I am the Expert on Me - Trauma Aware

This is a gentle reminder that you are indeed the expert on you regardless of what you've been led to believe. This short empowering is intended for folks who have experienced their voice being taken away when it comes to the subject of themselves, particularly those who have also survived trauma. This audio is spoken in the first-person language and is set to gentle music.

Music by Ahjay Stelino

Transcript

I am the expert on me.

I have my own wisdom that is unique.

No one else knows what it feels like to be me,

In my body or in my mind.

No other human has experienced living just as I have.

My hopes,

Dreams and goals are mine alone.

I have the most knowledge on who I am.

There are those who can help me with guidance,

Lessons and their own unique wisdom,

But they are not in charge of my life.

Having safe and supportive connections can help with making my life a more pleasant experience,

No doubt.

And yet,

It is vital that I provide myself with support and safety.

Which sounds like an easy task,

But I know this can take some work.

I am willing,

To the best of my ability,

To keep walking this path.

There have been those who thought they knew better than me.

They were wrong in that assumption.

Professionals who waved their expertise around,

All while ignoring the expert in front of them,

Me.

I may have not known I had a choice.

I may have not known what questions to ask,

And I may simply have not been listened to.

I forgive myself for what I did not know.

I believed,

As I was taught that I should defer to authorities for answers.

It is not my fault that certain hierarchies are built into society,

And we are expected to go with the flow.

But now I know better.

There were also likely times during trauma in my life that no was not presented as an option.

Indeed,

It may have been forbidden.

My boundaries were broken,

And so too was my ability to hear my own voice.

My voice may have become hidden in order to survive.

Even then,

My innate wisdom knew what to do.

And so I offer myself compassion and gratefulness for doing my best.

And now I can live differently.

I make a commitment that I will seek out my inner expert.

That I will take the time to learn what my voice sounds like.

What is my yes,

My no,

My maybe,

Or even my I'm just not sure yet.

I will seek out people who respect my autonomy,

And will show others respect by doing the same for them.

I take notice of my insight.

I nurture my intrinsic value.

I am the expert,

And I will remain a lifelong learner on this fascinating subject of me.

Reviews

I have been having trouble believing in my expert wisdom of myself instead of listening to the stories of others. Grateful for this meditation today.

When I’m not sure what I’m feeling. And boy am I really feeling recently, I just know Heidi knows. I’m on a train and I’d love to have a good cry but I don’t think so. Thank you.

OMG…as a trauma survivor, this speaks to me so deeply on more levels that even I was aware existed (which is saying a lot)!