Healing Isn’t Linear: Embracing the Ups and Downs of the Journey
Healing is not a straight road. It’s not always forward progress, and it’s certainly not perfect. Some days you’ll feel strong and grounded—other days, triggered and tired. And that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
At Awaken Your Lioness, we remind women every day that healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance. It’s about learning to rise, even after you’ve fallen, again and again.
Why We Expect Healing to Be Linear
Many of us grew up with the belief that healing should look like a checklist:
☑ Talk about it
☑ Get over it
☑ Move on
But that’s not how emotional healing works. When you’ve experienced trauma, incarceration, addiction, or deep betrayal, your nervous system needs time—and safety—to process. Setbacks are not signs of failure. They’re part of the work.
Signs You’re Healing (Even When It Feels Like You’re Not):
You pause before reacting.
You say “no” without overexplaining.
You allow yourself to rest without guilt.
You recognize a trigger and take space to regulate.
You cry… and don’t shame yourself for it.
These are powerful signs that your body and soul are integrating healing—moment by moment.
What to Do When You Feel Like You're Going Backward
1. Get Curious, Not Critical
Instead of judging yourself, ask: What am I feeling? What does this part of me need right now? Your emotions are messengers—not enemies.
2. Reach Out
Healing requires safe community. Talk to a mentor, support group, or coach. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Did you wake up and try again today? That counts.
Did you pause and take a deep breath instead of numbing out? That counts too.
Closing Encouragement
You are doing better than you think. Healing may be messy, slow, and non-linear—but every single step matters.
You are not broken.
You are becoming.
So, the next time you feel like you’ve “slipped back,” remind yourself: This is still part of the journey forward.
You’re healing. And that’s worth everything.
