As the existential psychotherapist Irvin Yalom put it, sooner or later, you’ll have to "give up hope for a better past." Here’s how to move forward with your life with meaning and hope.
This is one of the most succinct and impactful articles I’ve read on this topic ever. The examples and forward thinking descriptions are powerful. I believe every single human being is a victim one way or another, traumatic or otherwise dealing with something from the past or current. In other words, we all need help. I don’t say this lightly, this piece should be required reading for every human being - it will help set the person free, to educate themselves in how to move forward in life. It provides great hope.
Bravo, Scott! We have to keep amplifying this message. We CAN move past our childhood trauma/trauma. It’s work. And it takes dedication. But it is possible. We can not only survive, but thrive after a difficult start.
That’s epic, Dr. Kaufman; My name is Michael, and I’d be honored and privileged to learn about you, your work, and your upcoming new book! I truly know what it’s like to have Social Anxiety due to bullying in elementary and middle schools, respectively, life transitions, childhood trauma, grief, and low self-esteem. Fortunately, I have some social support from friends and supportive individuals in my life, going forward. I love the idea of post-traumatic growth, no question about it. It reminds me of an idealized vision regarding inspiration, realization, and action for each and every one of us, in order to thrive via human flourishing. My hope and aim is to become a professional of Positive Psychology, Coach/Consultant, Educator, and Writer, all towards enhancing people’s lives by helping others to access their potential. I love Positive Psychology with a passion and a calling, so connecting via the human psyche and the human spirit is of paramount importance. Much appreciated and much needed, Dr. Kaufman!
This is such an important message -- loved the blend of fiction with actual case studies.
As a person with a lifelong hearing impairment (relative to the statistical norms), I used to resent my awful experiences as a kid (at the hands of teachers, classmates, and some family members). However, as I've matured, I've come to value these as cornerstones of my core strengths as a person. I've achieved things in my personal life and my career that were absolutely driven by those events. It feels like basic physics (every action carries an equal and opposite reaction; the Third Law of Motion, maybe it can be reframed as the Third Law of Emotion)
Congrats on the PT feature! Brilliantly framed and so gently handled, Scott. This is a helpful reminder to all of us that we can move on, with some work; and even more so, permission and a roadmap for those who have suffered more deeply. I especially appreciated how you kept reminding your readers that it's ok to feel the trauma, but then, "let's move on," and here's how. The weaving in of the "Cold Farm" story is also very effective. Thanks so much for posting this.
There’s something liberating about accepting that the past can’t be rewritten—only reframed. The distinction between taking responsibility and taking blame is such an important one. It’s a subtle shift, but it changes everything.
This is one of the most succinct and impactful articles I’ve read on this topic ever. The examples and forward thinking descriptions are powerful. I believe every single human being is a victim one way or another, traumatic or otherwise dealing with something from the past or current. In other words, we all need help. I don’t say this lightly, this piece should be required reading for every human being - it will help set the person free, to educate themselves in how to move forward in life. It provides great hope.
Bravo, Scott! We have to keep amplifying this message. We CAN move past our childhood trauma/trauma. It’s work. And it takes dedication. But it is possible. We can not only survive, but thrive after a difficult start.
That’s epic, Dr. Kaufman; My name is Michael, and I’d be honored and privileged to learn about you, your work, and your upcoming new book! I truly know what it’s like to have Social Anxiety due to bullying in elementary and middle schools, respectively, life transitions, childhood trauma, grief, and low self-esteem. Fortunately, I have some social support from friends and supportive individuals in my life, going forward. I love the idea of post-traumatic growth, no question about it. It reminds me of an idealized vision regarding inspiration, realization, and action for each and every one of us, in order to thrive via human flourishing. My hope and aim is to become a professional of Positive Psychology, Coach/Consultant, Educator, and Writer, all towards enhancing people’s lives by helping others to access their potential. I love Positive Psychology with a passion and a calling, so connecting via the human psyche and the human spirit is of paramount importance. Much appreciated and much needed, Dr. Kaufman!
This is such an important message -- loved the blend of fiction with actual case studies.
As a person with a lifelong hearing impairment (relative to the statistical norms), I used to resent my awful experiences as a kid (at the hands of teachers, classmates, and some family members). However, as I've matured, I've come to value these as cornerstones of my core strengths as a person. I've achieved things in my personal life and my career that were absolutely driven by those events. It feels like basic physics (every action carries an equal and opposite reaction; the Third Law of Motion, maybe it can be reframed as the Third Law of Emotion)
I love this article so much. It reminded me of the power I have to change. Thank you, Scott!
That’s awesome Scott - can’t wait to read the whole book! It sounds right up my alley 😍
Congrats on the PT feature! Brilliantly framed and so gently handled, Scott. This is a helpful reminder to all of us that we can move on, with some work; and even more so, permission and a roadmap for those who have suffered more deeply. I especially appreciated how you kept reminding your readers that it's ok to feel the trauma, but then, "let's move on," and here's how. The weaving in of the "Cold Farm" story is also very effective. Thanks so much for posting this.
There’s something liberating about accepting that the past can’t be rewritten—only reframed. The distinction between taking responsibility and taking blame is such an important one. It’s a subtle shift, but it changes everything.
Thank you for saying exactly what I need to hear!😊