WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU START HEALING?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU START HEALING?
No matter when you have gone through trauma, it may be recent or decades old. So, whether you have been working on your trauma recently or for what feels like a lifetime, here is how to tell if you are making progress in your recovery.
YOU ACCEPTED THAT YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH SOMETHING DIFFICULT
You can acknowledge that you have experienced a life-changing moment that had an impact on your life. You accept how your life, mind, body, relationships, finances, or your point of view has shifted from that point. You are no longer in denial of the difficult situation you have been through.
YOU DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR EMOTIONS
You let yourself feel your emotions. You release the need to ignore your experience or suppress your thoughts. Every feeling is a messenger and teacher that is guiding us through the path of life. You are aware that thinking positive thoughts is an important aspect of life.
YOU ARE READY TO RECEIVE HELP/SUPPORT
You receive support in various ways, whether from friends, therapists, or family. Allow yourself to ask for help without feeling guilty about it. Do not burden yourself. There are various communities that can understand your pain and professionals to help. Seeking support is a sign of bravery and dedication.
YOU NURTURE YOURSELF, YOUR MIND, AND YOUR BODY
People who have experienced traumatic situations know that their consciousness is also imprinted in their cells. Our tissues and body systems feel our traumatic fears and griefs. Traumatic experiences can take a toll on one’s nervous system when they create a fight-or-flight response. It is crucial for people who have been through trauma to reflect deeply on the ways in which their minds, body, and soul have coped or failed to cope. One must find ways to nurture themselves.
YOU ARE AWARE OF THE EXPECTATIONS
As human beings, we consciously and subconsciously set expectations to heal and create deadlines for ourselves. It is easy for us to want immediate and easy change and gratification. Know that after a lot of time and effort that you have dedicated to self-healing, it is totally OKAY for you to not always feel OKAY.
YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED UPS AND DOWNS DURING THE HEALING
You have surely experienced days, weeks, or months of healing stages, and then noticed yourself taking a few steps back. Anyone that has been on a healing journey of any kind will know that healing is not a linear process. Every day and every bit of effort does not yield a set amount of progress. We often lose patience and listen to the voices inside our heads. A sure sign of healing is being okay when you experience a plateau between the stages of progress. A part of healing also is when you feel you have hit rock bottom before you rise from the ashes.
YOU START SEEING LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
You are incredibly courageous and an amazing creature. As you choose to heal for yourself, you are healing the generations before you and many more generations to come. And you subconsciously know that after rain there is a rainbow.
YOU EXPRESS THE TRUTH WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT
While it is not necessary to share your journey with people, it is a sign of healing if you are able to share your experience. When you speak or write about your experiences, you find closure and acceptance in your traumas. You step into your purpose and embrace reality. Take time for yourself before you put yourself out there. When you are seen and heard, your courageous message can help many people.
YOU FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR YOUR PAST MISTAKES
Know that your difficulties are only a part of your journey on Earth; your soul is whole and eternal. This Duniya is a test. You are not broken but are simply here to learn and grow.
The stages of healing are numerous and the stages and process are different for everyone.
