You can be far along in your healing journey and still get triggered, be afraid, have bad days, and be unsure about what which path to take next. Too often we think of healing as a destination to get to and that once we’re there, everything is perfect. Healing is not perfection, and it is not a one-time achievement. It’s a series of small steps you take over the course of your entire life that continually move you toward the person you want to be. As humans, we are ever changing and evolving, so our journey toward self-love and growth must also change with us. What we can do is take each step with grace and self-compassion. Remember: just because it is taking time doesn’t mean it isn’t working. It simply means a transformation is taking place, which can’t be rushed. So, instead of feeling anxiety or guilt or shame about not being “further along,” fall in love with the process of deep healing. Fall in love with taking great care of yourself. Fall in love with the person you’re becoming. By doing so, not a second of your healing journey will be wasted.

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Arielle is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida and Georgia, as well as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She specializes in working with anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.