“No one else will ever be able to predict the road ahead of you.”
Last week’s article discussed one of the basic ways for many to begin their healing journey. There are, however, multiple ways this road can take us. Additionally, there may be multiple events which require healing that also involve different processes. Emotional healing is difficult enough without adding complications or burdens. So is there one, rock-solid method everyone can follow to overcome this struggle?

Just as we each are unique, so too are the individual paths to our healing. There is not a single road, but that doesn’t mean we must travel alone. There are those trained, committed, and passionate about helping with what is an often difficult and confusing task to overcome by ourselves. In addition, scientific studies have shown how simple acts as touching, self-expression through art, and meditation or prayer can manifest emotional healing. It is most definitely not something which needs to be fought by ourselves.

The most important aspect to keep in mind is not to allow anyone to make you feel badly about how your journey is progressing; especially yourself.

People often doubt themselves and worry that their healing process is not happening the way it’s supposed to occur. Long time growth and healing can suddenly become hindered due to a wayward thought or confused feeling that a person may shamefully believe should not have occurred. It can trigger even more self doubt and the kind of fears that can potentially undo all their hard work. Fortunately, there is a powerful tool to help fight against shameful feelings which keep us feeling “stuck”, but it takes mindful and thoughtful perseverance.

The first step comes in understanding that as individuals we each have a unique path. The actions I took to succeed most likely won’t be the same steps you will take. How we react in various situations is influenced by many factors and each person responds differently. There is no scientific study or research that dictates your every step and it slows down progress to assume otherwise.

Furthermore, random thoughts popping into our minds are exactly that. Random. They’re not signals of defeat but rather symptoms of an active mind. Although we may wish they wouldn’t happen, they do and to beat ourselves up over them is potentially worse than having them in the first place. The only time intervention may be necessary is when actions lead to harming others or ourselves.

Sometimes trying to figure out “why” those things happen causes us to put too much attention on the dilemma and it entraps us in this never-ending quest to solve an unanswerable question. The antidote is to take away its relevance. In other words, don’t worry or even care those thoughts occurred. This nonchalant approach removes the emphasis. You don’t even need to actively try and dismiss them. Just say to yourself, “oh well, it happened and it’s no big deal”. Believe it or not, this indifference to the problem will in turn give you tremendous power over it.

Next week we’ll be discussing more signs of healing as well as techniques to empower yourself along your journey If you have any questions about your own journey, please feel free to reach out to me. My thanks to Robert J. Morales for the beautiful picture. Find more of his wonderful work on his website. I look forward to your comments.