10 Tips for Healing

Reach out and find someone to talk to. If you are unable to find someone who’s trained in what you need, find someone with a big heart who believes you are telling the truth.

Write. If you haven’t written anything before, start now. Keep a journal and keep it in a safe place. Mark it for your eyes only.

Simplify your routine and stick to it. What oxygen is to a sick patient so daily routine is to someone who’s started the healing journey. It helps to keep you sane.

Learn to become your own coach. Set small goals and praise yourself for anything and everything that you did right that day. Try (you only have to try) to keep the negative and critical thoughts to a minimum.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you. You don’t need an auditorium filled with fans, but you do need a couple of people solidly in your corner. Support for the journey increases your chances of success.

Know that feeling afraid is normal. Almost every significant change in your life will require you to leave what you know and venture into the unknown, and that can be frightening. Even if we have been abused and want to leave. Even if we have engaged in self-destructive for whatever reasons, change can be terrifying. Fear of change is a normal and valid feeling.

Know that feeling sad and even grief stricken . . .is normal. There isn't a human being alive who wants to feel grief or sorrow and those are the exact same feelings which make us human. Healing is a process and recovery just takes time. Sometimes a long time.

Know that being alone is not a bad thing. Alone is just alone. It is not a permanent state of being. Some friends will leave, but new ones will come your way.

Pray. There’s an Old Russian Proverb that says, “No man ever drowns if he preservers in praying to God and takes swimming lessons.” Believe it as you do the work to heal.

Hang on. Hang on when it seems like your days can’t get any darker and your nights can’t get any longer. Hang on when it seems like all of your prayers have gone unanswered. Hang on and know that healing will come those who persevere and victory will arrive when you least expect it.