The Hidden Impact of Life’s Experiences: A Lesson from Poison Ivy

For years, I’ve been exposed to poison ivy without so much as a rash. I thought I was invincible. Confident in this “superpower,” I even volunteered for some yard work that I knew would involve contact with the plant. Everything went smoothly—until a week later, when those small scratches on my arm suddenly erupted into a painful rash and hives. It turns out my body had quietly built up a sensitivity that I didn’t notice until it was too late.

This got me thinking about how much of life works like this. We move through experiences—conversations, challenges, moments of stress—and sometimes don’t realize their impact until later. Just as my body didn’t give me any warning about poison ivy, we often don’t know how past experiences or even unspoken words are shaping us until something shifts. 

This is especially true with trauma, whether it’s something small or large. Our minds and bodies can hold onto these experiences in ways we don’t always notice, and then, one day, they surface. And when they do, it can be surprising, even disorienting, but it’s also a chance for growth. Recognizing the impact of something in our past doesn’t mean we’re weak or have failed to move forward—it’s simply a part of the process.

If you’re navigating this process, or finding that past experiences are surfacing in ways you didn’t expect, it’s okay. You don’t have to do it alone. Working with clinicians or a career coach can provide the support and guidance needed to make sense of those realizations, find healing, and move forward with clarity. At Ever Human Therapy, our team is here to walk with you as you uncover and work through those shifts, helping you grow stronger through the process.

Growth doesn’t always happen on our timeline, but when it does, it’s a beautiful, important thing. Embrace it, and remember: you’re not alone.

Post Written by Lynn Coleman