Beauty from trauma

We recently spent over a week in lovely Eden on the Far South Coast of NSW – a coast that has been shaped by the forces of ancient volcanoes and the on-going power of erosion. This has resulted in some beautiful rock formations, and it got me thinking about how the traumas of life also shape beautiful characters.

We are shaped by our past

In fact we cannot let go of our pasts, as they become an integral part of us and of our life journeys. We may deal with the intensity of emotions and reactions so that they lessen over time, and we can view past events from new perspectives and with new wisdom that comes from experience, but we cannot erase the past.

Trauma can create beauty

The lines of strata in this rock have been laid down over time and then uplifted to form amazing new patterns. Some of the loveliest people I have worked with have been those who have been victims of domestic violence and/ or childhood abuse.

The development of character

The words of Helen Keller echo others who have written similar sentiments:

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only though the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.

I will leave you with some more images of Eden’s coast.