ഇനി എത്ര ദൂരം

 

From Baggage to Freedom: Healing the Wounds of the Past

We’ve all heard the phrase “carrying emotional baggage.” It’s an image that instantly comes to mind—a suitcase stuffed with memories, fears, and feelings we can’t seem to put down. But when that baggage comes from trauma, it’s not just a poetic metaphor. It’s a real, lived experience that can weigh heavily on the mind, body, and spirit. Trauma isn’t only about the events that happened to us; it’s also about the way our mind and body hold on to them. Whether it’s the ache left by childhood neglect, the shock of a violent event, or the slow burn of repeated smaller wounds, trauma embeds itself deep in our nervous system. Even after the moment has passed, our body can still respond as though the danger is right in front of us. As trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk reminds us in The Body Keeps the Score, these experiences can stay locked inside, showing up years later as triggers, survival habits, and emotional responses that seem to come from nowhere.

Living with trauma can feel like carrying an invisible backpack that’s far too heavy. The simplest daily tasks take more energy, and the way we see the world starts to shift—safe situations can suddenly feel unsafe, and moments that should bring joy feel muted. It can show up in so many ways: the constant hum of anxiety, the inability to fully trust, a sense of emotional numbness, the pull toward unhealthy relationship patterns, or even physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and unexplained aches. This isn’t about stubbornly holding on to pain; it’s about the brain doing its best to protect us. Our mind is wired for survival, so when trauma happens, it stores every detail to keep us from being hurt again. The problem is, that protection system can stay stuck in overdrive, making us react to new situations as though they’re the same old danger.

Letting go isn’t about erasing the past, but loosening its hold so it no longer dictates our choices or relationships. Healing begins by acknowledging what we carry, understanding its impact, and, when needed, seeking support—whether through trauma-focused therapy, safe and trusting relationships, or self-compassion. A professional psychologist can be an invaluable guide, offering a safe space to unpack experiences, teaching grounding techniques, reframing painful memories, and helping to break unhelpful patterns. With the right support, we can begin telling our story not just as survivors of trauma, but as people reclaiming our lives.

The shift that comes from letting go can be profound. The emotional freedom to live in the present without the shadow of old wounds. Relationships that feel lighter and safer because trust is no longer guarded by constant fear. Energy that returns once the emotional weight is lifted. A deeper sense of self-worth and a growing belief that joy, peace, and love are not only possible—they are deserved. Resilience becomes second nature, and doors that once felt closed begin to open. Letting go creates space for growth, creativity, and experiences that make life rich again.

Trauma may be a chapter in our story, but it doesn’t have to be the whole book. We are so much more than what happened to us. Healing isn’t about “getting over it”—it’s about learning to live with the memory without letting it control the future. Sometimes, the most courageous thing we can do is to open that suitcase, really look at what’s inside, and say, “This is what I’ve carried, but it’s not all that I am.” And then, little by little, we set it down and take our next step—lighter, freer, and ready for what’s ahead.

Arsha. P. P.

Assistant Professor and Head

Department of Psychology,

Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Keezhattur, Perinthalmanna.