A Letter to My Body

Rebuilding the relationship with my Self and my body has not been easy.

At times, it has felt overwhelming—unsettling even—as old wounds, both physical and emotional, began to resurface. There is a deep apprehension in most of us when it comes to facing discomfort. But I’ve learned the hard way that true healing doesn’t come from avoidance. It comes from acknowledging what’s there, gently, honestly.

Instead of forcing change, I now choose to approach my body with communication, patience, and understanding.

My commitment to this process began in 2016, after a series of wake-up calls: a prostate cancer scare interwoven with intense symptoms of Complex PTSD that had been misdiagnosed throughout my life—rooted in ACEs (adverse childhood experiences).

By my 40s, it became painfully clear that I could no longer function while carrying unprocessed trauma. I could no longer ignore what my body was desperately trying to tell me.

The other day, I came across a humble letter I wrote to my body during a particularly intense phase of trauma recovery—when I felt completely dissociated from it.

That letter marked the beginning of a dialogue—one of painful truths, but also of gratitude, care, and a deep commitment to listen more closely. (re-edited, first published April 2025)

2016 - London.

"Dear Body,

I hope this finds you doing great and enjoying the journey of self-care. I'm not being sarcastic here ... it is that it hurts so much sometimes and knowing all what you have been through. I wonder ... Am I leading this, or is it you who is guiding us in this journey?

Either way, I want to let you know that I am prepared for you and fully committed to our relationship.

I thank you for helping me understand you and for calling my attention when I stray too far from a healthy relationship with myself and the world.

You know that I've been through a lot, and I recognise that TRAUMA has isolated me - stopping me from giving you the care and pleasures you crave and deserve.

I thank you for your patience, knowing that I am working on healing and improving my communication with you and myself.

I will keep working on my perception of the things I struggle to accept.

I want to be less critical and more loving toward all my parts and wounds.

WHOLENESS... one day I will arrive

I thank you immensely for your support and wisdom, for carrying me through this mad world all these years. Gratitude is the only thing I have for you. Without you, I wouldn't have made it this far."

Sincerely yours.