What is healing?

One of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and this might be true for many of you out there is heal alone. Healing is a constant journey; one that is filled with ups and downs. There are days when I think I’ve finally climbed out of the darkness, only to be pulled back down to square one by something unexpected. Healing forces us to face our grief, to sit with it, and truly feel it. And although it is not a nice feeling, it will help heal you inside and out.

Healing is more than simply “moving past it”. Healing is a process filled with awareness, action, processing, self-care, feeling, growth, and acceptance. Healing requires more work than many people realize. Healing isn’t just about feeling better and rejoining the world; it’s about recognizing the bruises and doubts we carry and still finding the strength to keep moving forward.

The wounds that have shaped me started in my childhood, and even now, new ones emerge as I navigate my early adult life. People often don’t grasp how these scars linger, no matter how much time has passed.

The truth is, I’m exhausted, scarred, and still in the thick of it. I have so much to work through. Healing isn’t a final destination; it’s a never-ending journey we must endure. It requires patience, compassion, and the acceptance that progress isn’t always linear. To heal, I’ve learned I must be compassionate with every part of myself, knowing that I’m still growing and learning. Every step I take, no matter how small, is a step towards becoming a version of myself that’s not defined by these scars.

At the end of the day, healing means staying true to your emotions. If you need to rest, then rest. If you need to cry, let those tears flow. If you need to move, then move. And if you’re not sure what you need, that’s perfectly okay too.

So please, be gentle with yourself as you navigate through your wounds and old scars. This journey will be incredibly challenging, but it’s one you’ll come to cherish for the growth and strength it brings.