Grief is a journey with no set path, no definitive timeline, and certainly no easy answers. As a widowed mom of five, my days are often a whirlwind of responsibilities, emotions, and the constant balancing act of being everything to everyone. It’s a role that demands strength, patience, and an unyielding commitment to my children’s well-being. Yet, amidst this chaos, I’ve found that the most important thing I can do for them is to prioritize my own healing. Recently, I discovered a powerful tool that has opened a new chapter in my journey: EFT Tapping.
Emotional Freedom Techniques, commonly known as EFT or Tapping, is a holistic healing pr
actice that combines elements of cognitive therapy and exposure therapy with acupressure. It’s a method I hadn’t explored much until recently, when I had a personal session with Andrea Hunt of Living Deliberately. I went into the session thinking I was going to address my stress and overwhelm as a single mother. However, what emerged was something much deeper and more profound: a reservoir of unprocessed anger.
Anger isn’t something we often talk about openly, especially as mothers. We’re expected to be nurturing, patient, and composed. But the truth is, trauma and grief have a way of embedding themselves in our bodies, manifesting in ways we might not immediately recognize. For me, that unprocessed anger has been simmering below the surface, erupting in moments of frustration and short-tempered outbursts with my children. I’ve been yelling more than I want to, losing patience over the smallest things, and feeling a deep sense of guilt afterward.
During my session with Andrea, I began tapping on the points of my body – the meridian points – while focusing on my feelings of stress and overwhelm. As I tapped, I spoke aloud about my experiences, my fears, and my frustrations. The simple act of verbalizing these feelings while tapping on specific points allowed my body to release some of the emotional charge associated with them. It was then that the deeper layers of anger began to surface.
I realized that this anger isn’t just about my current situation. It is tied to years of unprocessed trauma, loss, and the immense pressure I have placed on myself to hold everything together. It’s anger at the unfairness of losing my partner, at the struggles my children and I have faced, and at the world for not understanding the weight I carry.
EFT Tapping gives me a safe space to confront these feelings, to acknowledge them without judgment, and to begin the process of letting them go. The relief I felt was immediate and profound. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted, allowing me to breathe more freely and approach my life – and my children – with a renewed sense of calm and patience.
This experience underscores a vital truth: trauma is stored in the body, and it’s essential to find ways to release it. As mothers, especially widowed mothers, we often bear the brunt of our families’ emotional and physical needs. We’re the glue that holds everything together, but we must also recognize the importance of tending to our own wounds.
There are various ways to release trauma and anger from the body. EFT Tapping is just one method, but there are others, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and even physical activities like running or dancing. The key is to find what resonates with you and to make it a regular part of your self-care routine.
Giving yourself permission to heal isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. When we take the time to address our own emotional needs, we become better equipped to support our children. They deserve a mother who isn’t just surviving, but thriving. They need to see that it’s okay to feel, to grieve, and to heal. By prioritizing our own well-being, we’re modeling resilience and self-compassion for them.
If you’re navigating the complexities of grief and trauma, I encourage you to explore EFT Tapping or any other healing practices that speak to you. Reach out for support, whether it’s from a professional like Andrea or a trusted friend. Remember, it’s okay to acknowledge your pain and to seek ways to release it. In doing so, you’re not only giving yourself the gift of healing, but you’re also creating a healthier, happier environment for your children.
Together, we can rise from the ashes, stronger and more compassionate than before. Let’s continue to heal, one step (or tap) at a time.
About Krystal Casey
Krystal's journey began with the healing power of yoga, which led her to open her own studio. However, her life took a challenging turn when her husband was charged with sexual abuse against a minor and subsequently passed away. Despite the immense grief, Krystal found the strength to persevere for the sake of her five children. Through months of self-care, self-intimacy, and self-empowerment, she discovered a new level of resilience and inner strength.
Now, as a motivational speaker and international best-selling author, Krystal is on a mission to help other moms and widows find hope and healing. She is dedicated to speaking out against generational trauma, abuse, and adversity, offering a voice of empowerment and change.
If you are a widow or mom struggling to find hope and strength, Krystal Casey is here to support you. Connect with her through krystalcasey.com for resources, inspiration, and guidance on your journey to healing and empowerment. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.