Healing isn't linear: We just have to learn to be okay with the messy middle

A road that is winding showing healing isn't linear

 
There’s a common idea that healing means making progress every day without ever making a mistake.

The truth? Healing is rarely a straight line. It bends, loops, pauses, and sometimes feels like it’s standing still. But every moment counts, no matter where you are on your journey.

Healing Doesn’t Follow a Perfect Pattern


Growth doesn’t happen in a perfect, orderly way. 

Some days you may take three steps forward and one step back, and others you may feel like three steps backward and one step forward.
And guess what? In both scenarios, you are still moving.

Think of it like waves in the ocean—they rise, they fall, but the tide still moves forward. Having a day that feels unproductive or non-progressive doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It doesn’t erase all the effort you’ve made so far.

Healing is about breaking down and rebuilding. 


You’re letting go of old habits, patterns, and beliefs while creating new ones. That process can be uncomfortable and full of friction—but even one small step forward matters.

Rest is Part of Healing


One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that rest is not laziness—it’s essential.

As humans, we are conditioned to feel like we must always be productive. Sitting still, doing nothing, or taking a day off can make us anxious or guilty.

But healing requires stillness. Rest restores you, gives your mind clarity, and helps your body and spirit rebuild. Pausing is part of progress.

Remember:

Taking a break doesn’t set you back—it moves you forward in the right way.


Honor Your Own Pace

Healing is not a competition. Everyone moves at their own rhythm. Comparing yourself to others only steals your peace.

Your journey is unique, and it’s okay if it takes longer than expected. The key is to trust your own pace and honor your process.

Healing is not about becoming someone entirely new—it’s about remembering who you were before the hurt. Every choice to show yourself kindness, every boundary you create, every rest day, every small victory—these are all steps toward coming back to yourself.


Celebrate Small Wins

Small progress is still progress. Even if it doesn’t feel like much, it matters.

   • Setting boundaries, even when it’s uncomfortable
   • Saying no to things that drain you
   • Taking time to rest or do something nourishing for your soul
   • Speaking kindly to yourself instead of judging

These are not insignificant—they are acts of courage and love toward yourself.

Like life itself, healing is about the journey, not a final destination. Every tiny step counts. Every moment of self-compassion is a victory.

Closing Thoughts

I have days where I just want to do nothing—stay home, binge-watch shows, eat comfort food. That’s okay. The key is self-forgiveness.

Healing is not a race, and it is not meant to be neat or perfect. It is a slow unfolding, a process of remembering, rebuilding, and embracing your own rhythm.

So, be gentle with yourself. Celebrate every small step forward. Honor your pauses. And know that your journey is valid, no matter how messy it feels.




Take a moment today to honor your own healing journey. Try journaling, take a restful pause, or celebrate one small win.

 Share your progress in the comments or pin this post to your board as a reminder that healing is valid, messy, and beautiful.

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