Trust is something natural, normal—a starting place of innocence. It is part of who I am.
A frightened baby is a child experiencing a kind of trauma—an experience of shock or pain. It is an injury in need of healing.
Reassurance is like a gentle, soothing lotion being smoothed over the skin. “Don’t worry, you are safe!”, feels warm and light. I soak it up and it sinks into me, like sunlight in a swimming pool is comforting, and I know it’s true. Recovering is reclaiming memories of peace and safety.
My mother’s womb was safe. I was protected, cradled, and nothing bad happened there. This is an early memory I never lose that I can build into today.
It is not weak or foolish to enjoy the sense of peaceful joy that comes when I am floating in a shady spot in waters cool, but not too cold. I can hear the birds. Even traffic sounds are part of what is normal, reassuring, and familiar to me.
I work Step Three remembering a Higher Power cradled me before my birth and I accepted this as normal then. It is my “normal” memory that I can claim again and give myself into its loving care! A loving Power carries me, protects me, and provides my needs today.
KATHLEEN S.