You're not supposed to talk about it. It's the underside of war that stays hidden deep inside. The unspeakable part of duty. The things you had to do to survive, the things you saw others do, the transgressions against humanity. No one wants to talk about guilt or shame. (Also called "moral injury".) But the … Continue reading What Veterans Can Do With Guilt, Shame After War
The Physically Wounded: Who Are You Now?
Losing a part of your body or function involves deep physical, spiritual, and emotional pain. The war is carried in your body and sometimes just looking at yourself in the mirror takes you right back to the trauma. There are days and nights of endless time, uncertainty, faith, fear, and somewhere deep—a gritty unwillingness to … Continue reading The Physically Wounded: Who Are You Now?
The Purpose of War
Sooner or later you are going to start wondering just what the real purpose of the war is and was. Everyone will have an opinion, but no one will have an answer. The war, for you, will be what you decide it will be. Your role and experiences will determine the meaning you assign to … Continue reading The Purpose of War
Why Veterans Need to be Allowed to Grieve
The cost of war to the human spirit can be summed up with one word: loss. The loss of sanctity of life, boundaries, safety, control. The loss of relationship - with ourselves, others, loved ones, our jobs, who we used to be, the future we planned. Loss holds the wounds of war in its hand. … Continue reading Why Veterans Need to be Allowed to Grieve
Your Independence Day
Independence Day. The day the United States celebrates her declaration of freedom. Make this your personal Independence Day. What do you need to be free of? What's holding you back? What can you let go of? Or even just decide to let go of? Freedom comes step by step. And it starts with an intention, … Continue reading Your Independence Day