Episode 1 | “I Should Be Over This By Now” Why Healing Can Feel Stuck and How to Come Back to Safety

Have you ever been triggered and immediately thought, “I should be over this by now”? In this solo episode, Lydia shares a recent real-life “wobble” where old feelings of being “too much” came rushing back, even after doing so much healing work. Together, we unpack why this happens, how the nervous system stores survival responses, and why healing is not a straight line. You’ll also be guided through a simple 60-second grounding practice you can use anywhere, plus gentle prompts to help you meet yourself with more compassion when the spiral shows up. What we cover Why getting triggered again does not mean you are failing The “should” voice: where it comes from and why it’s so brutal How the nervous system scans for danger, even when you logically know you are safe A simple way to understand trauma: the event vs what happened inside you Why healing is not linear (think spirals and layers, not straight lines) What to do in the moment: breath, grounding, and returning to the present A 60-second reset you can use in the supermarket, at home, or out walking Self-compassion phrases to replace “I should be over this” Reflection prompts to support your nervous system this week 60-second grounding practice (from the episode) Plant your feet on the floor Name: 1 thing you can see, 1 thing you can hear, 1 thing you can feel against your skin Breathe in through your nose Breathe out longer through your mouth, like gently blowing out a candle Remind your body: Right here, in this moment, I am safe Hand-on-heart affirmation Place a hand on your chest and repeat (out loud or in your head): I am safe. I am loved. I am protected. Journal prompts (quick reflection) When do I notice the “I should be over this” voice? Whose voice does it sound like? What would I say to a close friend who felt like I do right now? What is one small way I can support my nervous system this week? Resources mentioned Gabor Maté (trauma and the inner impact of what happened) Polyvagal theory (nervous system states and survival responses) Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score References to conversations with Hannah Strange and Dana Grant (grounding, morning rituals) Connect with Lydia If this episode brought something up for you, or you recognised that “should” voice, Lydia would love to hear from you. Instagram / TikTok / Facebook: Riding the Trauma Train Email: [email protected] If there’s a topic, guest, or healing modality you want covered on the podcast, send it through. Gentle reminder You are not broken. Your body is protecting you the way it learned to a long time ago. And you can guide it back to the present, one small step at a time. Remember: you’re not on this journey alone.