It was a catch-22: If you didn't put the trauma behind you, you couldn't move on. But if you did put the trauma behind you, you willingly gave up your claim to the person you were before it happened.
The quote from Jodi Picoult's "The Tenth Circle" illustrates the complex emotional struggle individuals face when dealing with trauma. It highlights a dilemma where trying to move past a traumatic experience can mean sacrificing one's former identity. This captures the challenge of healing, as one must navigate the tension between holding onto the past and embracing a new future.
In essence, the statement embodies the internal conflict of wanting to recover while also grappling with the loss of one's previous self. It reflects a universal theme of trauma where the journey to healing is fraught with difficult choices, underscoring the profound impact of life-altering events on personal identity and future well-being.