Healing Steps

I’ve been thinking recently about the surprising ways evidence of our healing journeys show up, both in witnessing other people’s growth and my own.
 
I have often butted heads with people in power over me…. And in the past I would find myself cowering and hurt in a corner, silenced by their abuse of power.  But recently a different outcome happened and it took me by surprise. 
 
I received an email from a person in power, someone who I have only had one conversation with, full of mistruths and a threat to future employment opportunities.  But, worse than this, it hit me on several deep, vulnerable personal levels.  I read through it and felt sick to my stomach.  Then took a deep breath and said a little prayer and read through it again.  My first impulse was to share it with a few people who know me, who have walked through some of my healing with me, who I trust deeply.  And without a second thought, I reached out for help.
 
Now, to many of you, this may seem like an obvious next step.  But for me, this was such an alien concept for so many decades, that, even as little as a couple of years ago, this would not have happened.  I would have gone over it in my head, over and over, feeling hurt and helpless.  And I would have just kept it to myself, allowing it the painful words to bruise and sink in and re-traumatize and create more pain.  I may have even started to believe some of the lies.  Instead I instinctively shared it.
 
I didn’t realize what a sign of healing this was for me until I reflected back on it last night.  WOW.  I thought.  I would never have done that before.  And while it did not take away the initial sting, in sharing I was affirmed, the abuse of power was named, and I felt like I was supported and known and loved.
 
I invite you to reflect on these questions… and feel free to share your responses!
What ways have you seen the hand of healing in your life? 
Where do you respond differently to a hard situation than in the past? 
What help do you need?
Who are your trusted people to turn to, ones who love you and know you and will tell you the Truth!?

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