In the journey of trauma recovery, we spend a lot of time talking about triggers—those unexpected moments that send our nervous system into a state of high alert. Triggers are important to understand, but they are only half of the story. To find balance, we also need to look for glimmers.

There is the trauma itself, and then there is the silence that follows when people doubt your truth. In the world of trauma recovery, we often call this the second wound. When you share your story and it is met with skepticism, "devil’s advocacy," or denial, the pain can feel as intense as the original event. It can make you question your own reality and deepen the roots of shame.

When healing from trauma, we often wait for the "big" breakthroughs—the profound realizations in therapy or the moments where we feel a significant internal shift. But true, sustainable healing often happens in the quiet, microscopic moments between those sessions.

For many survivors of sexual trauma the aftermath is often dominated by an unexpected and heavy guest: shame. Unlike guilt, which says, "I did something bad," shame whispers, "I am bad." It is a pervasive, weight-bearing emotion that can make you feel isolated even in a room full of people. But here is the first thing you need to know: The shame you carry does not belong to you.