Jeannie Ewing on Life after Trauma with Clare Egan

Clare, I want to thank you for this thoughtful post today. It was refreshing and validating to read that it's important to allow ourselves to feel rage. That is one aspect of trauma recovery I still feel immensely ashamed of--anger and rage. Also about stepping back from important relationships. That's a tough one, too. What I do is allow myself room to be alone when I need to, because my window of tolerance has always been narrow--always, since childhood--and I need frequent breaks living with a husband, five kids, and a dog. In the past, they would get offended by this, and I in turn would feel guilty. Now I just say "I need a break, and I'm going to be in my room reading for a while," and whether or not they receive that is on them. Everything you mentioned here is so vital to recovery: rest, therapy, nature. And I want to say one last thing: I get what you mean about "making it" as a writer. You are doing worthy work, Clare. You are honoring so many people's lives and stories and your own, as well. Thank you for that. I'm glad you keep showing up in this space. We need your voice.