An excerpt from Adytum that means the world to me:

"My father would have said to my mother, “Mama, look what we started!” Their lives were always complete when their family gathered around them, as is mine. 

Joy of family is an inheritance never to be outweighed. 

Memories tell our stories. Sharing memories reminds us of how far we’ve come. And the future holds dreams of where we still hope to be. But throughout our lives, family is the centre."  

I understand that not all of us can rely on our family for stability. Still, we can create our own if we need it. Some form of stability in our lives is essential in dealing with PTSD. I was one of the lucky ones, I guess. 

For others, however, stability is a lifelong struggle. Some people can’t hold a job because they’re unable to show up on time or behave appropriately with bosses or co-workers. Others make poor choices in partners or quickly flit from one relationship to the next. Some survivors have difficulty managing food intake and may become overweight. Sleep patterns for some can be erratic with nightmares being unavoidable. Still others experience emotional highs and lows.  

But we should all be able to create some form of stability in our lives be it with or without the help of our family. If you can though, rely on family support when you can. 

Ways to create stability for yourself if family is the issue you need to overcome: 

1. Create Consistency in Routines: 

2. Daily Routines—create for yourself a predictable/doable daily schedule as simple as waking up, eating and exercise. Start simple and build up a routine that works for you every day. 

3. Consistent Habits help build daily routines—these habits should be cultivated and worked into your day gradually. Things like a regular sleep habit that occurs at approximately the same time each night. Practice good nutrition consistently, whether eating in or out. Exercise at the same approximate time every day. 

4. Cultivate a Mindful Approach to Good thoughts and emotions: 

5. Meditation – to promote a sense of calm and focus. 

6. Practice Self-regulation – try to develop a sure way to recognize and manage your emotions. (Some professional help may be needed here.) 

7. Positive Thinking – focus on your strengths and believe in your ability to achieve your goals. (Remember, baby steps get there in the end.) 

8. Find Activities that bring you joy and purpose: 

9. Hobbies and Interests—engage in activities that bring you joy and make you feel fulfilled. 

10. Setting Goals—set realistic goals that are achievable and work toward achieving them. 

11. Gratitude—practice being grateful for the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem in the beginning. 

12. Being in Nature—spend time outdoors to connect with nature and to experience its calming effects. 

13. Unplug from Technology—take breaks from technology to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. 

 Other Tips: 

• Find time for solitude: Allow yourself moments of quiet reflection and introspection.  

• Be kind to yourself: Forgive your mistakes and acknowledge your strengths.  

• Practice good posture: Maintain good posture to improve balance and stability. 

In short, try to create a mindful life. A life in which you take control of you.