A Journey
The Journey of Healing Begins When You Start Unpacking
Healing is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey, one that begins when you start unpacking the emotional baggage you’ve carried for years. For many of us, this process feels like an uphill climb on a mountain covered in snow and ice—especially in times of uncertainty, like the pandemic. The road to healing can often feel inconsistent, full of unexpected turns and difficult terrain. But make no mistake: healing takes time. It is not a brief escape or a temporary refuge; it is a permanent residence, a space you must intentionally create for yourself.
Manifesting the life you truly desire starts with unpacking the carry-ons, backpacks, and oversized suitcases filled with the unwanted garments of your past—the trauma, the pain, and the burdens that no longer serve you. Just as airlines charge extra for baggage, the healing journey comes with its own cost, one that you may not feel prepared to pay.
Life often demands a price you don’t feel ready to pay—broken relationships, dysfunctional families, the weight of abusive parents, toxic bosses, and so much more. The road to self-discovery, self-worth, and forgiveness is filled with many pit stops, each one revealing a deeper layer of who you are. Therapy can be one of those stops, offering a space to understand your value and begin the work of self-love.
Healing is about building your self-worth and embracing the life you deserve. It’s about learning to practice self-love, which helps you rise above life’s challenges and live authentically. But remember, healing is never a straight path. It moves forward, back, and even sideways at times. It’s hard work, but it is essential. As you walk this path, consider yourself your own best friend—someone who needs to be loved, nurtured, and even dated sometimes. Being mindful and kind to yourself is a key milestone on this journey.
As you heal, allow yourself time, space, and permission to mourn the losses you’ve accumulated over the years. Let your pain points heal one by one. Cry, grieve, remember—but also let them exist without letting them define you. Then, take your time to rebuild, restructure, and regroup. Use the broken pieces, shattered dreams, and painful experiences as fuel for your growth. Apply the lessons you’ve learned with love and confidence, gradually piecing yourself back together.
Reconstruction is a slow process. It may take months, years, or even a lifetime. But always believe in yourself, reflect on your progress, and repeat your journey with patience and persistence. Not everyone will understand your path, nor will they always empathize with your struggle. But remember to celebrate your own progress along the way. You didn’t ask for this pain, but it’s part of your story now. Reward yourself for the strength it takes to keep going, acknowledge your resilience, and admire how far you’ve come.
Healing is hard, but it’s worth it. Stay kind to yourself.
- Malik K. Murray