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Peter Walker penned the book Complex PTSD in 2013. In his words: "I have Complex PTSD and wrote this book from the perspective of someone who has experienced a great reduction of symptoms over the years. I also wrote it from the viewpoint of someone who has discovered many silver linings in the long, windy, bumpy road of recovering from cPTSD."
At this time in my life, well versed in the many ways I struggled with PTSD symptoms based on childhood influence, I welcomed the complex angle. This approach helped me crack the toxic world of masking, looking good and the pressure to perform and fit in. And, as Peter Walker so aptly describes, it is undoubtedly a long, windy, bumpy road.
I no longer take physical hikes, but inner treks are plentiful. Every day I might find myself in the midst of many different kinds of inner treks. cPTSD Treks are an acquired taste, for sure. First of all, there are many Trigger Snipers, and they are good marksmen, ranging from sharpshooters to experts in their field. When they line me up in their sights and pull the trigger, I might not even realize I've been hit. Then, whether I am aware or not, the path becomes more ominous and dangerous, and I find my breathing shallow. If I'm feeling strong, I look around for a Story Reset Way Station to regroup.
Story Reset dialogue goes something like this: "I am in danger; you're stupid for thinking that…
