16/02/2025
Sunday night musings…
I had my first panic attack when I was 7.
From then on school was a battle of just keeping my head above water, a struggle which was never noticed by the system.
Upon leaving the RAF the coping mechanisms I had built around myself came crashing down; and I had to face up to the realities of life. PTSD from past abuse, ADHD and Autism diagnosis, and problematic physical health which stemmed from not looking after me.
Slowly, and surely, I’ve began finding ways to understand myself. Ways to not only keep my head above water, but to be well and truly swimming.
My version of thriving might look different to someone else’s - and that’s ok; we are all individuals and none of us should fit into a box.
There will be days that feel amazing, and days where getting out of bed is a battle.
But understand me has helped be a better handler, and coach.
If there’s anything that you can do for both yourself and your dog, it’s to understand yourself; and to begin to accept yourself in the rawest, truest form.
