Linda's Corner: Inspiration for a Better Life

Echoes of War: Healing from Generational Trauma - Becky Ellis (Military Family Challenges)

Linda Bjork/Becky Ellis Season 5 Episode 33

Becky Ellis is the daughter of a decorated World War II veteran who carried a heavy burden of PTSD that affected generations.  Becky's shares the wisdom learned through hard conversations that helped bring generational healing.  Becky has spent over 20 years in the publishing industry, she is the author of “Little Avalanches,” and the daughter of a highly decorated World War II combat sergeant.  You can reach Becky at her website https://beckyellis.net

Some of the highlights Becky shares:  

  • How the trauma of a war veteran can be passed down several generations
  • How military families can live behind a veil of secrecy 
  • In combat situations, people are expected to turn off emotions and become dehumanized - then are expected to just flip a switch and turn it all back on when they get home
  • People don't want to talk about hard things, because they don't want to remember hard things, but hard conversations can bring about healing
  • We are profoundly affected by the secrets we carry
  • It was safe to talk to my father when he was 89, but it wasn't when he was 50 - waiting until people are ready requires patience and perseverance
  • Carrying survivors guilt
  • Seeing others for who they are, not for who we want or need them to be
  • Perspective challenges traditional notions of relationships
  • How to start a hard conversation 
  • "There's something I want to say, and I don't know how to do it..."
  • Increasing compassion for family members and for all of humanity
  • People need to be seen, heard, and felt
  • Healing happens when we "feel" each other
  • We can "feel" even if we can't "understand"
  • It takes practice
  • Adults take in memoirs like children take in fairy tales - it's a form of practice
  • Break cycles of generational pain and suffering
  • And more


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Also please visit the Hope for Healing website at hopeforhealingfoundation.org for free resources to increase happiness, build confidence and self esteem, improve relationships, manage stress, and calm feelings of depression and anxiety.   Become the champion of your own story as you overcome your challenges.