Resilience, Trauma and the Journey to Wellbeing
Inspired by the webinar: ‘In conversation… resilience, trauma and matters of wellbeing’ by the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs
In a deeply personal and transformative dialogue, Elaine Miller-Karas (Co-founder and Director of Innovation at the Trauma Resource Institute) and Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda (Founder of Voice of the Free and renowned anti-slavery activist) embarked on an extraordinary exploration of healing and transition. Building on their existing collaborative relationship and mutual trust, Cecilia courageously agreed to be guided through the Trauma Resiliency Model by Elaine, with a powerful dual purpose: to work through her own personal healing journey and to illuminate the path for other social entrepreneurs facing profound life transitions.
It was an intimate, structured intervention designed to demonstrate how social entrepreneurs can navigate the complex emotional landscape of personal transformation, professional identity reconstruction and deep psychological healing. By openly sharing her experiences, Cecilia offered a vulnerable yet powerful testament to the resilience required when moving away from an organisation that has defined one's life work and identity.
The conversation delved into the intricate emotional and psychological complexities inherent in transitioning away from an organisation one has devoted years or decades to creating, exploring the delicate intersection of personal wellbeing, professional identity and collective healing.
Understanding Trauma and its Impacts on Identity
Elaine set the stage by exploring the essence of trauma. She explained, “Trauma can be described as an individual’s perception of something that is life-threatening to themselves or others. An event that results in trauma for one person may not be experienced by another individual as traumatic”. This insight underscores the subjective nature of trauma, emphasising that our personal histories and perceptions shape how we process painful experiences. It’s crucial, Elaine noted, to recognise that healing is possible and that cultivating well being can be transformative.
For many social entrepreneurs, this understanding is particularly resonant. Cecilia, who retired four years ago after a lifetime of fighting slavery and human trafficking, shared her emotional struggles post-retirement. Despite initial excitement, she found herself grappling with fear and feelings of irrelevance. “I am scared, and I lost my worth or my relevance, which is very, very connected to my life passion,” she candidly admitted. Retirement not only marked a shift in her daily routine but brought a deeper reckoning with her sense of self, leading her to confront past traumas. The emotional toll of feeling disconnected from her life's work brought forth memories that resurfaced in painful ways, highlighting how trauma can re-emerge during times of major life transitions.
The Healing Power of Sharing and Community
Cecilia's vulnerability transformed the dialogue, revealing the profound healing potential of authentic community support. Her willingness to share deeply personal experiences became a testament to resilience, demonstrating how speaking one's truth can lighten emotional burdens. The conversation illuminated a powerful truth: in creating space for genuine, unguarded dialogue, social entrepreneurs can find unexpected paths to emotional liberation.
As Cecilia described feeling “lighter” with a “pleasant energy” of gratefulness, her experience embodied the transformative power of being truly heard. Her courage to be vulnerable, matched by the compassionate listening of the Elders Council, created a moment of collective healing that transcended individual experience.
Elaine Miller-Karas then introduced the concept of the “resilience zone” or “zone of wellbeing,” expanding on the emotional landscape they were exploring. Her framework offered a nuanced understanding of how social entrepreneurs can navigate complex emotional territories, turning potentially overwhelming experiences into opportunities for growth and restoration.
Being in this state, she explained, shifts our mindset and promotes emotional balance. Importantly, she emphasised that ageing often prompts an identity crisis, but through community, people can rediscover happiness and love. Elaine said ‘when you think
about that inspiration and that amazement like where does that land on the inside and that can help us stay within our zone so we can continue to work in ways that we know have to continue and we'll continue long after we’re Dust in the Wind’. Trauma may be a part of our journey, but it’s equally vital to tap into our desire to impact to make positive change. Resilience isn't a passive state, but an active, deliberate journey. As Cecilia powerfully articulated, “It takes courage and choice—it's an everyday choice.” Her words illuminate the profound truth that healing is not a singular event, but a continuous, intentional process. This perspective reframes resilience not as an insurmountable challenge, but as a series of moment-to-moment decisions—each choice a quiet act of personal empowerment.
By acknowledging the genuine difficulty of this work, Cecilia creates space for compassion. Resilience isn't about perfection or constant strength, but about recognising the courage it takes to choose healing, even when it feels challenging. Her insight invites social entrepreneurs to view their emotional journey with gentleness, understanding that the work of healing is both profound and deeply personal.
The nuanced approach transforms resilience from an overwhelming concept to an achievable, human experience—something to be navigated with self-compassion rather than self-judgement. Each choice, each moment of vulnerability becomes an opportunity for growth and restoration.
The Weight of Systemic Failure and the Need for Rest
Mel (Co-Founder of the Homeless World Cup and the Elder’s Council of Social Entrepreneurs), introduced a broader perspective, addressing how systemic failures exacerbate the challenges faced by social entrepreneurs. Reflecting on his own work he highlighted the global increase in homelessness. “It’s to do with a failing global system so none of us are successful because there is a failing global system, so we fail all the time, so it depresses us”. This insight is a sobering reminder that the work of social change is often burdened by seemingly insurmountable obstacles outside of our control. Yet, Mel emphasised focusing on small wins to counter feelings of defeat.
For Cecilia, the importance of rest emerged as a crucial insight. Elaine spoke about the necessity of rest for the mind, body and spirit, acknowledging that burnout is a very real danger in social impact work. She invited everyone to consider where they physically feel the weight of stress and to explore ways to release it. One way is to slow the breath and feel where your body feels heavy. Her reminder is especially relevant in a sector where the relentless pursuit of mission-driven goals can lead to neglecting personal wellbeing.
Practical Takeaways: Resilience as a Practice
The discussion, while deeply rooted in personal stories, also offered practical tools. Elaine highlighted the importance of body awareness in healing from trauma. She used the Trauma Resiliency Model, she walked Cecilia and the audience through this model. By tuning into physical sensations (i.e where your body feels tense), individuals can ground themselves and move toward a state of balance. Simple practices, like mindful breathing or physical exercises designed to calm the nervous system, can be powerful. These tools are not just for moments of crisis but are valuable daily practices that foster long-term resilience.
Furthermore, the conversation emphasised the significance of community. Finding or creating spaces where stories of both struggle and healing can be shared openly is invaluable. For Cecilia, joining the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs has provided a newfound sense of belonging, showing that connection can be a source of immense strength. “Being part of this community has enabled me to make more friends,” she said, shedding light on how even seasoned leaders need networks of support to thrive.
Embracing the Next Chapter with Courage
As social entrepreneurs move forward, it is essential to recognise that transitions can be painful but are also opportunities for growth. Elaine’s profound wisdom emerged in her call for holistic rest - for mind, body and spirit. This isn’t just a recommendation but an invitation to a more compassionate approach to self-care, especially for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
The conversation offers several transformative insights for social entrepreneurs navigating personal and professional transitions:
First, trauma is deeply personal and cannot be universally defined. Recognising individual experiences allows for more empathetic and nuanced support systems. Second, professional identity is fluid; losing a specific role doesn’t diminish your worth or impact. Third, healing is an active, daily practice requiring courage, community and a commitment to personal wellbeing.
For social innovators grappling with transition, the message is clear: your journey matters. The end of one chapter is not a conclusion but an invitation to reimagine, reconnect and rediscover yourself. Community, vulnerability and intentional self-care are not luxuries but essential tools for continued growth and impact.
Cecilia said “what really helps me is the understanding of the you know where I am now in my life you know I know that it's really time to prepare I really prepare myself for the Transitions and even not only me but of course the whole you know the whole organisation and accepting also and preparing my new my new role in the organisation and my new capacity so that one but um I'm also so so lucky that I have very supportive people in my life.” This is a call to embrace the next chapter of life with courage. The road may be fraught with emotional upheaval, but it is also paved with the richness of experience, the support of a caring community and the possibility of healing. In this way, social entrepreneurs can continue to make an impact, not just in their professional work but in how they care for their own well-being.
As Elaine and Cecilia demonstrate, resilience isn't about never experiencing pain but about creating spaces of joy, connection and hope, even amid systemic challenges and personal transformations. By Cecilia sharing her story she was able to empower their audience and show that there is strength in being vulnerable at times. This is a vital lesson, not just for social entrepreneurs but for anyone striving to heal and thrive in the face of trauma and adversity.
Author: Chanelle White
Editor: Katelynne Kirk