In a conversation with the remarkable Aunty Pua Burgess, a treasure of hope and resilience, she shared with me a valuable piece of wisdom: "Become a steward, not a victim of the experience." This pearl, along with many others, provided me with a much-needed boost on my resilience journey. Throughout life, we inevitably encounter the "bridge of hope" – a necessary pathway we must traverse when faced with trauma, either firsthand or while supporting others in adversity. It marks the point where despair begins, leading us towards our final destination: hope.
The significance of protective and promotive factors cannot be overstated. These factors help alleviate the effects of trauma and provide a shield of support, preventing new traumas from occurring as safety and connection become disrupted, compromised, and challenged. So, what do you do when you find yourself disconnected? Take a moment to reflect on a challenging time in your life. Consider how you managed to stay afloat. Who or what provided assistance during that time? And most importantly, how can you be a source of hope for someone who needs to cross their own "bridge of hope"?
When we are equipped with the knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), we have kuleana- a responsibility and privilege to "put on the trauma lens" and support those around us who may be in need of a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply a comforting presence that can help restore safety and connection. Aunty Pua instilled this in me, and I hope it guides you on your journey of building hope, wellness, and resilience. Please feel free to share your thoughts, reflections, and experiences of both receiving and providing help along the path of hope.
Mālama,
Danny
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