Three Hard Truths about Healing

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I’m Josefina, the writer behind this platform. My heartfelt wish is that my words become honey to your soul, bringing sweetness and healing to your bones (Proverbs 16:24).

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“You can check it in or leave it behind.”

She said firmly, holding the full-size perfume bottle. It had been forgotten deep inside my carry on bag,

Toss it, I whimpered.

Without a care she threw it out, and with my bag in hand I continued walking.

At some point in life, we have to make a choice—to take it with us or leave it all behind, to confront hidden struggles or avoid them, to work through the grit or seek temporary comfort.

It can be a difficult decision, especially if we're attached to an idealized notion of life and love, not understanding the reality of healing.

For the past few years, I've been deeply immersed in healing. Floating on the water as my dad taught me, but also struggling to find harmony within the waves.

We often mistake healing for a soft, whimsical journey, ignoring the turbulence that accompanies the path toward a constantly evolving healing process.

As I reflect on my own healing journey, I'm confronted with three hard truths about healing.

Healing is a Choice. Healing is Hard. & Healing is Possible.

3 Hard Truths about Healing

1. Healing is a Choice
   
   You can have all the self-help books, say all the prayers, and receive abundant support but, if you don't take responsibility for your healing, reach for it, and choose it,
   you won't be able take active steps toward it.
   
   Healing is a personal journey and it will look different than others.
   But before we can embark the journey we must decide if we want to be healed.

   Wanting healing for someone else doesn't empower them to heal;
   We cannot force healing, we each have to choose it for ourselves.

   

2. Healing is Hard
   

   The honest truth is, healing is hard.
   The journey towards healing is continuous.
   While we are living and breathing, healing never ends.

   

   
   Healing is an ongoing journey, often accompanied by heartache and growing pains. The struggle is inevitable, and at times, it can feel isolating.
   
   There will be times where you have to face uncomfortable truths about yourself.
   
   At times, we must face our challenges alone, shielding ourselves from external opinions and voices. This helps us reduce fear, guilt, shame, and pain, while making space for grace, gentleness, and the goodness ahead.

3. Healing is Possible
   
   In my life, there have been countless instances when I believed I had healed from certain experiences, only to feel the lingering pain years later.
   
   There were moments when I thought I had healed, yet found myself reacting as the unhealed version of me.

   On certain days, reminders of my upbringing trigger my natural instinct to run and hide.

   There may be times we have to revisit past pain and trauma. Moments where we have to learn the same lesson multiple times in multiple ways.

   
   Sometimes, healing feels impossible—lonely, scary, and hard. But I've been reminded to cojelo suave, take each day like a grain of salt.
   No finish line, just lessons in our midst.

   
   Despite the growing pains
   Despite the grief
   Despite the discomfort
   Healing is Possible.
   
   Despite the set backs.
   Despite the let downs.
   Despite the turbulence.
   Peace is possible.

While these truths can be tough, let's remember that healing doesn't have to be miserable. We can choose joy, lean into stillness, and surround ourselves with others who encourage us.

And even if we cry over a full-sized perfume bottle being thrown out, there will come a day when you'll be okay.

You might even forget its name.

mindful minute: a time to reflect and respond

Let’s take a moment to breathe deep and exhale together.
Inhale through the nose, and exhale with a deep sigh.

Listen: A Hype Song when things feel tough
Energy - Tyla Jane

Reflect: Journal Prompts (Feel free to share in Comments)
- What is one lesson healing has taught you?
- How do you approach healing?
- Do you avoid confrontation and healing altogether?

Remember:

Despite the growing pains
Despite the grief
Despite the discomfort
Healing is Possible.

Despite the set backs.
Despite the let downs.
Despite the turbulence.
Peace is possible.

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Thank You for reading cuídate a monthly newsletter dedicated to the art of mindfulness where simplicity and slowness create space for joy, gentleness, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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