Life brings us many challenges. Sometimes, those experiences can be painful and stay with us for a long time. Maybe you’ve reached a point where you want to start healing the parts of yourself that still feel unworthy, abandoned, small, or hurt. It’s not easy to know how to take the first steps.
To heal, you have to believe that it’s possible. It’s a journey, and you have to be able to see a path forward to take it. It’s okay that you may not always believe or feel you can heal. As long as you continue putting one foot in front of the other, you’ll be on your way.
Choosing to Heal
Healing is a process. It requires you to be honest and vulnerable with yourself and sometimes others. Acknowledging, processing, and accepting our feelings and experiences bring us one step closer to feeling better.
You might find that you need healing after hard times or painful experiences like:
- Grief or loss like losing a loved one or pet or even feeling like you miss your old self
- Unhealthy relationships with a parent, other relative, friend, partner, or coworkers
- Abuse such as sexual, physical, or emotional violence
- Traumatic events like a natural disaster, abuse, serious illness, loss, an accident, or even witnessing any of these types of events
- Illness such as chronic pain, a new diagnosis, a chronic health condition, or even mental health issues
- Major life changes like a breakup, job loss, becoming a parent, or moving
Stressful or painful events can take a toll on our minds and bodies. Maybe you’ve dealt with symptoms like:
- Nightmares
- Distressing thoughts or memories
- Guilt or shame
- Isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Restlessness
- Unexplained pain
These symptoms might signal that your mind and body need healing and recovery.
It’s also okay if you’re not sure that you’re ready to focus on healing. You might still be reeling from going through some difficult things.
Sometimes, the thought of feeling better can make you feel hopeful. On days when negative thoughts or challenges come up, it can be tough to feel optimistic. When healing gets hard, sometimes you start to wonder if you’re permanently broken.
Know that healing is something you can do. You are capable. The first step is choosing yourself.
Taking Care of Yourself While Healing
Deciding that you are ready to embark on a healing journey is an act of self-love. That choice can come with a range of emotions. You might be feeling hopeful, but you may also feel worry, fear, or anger. No matter what you’re feeling, be gentle and greet yourself with compassion.
It’s going to be hard to show up for yourself some days. Know that it will be challenging, and you can keep going.
Here are a few ways you can prioritize self-care and well-being as you’re healing:
- Be kind to yourself
- Give yourself permission to heal and time to do it
- Practice empathy and self-compassion
- Take it step by step
- Honor your boundaries
- Give your body what it needs (healthy foods, rest, movement)
- Join a support group
- Surround yourself with love and support
These things are easier said than done. Celebrate each small win to keep yourself going.
While you may be ready, there may be people in your life who aren’t ready to see you grow or support your healing, especially if it means you become a different person in some ways. It’s okay to do what’s best for you, even if that means letting go of people, places, and things that cause you pain.
Signs You’re Healing
The tools you have to help you heal are unique to you. Lean on the things that work for you.
Journaling or reading books about healing may help you feel more aware of your feelings and empowered. Reading or watching content about the lived experiences of others may help you feel less alone and see how others have found their way. If it’s an option for you, working with a mental health professional can be a great way to address trauma and learn new ways to cope.
When you commit to healing, things may get tougher before they get better. Remember, you are resilient. And, if you stick with it, you’ll start to see changes. If you notice yourself being able to look at situations differently, greeting yourself with compassion, establishing and enforcing boundaries, or feeling a greater sense of peace or confidence within yourself, these may be signs you’re heading in the right direction.
Healing isn’t always quick or linear. It might seem like the path should be straightforward and that if you take care of yourself and seek support, you’ll soon be where you want to be. While that may be true in some cases, you may also need to be flexible and compassionate with yourself. Even if you’re doing those things, healing may take time, and sometimes it’ll feel like you’re taking steps backward.
Remember, you can’t fix it all at once. Listen to your intuition about what your mind and body need. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and choose yourself and your well-being daily. You’ve got this!