Posttraumatic Growth and the Joy Worth the Pain
I recently listened to Ed Mylett’s interview with Elizabeth Smart, and her concept of Posttraumatic Growth struck a deep chord. She describes it as a decision point: when trauma enters your life, you can either let it define and destroy you, or choose to leverage it—to grow into someone even greater than you might have been without it.
That decision is the beginning of transformation.
In my own journey through alcohol recovery, I’ve come to understand trauma as layered. It can be imposed by others, self-inflicted, or shaped by a mix of genetics and environment. For me, it was probably 20% genetics (Irish ancestry, maybe), and 80% self-conditioning—rewarding success with alcohol until it became a descent. I lacked spirituality, self-reflection, and only practiced empathy when it suited me.
But I’ve seen this same decision point in AA. Some are surviving their trauma. Others—like me, the “glass half full” types—are trying to leverage it. We’re not just recovering; we’re rebuilding into something stronger than we might have been without the struggle.
Elizabeth’s message isn’t about comparing traumas. It’s about choosing growth. And that choice echoes a truth found in scripture:
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
— Romans 5:3–4
And as Ed Sheeran sings in A Beautiful Game:
“The joy was worth the pain.”
That line has become a poetic theme in my recovery. Because when you choose growth, the pain doesn’t disappear—but it becomes part of the beauty.
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.