Huh. Horrible trauma has the opposite effect on me; it makes my aversions stronger. CoZE's gradual approach has worked better for me.
This may be a case of Typical Mind Fallacy. I've been thinking recently about how my (fairly pedestrian) traumatic experiences are instrumentally useful as motivation, in spite of being billed as "unhealthy" to dwell upon. I'm starting to get the impression that my reaction is somewhat atypical.
On the plus side, this could mean I have an amazing resource for motivation inaccessible to others. On the minus side, I may have to subject myself to horrible experiences in order to make it work.
I just figured out how to use the local banking system and I will be able for the first time to pay my rent from my actual salary received in this country (as opposed to savings from my previous life). Also I always hated shopping for groceries and now I can do it without much pain, because I've found a way that works for me. As I reflect on this, an expression comes to my mind: "leveling up." I don't have the same problems any more which I used to have. I grow and face new challenges.
Did you, fellow rationalists and transhumanists, ever have that feeling? Any particular accomplishments, big or small, that made you feel you're advancing? No matter fast or slow, in big steps or tiny, but firmly forward!?
I'm thrilled to read your stories!