Turning point, endings and beginnings

In 2024 I took a very big breath. It really was ok to finally put down my sword and shield…

For the first time, that year gave me space to think, feel and breath. Freedom to have choices that were mine. It was a challenging year of continuous huge reflective waves of relief, fear, shock and horror of what I and my family had been through over the last 7 years as well as many previous emotional wounds that seemed to have linked one after the other spanning 25 years…..with what’s next, mixed in.

A year to look at my seemingly brokenness directly in the eye, attempts at processing it and letting go of the feelings and pain that I no longer needed to hold on to or allow to hold me, it was scary and hard to work through. A deep, intense journey of recovery was 2024 for me. Not to mention turning 50, albeit the furthest thing from my mind but still a significant milestone that drew a very clear line representing leaving the past behind me and a chance to start again.

Finally, being able to stop being in survival mode, and taking time to look inwards, giving myself permission, forgiveness, self-love and the overdue nurture that was very needed if I was to begin to identify and recognise myself again, my likes, my cares, my needs, my passion, my loves? All was needed to be rediscovered for me to begin to move forwards. 

It was a year for me to begin to reflect and breathe again while at the same time being in a complete heap of lostness, along with overwhelming relief from worry, & living in constant fight or flight. Last year allowed me to completely begin to open up, be vulnerable, begin to identify, begin to rediscover my true self and have clearer understanding of those around me, how they see me and excepting what was overwhelming love and support I've now been shown by those before I didn't let in. I am now in a much lighter, clearer state of mind and excited to embark on 2025 a much happier, grown and even stronger woman than I was before. 

This new feeling of freedom and new beginnings is such a blessing, and something I feel truly grateful for and know I 100% deserve

I have come a very long way with my recovery in a year but I am still very much on a healing road, only now just beginning trauma therapy. Nothing is a quick fix (especially with the current NHS waiting lists!) 

The beauty of what I can take from my journeys and can hugely benefit from, is that I have such a wealth of life experience, in-sight, tools and skill sets to now live by. I am able to feel good about putting my needs, happiness and well-being first, so I can ultimately be the best for those I love and care about around me. I somehow even managed to study throughout that time to become a professional, an accredited NLP master practitioner and performance coach, so that I can now officially help and support others to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.

Giving yourself the space and unlimited time is vital to be able to see yourself and situation clearer. Reaching out, honest communication, sharing your vulnerabilities and educating yourself feeds the magic in believing in yourself again, it is key to recovery, a better life and achieving what you want.

There is no limit on how much time is needed for emotional recovery. We are all unique. It is ok to not be ok, just try not to struggle through it alone, it will only take longer to get through and overcome, whatever that not ok is.

All experiences are ours to be had for a reason. Learn from them, forgive, take from it the positive and leave the rest in the past.

It’s all about the now, be present in it, every day is a new beginning and the littlest of steps will get you there.

Claire Sparrow

www.clairesparrow.co