It's easy to believe that healing is relatively simple, but it isn't. Think of it as a gradual climb, where every step moves us farther until the pain is behind us. Healing doesn't follow a straight line. You go in loops and circles, where you make progress, and then you feel like you're back where you started.

This back-and-forth process is normal and part of the journey. Each loop offers you a chance to learn, grow, and build your mental fortitude. Over time, the progress becomes more noticeable, and the setbacks feel less overwhelming as you move closer to recovery.

It's inevitable that there will be good days and bad days, with each day bringing its own mix of unique challenges and victories. Such is life; as humans, we often grapple with the complexities of our existence
. It’s not always easy, but every experience teaches us something valuable. The highs and lows we go through shape who we are and add meaning to our journey.

A couple of years ago, I might have called those hard days "failures." They would have convinced me that I had undone all the progress I thought I made. Now, I see them differently. These "backslides" don't erase the growth you've made. They highlight where more care is needed. One hard day doesn't undo weeks or months of progress; it's simply part of the rhythm.

There was a time when I thought I'd turned the corner. I was journaling again, keeping up with deadlines, even feeling light for the first time in months. Then one morning, almost without warning, the load came back. Along with them came the thought that I was back at the beginning.

But I wasn't back where I started, not by a long shot. I was standing in familiar territory with fresh eyes. I could see details I had missed the first time, lessons I hadn't learned before. In truth, healing is like a spiral; each turn in the spiral carries you further, even when it feels like you're standing still.

More and more, I'm learning that backslides don't undo healing. They reveal it and show us what we are really capable of. They teach us patience and self-compassion. We learn to be patient with ourselves, gentle with ourselves, and give the process time to work. The one true intent or "Eureka" of healing is the moment you become self-aware and understand that healing doesn't truly happen until you forgive yourself and become gentle with yourself.

Forgiving ourselves and showing kindness to ourselves create space for growth. True healing occurs when we embrace our flaws and trust the process. While this may sound clichéd, healing ultimately comes from within.

Self-forgiveness is important because it enables us to let go of the guilt and self-criticism that can hold us back. When we accept our mistakes, we acknowledge our humanity and imperfections, which allows us to move forward with a lighter heart. Acceptance, in turn, fosters personal growth, and helps us face challenges with courage and hope.

Hope is an essential part of healing. Embrace it in a way that feels right for you, whether through spirituality or simple belief. Start by reflecting on what you truly desire from healing. Do you want to let go of pain or bitterness? Are you seeking freedom or clarity to manage your life? Identifying your intentions early strengthens you, especially when the path becomes uncertain.

As you move forward, your hope becomes a guiding light that reminds you that every step is a step towards growth. It gives you the strength to overcome setbacks, because it reminds you that your challenges are part of your transformation.

My hope for you is that this inspires you to find, love, and be kind to yourself as you heal.

You are further than you think, even on days that don’t feel like it. If you stumble, don’t call it failure. If you have to call it anything, call it proof that you’re still moving forward, even if the path curves.

This is where I leave you on your healing journey:

Healing is not about avoiding setbacks, but learning from them and trusting that progress continues, even when the steps feel uneven. A curve in the road is part of the journey.

So as you return to your day, hold onto this heartfelt reminder: It's okay to be patient when old wounds resurface. Trust that every little step you take, no matter how small, is guiding you toward healing and wholeness.

Until next time, I hope you hold space for yourself, with compassion when the days are heavy and gratitude when they are light.

A Note for You: TIMV

This reflection is also the heart of my latest episode on This Is My Voice. In the podcast, I share more about the frustrations and lessons of circling back during healing and why those moments matter more than we realize.