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After a couple of years dedicating myself to intense personal growth work, I noticed I would always end up falling for the same repetitive patterns that I now recognize as being rooted in trauma.
I would see myself running into brick walls made of limiting beliefs and self-sabotage over and over again. I was tired. And I decided to go on a healing journey. I promised myself I would do whatever it takes to break the trauma-based cycles I was experiencing.
This decision, followed by massive intentional action, led me to a whole new world of view. A world where healing our mind, body, and soul was possible.
As humanity craves more healing each day, the word healing itself is becoming increasingly popular, especially online. And that, of course, always comes with pros and cons. The good side of its popularity is that we now have a great deal of information to assist us in the process of healing our lives. But on the other side, unfortunately, we find misinformation in equal amounts.
This can come in different ways, and even though most of the time does not intend to harm, it can hinder or jeopardize your healing journey if you don't have access to the big picture or connect to your inner being to know if it makes sense to you and your personal healing journey.
That is why I want to share with you three myths about healing and debunk them so you can have a smooth transition to your best-healed self.
#1: Healing is a quick one-time job.
I know that most healers don't do this on purpose, but I often see the healing journey portraited as something you do once, and that's it.
The good thing about the healing journey is that yes, you do heal and hand in a great deal of pain to the Universe, but that does not happen overnight. Healing takes time, and it may even be a lifetime adventure.
Healing is a work in progress. If you have a setback, get triggered, or get upset about something you thought you left behind ages ago, know that it's normal and okay. You are human. You know, healing is essential, not because it is a 'big fix' but because you get a toolkit to fix things along the way. Smoothly.
Healing gives you the tools to deal with life more healthily, and that's why it's so important. All you have to do is trust the tools you got along the journey and access the toolkit to help yourself get out of the situation. You will be amazed at how quickly you overcome life's challenges. That's the beauty of healing!
#2 To heal, you have to forgive.
How often have you seen the word 'forgiveness' attached to 'healing' as if one thing could not happen without the other?
There is indeed healing in forgiveness, but forgiveness does not have to happen to create healing. Don't get me wrong, I do believe in the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness came to me one day during meditation practice, and it was liberating. But with that said, I have to mention that I also witnessed people moving on without forgiving and truly experience the benefits of healing. Others believe that forgiveness is just another step, and you must be ready to do so.
I believe that there isn't an exact formula to healing. Maybe your process includes forgiveness, or perhaps it doesn't. You can also move on without forgiveness, and one day you wake up and realize you have forgiven the person who harmed you.
If you are on a healing journey, do not feel forced to forgive. It is not mandatory, and it says nothing about your character. If it happens, good. If it doesn't, good. What matters is that you heal and find peace within yourself with or without forgiveness.
#3: Healing is only for individuals who have been through a tremendous amount of trauma.
I know it's easy to look at people whose life story sounds like a living hell and think you didn't go through anything in life or that it could be worse. I agree with you. It could always be worse, but hey, how much worse does it need to get for you to address that part of you that needs healing?
I don't believe in measuring pain and comparing experiences. If you have been through something, and that something is holding you back from living your best life, you should address it. I believe that every human deserves healing and emotional freedom, and that's why I invite everyone to go on a healing journey.
As you read these words, I'm sure that your mind and heart went straight to that topic, that experience, that thing that requires healing. So do it, heal yourself.
Remember: healing is for everyone because we all have been through something, and it's a journey that takes time. Allow yourself to have a personalized healing experience, and do not let yourself get lost in the dos and don'ts. Check-in with yourself, apply self-compassion, and you will be alright. Be aware of the myths above and the ones you encounter along your journey. If something does not resonate with you, let it go. And be sure to let in whatever lights up the path to your healing adventure.
Love and light,
Erika