Sometimes Triggers Can Become Growth Moments

As I’ve mentioned previously, my post-trauma trigger reveals itself when I sense a loss of control. It leaves me feeling agitated and restless. It causes me to hyperfocus. This, in turn, causes me to push other things aside. That can have a tremendous cost.

Since the new presidential administration took over in January, I’ve felt this trigger daily. It’s difficult to watch actions at the federal level negatively affect so many Americans: from veterans to seniors to immigrants to children. And so, feeling like control was out of reach, I knew I was going to go in one of three directions: fight, flight, or freeze.

I chose the fight route. It started like so many others: written frustrations as Facebook posts. Sure, the affirming emojis made me feel good, but was I really promoting any change? I didn’t think so. So I pulled back.

Instead, I began to look around for action-oriented local organizations I could join. The county political party organizations didn’t seem to fit, so I kept looking and that’s when I found Indivisible.org. When I realized the closes local affiliate was 30 miles away, I took it upon myself to start one in my hometown.

I never had a desire to become an activist, and I never wanted to build a group from scratch. But with this mission, I found purpose and that made the necessary work to build it seem worthwhile. The group grew quickly, and I and my newly formed leadership team were forced to fly the plane while we were building it. In its first month, the group grew to more than 300 people. We leaned on a neighboring group for advice and support.

We have one demonstration under our collective belt with a second happening this weekend. I’m proud of the group and its enthusiasm to create action. Group members bring different traits and skills, and together we make a formidable presence. And as importantly, I feel like I have some control regarding how this country looks in the future.

For the better part of 16 years, I’ve classified my triggers as negatives that eroded my demeanor and my relationships. But this is the first time where I’ve felt the trigger did just the opposite. It spurred me to act out of character, and the effects now make positive change. Just when I think I’ve gotten triggers figured out, they surprise me!

I’d love to hear if any of you have been able to turn a trigger into a positive experience. Share in the comments!