A star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then gradually returns to its former brightness. There have been several times when giving up was more tempting than fighting. Yet it never came to this. Whether this was due to the stubbornness of myself or that of others, I do not know. But what all that trial and error has taught me is this: When your life is about to implode, the trick is to go completely in the opposite direction. That’s the time to shine. Don’t become defined by trauma, but choose to be more. Expand your lifestyle, find a hobby, contact your friends. It is admittedly the most effective way to disarm trauma.