Each human being is unique, with countless possibilities to experience the most diverse situations. Since our earliest memories of childhood, we’re accumulating the most remarkable experiences throughout life; usually, that caused greater excitement.

A birthday party, that expected ride, a trip, the pratfalls of bike, playing with cousins, a special gift. Are sweet memories that hark back to a time when the infant look was more awake for the details and charms of new, beautiful.

However, our memory is full not only of good memories. There is much talked about traumatic events experienced in various stages of child development, but there are also those that occur during the passage through adolescence and what we face in adulthood.

Like it was yesterday

This other side of the coin tends to be more difficult to elaborate. Pain causes us to remember the suffering of physical or emotional violence, sexual abuse, the loss of a loved one, as well as the feelings of helplessness, loneliness and despair. Some even claim to remember with such clarity the details of the trauma, which we could report”as if it were today”. When you say that sentence, you’re telling the truth.

Certain people carry the burden of pain that end up weighing more as time goes on. The memory becomes as a pet, something to be remember not to fall by the wayside or to feed a sense of victimization. Others, on the contrary, they try to forget, at all costs, the traumatic events that appear as unwanted flashes at times. Sometimes, they put a blanket over the past and try to live as if this pain did not exist. Some even seek refuge in drugs and drink, with the desire to find a momentary comfort.

Dirt of the soul

First, it is important to contact the uncomfortable situation openly and transparently. Talking about it can help in the development of what happened, especially if the event was in childhood or adolescence. The adult you are today can support and comfort the child who you were and that I had no internal resources to deal with the situation at that time. Embrace the pain, recognize the suffering and, if an emotion, open up the tears that can wash the dirt of the soul.

This can be a long and painful process. However, we are talking about the quality of your life, the freedom you deserve to try to take that load, which leaves their slow steps.

Dark and cold lands

As you are walking in these dark and cold lands, you can launch a light of understanding, a hot breath of forgiveness that, gradually, will bring new meanings to your story. If any step is very difficult, be patient with yourself, but don’t stop! Ask God for the grace needed to deal with these pains, count on the help of other people or professionals who can assist you in this process.

In the end, you may discover that forgiveness – of the other and yourself – can and leaves you free to live without bitterness and hatred. You might find an inner strength that you had no idea that you possessed, and a serene look can appear on your face, along with a smile. It is worth knowing a new way to visit the past and deal with the pain that seemed eternal.