Heading in the Direction of Healing
Photo by Joshua Abner
By: NaTasha A. Bailey, LMFT
2020 has been a year of tremendous loss for so many. I have experienced a very close personal loss in my family like so many others in the world. So this is a process I had to embark on taking myself. And now that I have journeyed through this process I am here to encourage and help you with 3 easy tips to begin the process of healing.
1. GET REAL Sometimes we feel very deep emotions and try our best to suppress them as if it will all go away. Running from internal pain will never lead to true happiness or joy. We must face it, head-on, look it straight in the face and deal with it. If we do not things will start to build up and When you least expect it pain from a Particular situation can spill out and affect different aspects of our lives. And so I say first, let’s acknowledge the emotion.
2. ITS OKAY TO CRY If your upbringing was anything like mine, then from a very early age I was taught that I had to be strong. And being strong is great, however, it also can become a repeated behavior of suppressing feelings and emotions to merely portray strength. The greatest advice that I ever received was that it’s OK to cry. Knowing that you can feel and release emotion is very freeing. I was told it won’t always last! You will not cry Every minute, every hour, every day, every month, every quarter, or every year. So at this moment cry if you need to because the next moment may bring joy. Photo by Lucxama Sylvain
3. TURN A NEW LEAF Decide TODAY that you have what it takes inside to overcome life’s obstacles. Speak a positive word over yourself. Smile. Watch your favorite movie, you know the one where it doesn’t matter how many times you have seen it, it’s as funny as the very first time! Activate your body and get moving! Start by stretching and a light workout. Working out is great stress relief as well. Speak out loud a few positive affirmations with me:
“I AM STRONG, I AM IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE AND FEELINGS, I AM BLESSED, GOD WILL PROVIDE ALL MY NEEDS, I AM LOVED, I AM FORGIVEN, MY FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT, I AM EXCITED ABOUT LIFE AND THE NEW POSSIBILITIES, MY MIND IS CLEAR, I AM WELL, I HAVE PEACE, MY FUTURE IS BRIGHT, I AM EXCITED ABOUT ALL THE BLESSINGS COMING MY WAY, I AM GRATEFUL AND IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL!!
I want to encourage you to stay on your path towards healing. Not everything is done in one day. Be proud of yourself for taking the initiative to START. Seek counseling or professional help if you feel you need it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others in tough times. You don’t have to go it alone. I hope this has been a help to you, as it has been for me.
Always remember to stay strong, stay positive, and keep your faith. Your future is looking brighter already!! Until next time Peace, Love, and Good vibrations.
NaTasha A, Bailey, LMFT