There are moments in life that define us. Moments so intense, so overwhelming, they change who we are. Often, we don’t seek them, or want them. They are just given to us for one reason or another. For me, one of those moments occurred while I was leading an expedition at sea. That experience was unique—broadcasted globally, highly criticized, and one I will never forget. But, as I reflect on that time, I realize that a large portion of my trauma lies not in the event itself, but in the fact that it was shared with the world.
The world watched as it unfolded and I knew that. There were countless opinions, judgments, and speculations. People looked at me, the leader, and asked how it could happen under my watch. The criticism was harsh. Plies of voicemails, emails, notes on the doors of our office, speculative YouTube videos, vulturous media inquiries, and endless comments online. At times, it felt as though the weight of the world was on my shoulders. In the aftermath, I struggled with guilt, anger, and questions that had no answers. But, as I began to heal, something became abundantly clear: my experience, while unique in the sense of its visibility, wasn’t unique in the fact that I was a human living through something terrible.
Every person who experiences trauma—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a personal crisis, or a life-altering event—faces their own unique battle. No two journeys through suffering are identical. What happened to me may not something you can compare directly to your experience, but that doesn’t mean our paths to healing aren’t the same.
The path to recovery is just as hard, whether you’re grieving the loss of someone close to you, completely rebuilding your life after a disaster, or coming to terms with something that shakes you to your core. The human experience of trauma is universal. What I learned through my journey, and what I hope to share with you, is that healing is possible. It’s not easy, and it sure doesn’t happen overnight.
The recovery process requires acknowledging the pain, seeking support, and giving yourself the grace to heal. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability, understanding that asking for help is not a weakness but a courageous act of self-care. It’s about choosing to move forward one step at a time, even when that path seems impossible to navigate.
I know from experience that recovery is not linear. Some days are better than others. But as I continue on this journey, I remind myself that my story, though seen by millions, is no different from yours. You too are a human navigating the complexities of life, grappling with your own pain and moving toward healing in your own way.
So, if you’re facing your own trauma, know this: you are not alone. Your path may look different from mine, but we are all walking the same road to recovery. It’s okay to not have all the answers right now, but trust that with time, patience, and support, healing will come.
You don’t need to have your trauma broadcasted to the world to know that your experience is valid. Your pain matters, and your recovery is just as significant as anyone else’s. Let that be a reminder as you take your own steps toward healing, knowing that the path may be difficult, but it is yours to navigate and conquer.
Stay strong and be kind to yourself.
Photo by Carol Fung
