A Whole New You: Understanding ACEs
Does this sound familiar? You or someone close to you complains of feeling stuck in a situation whether it’s a job or relationship pattern. No matter how uncomfortable it becomes, though, you/they can’t seem to break free. The rut you’re in gets deeper and deeper and it seems there’s no way out. You wonder, “Where does it end?”
It’s possible that there is a more appropriate question: Where did it start?
As I’ve stated in previous blogs, coming across the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study) was almost a spiritual experience. When I first read the research, I was curious about the data revealed through the ten question ACE test. Although the report was fascinating, it was when I took the ACE Test myself that I realized a whole different application for the findings. Through my own AHA moment, which was inspired by the outcome of my test score, I knew my life had changed. It became my mission to share the information with a broader audience. I am convinced that many more people would make better life choices for themselves if they understood—and I mean really understood—the power your childhood can continue to hold over you well into adulthood.
The more I shared my own AHA moment with others, the more I realized just how many people outside of the health care industry are unaware of how childhood experiences can affect habits, social behaviors, and physical health later in life. With this knowledge, I set myself up to reach as many people as humanly possible. Through sharing the stories in my book, in podcast interviews and through my speaking engagements, I work tirelessly every day to get the message out.
How ACEs May Be Impacting Your Life
How Do You Know If You’ve Experienced ACEs?
Discovering if you have experienced ACEs is the huge step on your path to self-discovery.
Before taking the ACE Test, though, I’d like to invite you to give these few questions some thought.
1) Do you struggle in relationships?
a) Do you have difficulty voicing your opinions and feelings?
b) Do you too often find yourself saying “yes” when you want to say “no”?
c) Do you discount your feelings regularly to keep others happy?
d) Do you overlook negative traits to focus only on the positive?
2) Do you often feel insecure or unsafe?
4) Are you prone to emotional outbursts?
5) Do you have a difficult time connecting to and describing your emotions?
6) Do you grapple with addiction?
Now that you’ve given this some quick consideration, it’s time to take the ACE Test. The link will take you to a downloadable version.
Incorporating Curiosity in Understanding How ACEs May Be Impacting You
I’ll be curious to hear how you make out with the ACE Test. It’s a simple and easy test that took me less than ten minutes. If you’d like, feel free to email me at Christina@letmylegacybelove.com to share your results. I’m here, and I want to help.
Next week, we’re going to start exploring the real meaning of courage. I think this will be fun, so please join me!