How I learned I wasn’t an introvert: Healing Social Trauma and Building Community

A big focus of my 30s has been dedicated to healing social trauma in myself. I used to think I was an introvert, or anti-social…later I thought, maybe I’ve got Asperger’s? (Maybe I do.)

Now, I realize that I’m healing from social trauma and complex PTSD, stemming from the beginning of early childhood. It’s been a weird and fascinating journey!

Back in 2013, I attended the Birth Without Fear Conference in DFW. I think it was the first one ever. I did henna art on dozens of lovely mamas there, and one said she lived “in Central Texas”.

I said, “Oh, me too!”

However, both of us had been burned socially too many times, and didn’t want to risk disappointment again – so we just added each other on social media and stayed virtual friends.

…for the next FIVE YEARS. Continue reading →