Most individuals will experience a traumatic event within their lifetime, such as the unexpected death of a loved one or unwanted sexual attention. This study assessed direct and mediated relationships between lifetime trauma exposure and self-esteem, with deviation from a balanced time perspective as a potential mediator. Participants were 133 undergraduates (87% Caucasian, 84% female; mean age 23.76, SD = 8.61) who completed online surveys. Lifetime trauma exposure was assessed using the Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire (TLEQ; Kubany et al., 2000; e.g., life-threatening illness). Time perspectives were assessed using a modified version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI; Zimbardo & Boyd, 1999; e.g., “Painful past experiences keep being replayed in my mind.”). Self-esteem was assessed with the revised Self-Liking/Self-Competence Scale (SLSC-R; Tafarodi & Swann, 2001; e.g., “I am highly effective at the things I do.”). A majority of participants (89%) reported experiencing at least one traumatic event (range 0 to 12; mean = 3.62, SD = 2.83). Regression coefficients were utilized to establish mediation according to Baron and Kenny’s (1986) guidelines, and mediation was confirmed with the Sobel test of mediation. Results indicated that deviation from a balanced time perspective partially mediates the relationship between lifetime trauma exposure and lower self-esteem (Sobel’s test statistic = -2.02, p = .043). Overall, more lifetime trauma exposure was related to greater deviation from a balanced time perspective, which likely resulted in lower self-esteem. Encouraging individuals to strive for balance may be one way to help those adjusting to challenging life events.