent it, there is currently nothing I can to prevent it from happening again.
It was an absolutely lovely and normal day that turned into 18 hours of animal instincts, blinding pain, and fear for my life turned wishing for death.
After sixteen of thrashing around with IVs in both arms, throwing up every 45 minutes, and still no answers on why I felt like someone was blowing up a metal studded balloon in my stomach, I was ready to let go. I was proud of how I’d fought thus far, and the idea of death was welcome. I could slip into the afterlife, and the pain would slip away too.
But I didn’t slip away. The pain did dissipate all at once. And looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Post-traumatic growth is when you feel happier after a traumatic experience. Your priorities shift, you unleash your best qualities, take advantage of everyday and live a fuller life.
Which feels very relevant to 2020. The uncertainty and chaos that surrounds us everyday is traumatizing. We are losing loved ones, worrying about money, missing friends, dealing with kids and work at the same time, and trying to stay safe.
But sometimes trauma is a blessing. It shocks us into gratitude.
I went from rock climbing daily to not being able to walk overnight. I went from constant laughter, to not laughing for weeks. I went from insatiably hungry, to a fear of food. I felt absolutely hopeless.
But now, all I have is hope.
We choose what we take from our experiences, and since it seems pretty likely that 2020 is going to continue to serve up traumatic experiences, I encourage you to find the silver lining and let it shake you to your core. Find hope, and let it guide you. Turn the trauma into urgent optimism.
I mean, you’re always, almost dead anyway.
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lullabies for u by Giullian Gioiello
A collection of songs that will lightly walk you into a melancholy world, filled with memories of old.
For when you are yearning to feel wistful, nostalgic and above all, warm…
Take a step into some dreams with some of my favorite sleepy tunes.
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Club:: Kenzoo by Toney Clemons
For the lovers. For the Feelers. For the Healers. Maiy you influence for the Better. ForEverMaiyanna:: Praise Up
With an auxiliary cord and a ‘smartphone’ I throw a party in your home.
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what day is it by Annamara
A hug in playlist form.
Three hours of good vibrations. Enjoy a stream of songs old and new that soothe the soul.
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Luv letter to NYC by Caroline
This playlist originated during a moment a few weeks ago on a bench in Domino Park while I was unapologetically seduced by the New York skyline during sunset, her sexiest hour. FEENING for a soundtrack to experience my love for New York with, I scrolled to Tupac “Heaven Ain’t Hard 2 Find”, clicked NEW PLAYLIST, and wrote my love letter to New York. In a time where we have been stripped of obligation and distraction, we have an opportunity to connect with self and surroundings. Even without places to go and people to see, New York remains so full of life, opportunity, and energy.The sultry, soulful and blatant sounds of this playlist I hope can complement, accentuate, and maximize your feelings for NY. New York is the meal that satisfies every taste bud, the song that just gets it right, the lover that challenges, pushes, and accepts in every way. Something for everyone here, enjoy my NY lovers!!! xoxo
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DELIVERED
Law Chen
A notable insight on one of the backbones of New York in normal times and even more so during this pandemic, bike couriers.
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EXCELSIOR
Elle Ginter + Stephania Dulowski
An uplifting visual film from New Yorkers shot on an iPhone
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