JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR DEEPER REFLECTION:

1. Identifying Your Nervous System Patterns

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

The transcript mentions eight telltale signs of a heightened nervous system: overreacting to minor stressors, difficulty relaxing, hypervigilance, quick anger, difficulty trusting, physical symptoms, or shutting down when overwhelmed.

Ask God to search your heart and reveal which of these patterns He sees in you.

Write about a recent situation where you noticed this pattern showing up.

What was your nervous system trying to protect you from? What does God want to show you about this pattern?

2. The War Between Your Spirit-Led Self and Your "Trauma Self"

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Think about a recurring conflict in an important relationship.

Describe what your "trauma self" looks like in that conflict versus what your "spirit-led self" would look like walking in the fruits of the Spirit. Which fruit is hardest for you to access when you're triggered?

3.Dying to the False Self, Putting on the New Self

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

What "coverings" or false identities have you hidden behind to survive and find acceptance? (Examples: achievement, control, people-pleasing, perfectionism, humor, toughness, staying invisible, busyness). These are your "old self"—the trauma-based adaptations you created outside of God's covering.

Write about the false self you've presented to the world versus the true self God formed in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-16).

What would it look like to "die to self"—not in shame or self-deprecation, but by surrendering your self-protective mechanisms and trusting God's covering?

Ask God: Who did You create me to be before trauma told me who I needed to become?

www.daniellenicolecoaching.com for Faith-Integrated Trauma Informed Relationship Coaching. Soul Care Retreats

www.trinitywellnessgroup.com for Holistic Trauma Therapy in the State of PA Virtual & In-Person- 1-3 Day Intensives

DISCLAIMER NOTICE

For Counseling Referrals that integrate Biblical Worldview with therapy:

1-800-New Life

1-855-771-HELP

https://christiancareconnect.com/

What is motivating my actions? When you think about your daily behaviors—giving, serving, obeying—are they rooted in love and relationship with God, or are they driven by duty, obligation, appearance, or seeking approval from others?

Am I loving God, or just knowing about Him? Reflect on the difference between religious duty and true relationship. Are you spending time with God to know His character, promises, and power, or are you just checking spiritual boxes?

How am I expressing love according to 1 Corinthians 13? Read through the description of love (patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, etc.) and honestly assess: How am I demonstrating this love toward God? Toward myself? Toward others?

Where am I unplugged from the power of the Holy Spirit? Like a toaster oven that isn't plugged in, are there areas of your life where you're trying to love and serve in your own strength instead of acknowledging, receiving, and engaging with the Holy Spirit's power?

www.daniellenicolecoaching.com for Faith-Integrated Trauma Informed Relationship Coaching. Soul Care Retreats

www.trinitywellnessgroup.com for Holistic Trauma Therapy in the State of PA Virtual & In-Person- 1-3 Day Intensives

DISCLAIMER NOTICE

For Counseling Referrals that integrate Biblical Worldview with therapy:

1-800-New Life

1-855-771-HELP

https://christiancareconnect.com/

Reflection Questions

1. When you read "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind," which part feels hardest for you right now? (Heart? Soul? Mind?) Why might that be?
2. How comfortable are you with the idea of loving yourself? Does it feel selfish, biblical, difficult, or natural?
3. In what ways might the enemy be specifically attacking your ability to love—God, others, or yourself?
4. What would your life look like if you were completely free to live out this greatest commandment without hindrance?

www.daniellenicolecoaching.com for Faith-Integrated Trauma Informed Relationship Coaching. Soul Care Retreats

www.trinitywellnessgroup.com for Holistic Trauma Therapy in the State of PA Virtual & In-Person- 1-3 Day Intensives

DISCLAIMER NOTICE

For Counseling Referrals that integrate Biblical Worldview with therapy:

1-800-New Life

1-855-771-HELP

https://christiancareconnect.com/