By: Imanii Uwakwe, Marble Wellness Therapist in Chicago, IL
When we finally engage in self-reflection and decide to make a change within ourselves, we often expect immediate results. Sometimes people think “Okay, I went to 2 therapy sessions and cried, now I’m healed”. Or, on the contrary, people say “Ugh, can I be healed already?”. Here’s the truth folks, we will be healing and growing for the rest of our lives! I know. Tough love from a West Loop (Chicago) therapist. Let’s dive into it.
Finding Growth Through Healing
Humans are in a perpetual state of healing and growth. Navigating the complexities of life’s ebbs and flows is possible with resilience and adaptability. From physical injuries to emotional wounds, mental barriers to spiritual crises, our journey is marked by a continuous process of renewal and transformation. Each experience, whether joyful or painful, serves as an opportunity for learning and evolution. Yet, amidst the beauty of growth lies the discomfort of vulnerability and uncertainty.
Healing and Growth Aren’t Pretty
Sometimes, the healing process doesn’t feel good. It’s messy, unpredictable, and fraught with challenges. We grapple with feelings of discomfort, pain, and resistance as we confront our deepest fears and insecurities. Growth is vulnerable. Growth exposes us to our limitations and shadows. It forces us to confront aspects of ourselves that we may prefer to ignore. Sitting with discomfort requires courage. Courage to lean into the unknown, and to trust in the inherent wisdom of the healing process. It is through this discomfort that true growth emerges. Like a seedling pushing through the darkness of the soil toward the light. By embracing the discomfort of healing, we open ourselves to the possibility of transformation. Often, emerging stronger, wiser, and more compassionate beings.
Connection With Others is Core to Healing
As we navigate the challenges and transitions of life, we begin to heal. Healing allows us to address and overcome past traumas, wounds, and limitations. Healing enables us to cultivate greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. Allowing us to foster a deeper sense of inner peace and wholeness. Through this process, we discover our strengths, passions, and purpose. The healing process ignites a sense of vitality and purpose in our lives. Healing and growth can also enrich our relationships. Meaningful relationships enable us to connect more authentically and compassionately with others. Then, we can contribute positively to our communities and the world at large. Thus, creating a ripple effect of healing and transformation. Healing and growth are fundamental to our personal and collective evolution. Further guiding us toward a life of greater meaning, joy, and fulfillment.
Be True To Yourself, Even During Times of Growth
In this thing called life, we will not always know where we’re going. Nor will we always know what our next moves are. It’s important to accept that things are constantly changing but within that, BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. You have the right to speak up for yourself and vocalize things that don’t sit right with you. As you are growing, people will come and go and emotions will deepen. You may even start to ask yourself, “How long am I going to feel this way?” or “As I’m growing, why am I losing people?” The sooner you recognize that everyone is not meant to go on this journey of growth with you, the sooner you will be content with your phases of evolution.
Ask Yourself Questions About How You Want to Live Your Life
We are forever healing and may not ever be 100% healed. Give yourself grace throughout this journey. For example, every day you will not feel happy and up to socialize. Learn to move through life being your authentic self. Release whatever facade you may have. Ask yourself: “Who do I want to be?”, “What do I want to shed?”, & “What are my goals?”. To grow means to let go of what you once knew. It’s okay to outgrow relationships and the things you thought you liked. You are constantly creating new visions, new boundaries, and a new self. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for shedding. Our growth is a type of metamorphosis.
Here are some affirmations for you and your journey:
1. I trust in the process of growth, knowing that challenges are opportunities for learning and expansion.
2. I honor my emotions and allow myself to feel deeply, knowing that healing comes from embracing my authentic self.
3. I celebrate my progress, no matter how small, and trust in the journey of healing and growth unfolding within me.
Start Therapy for Women in Chicago’s West Loop
If you live in Chicago and are ready to improve your mental health, we are here to help. We’ve got convenient hours, a lovely in-person therapy location in the West Loop, and of course we’re happy to meet you virtually with online therapy in Chicago. Let us know how we can help YOU thrive.
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Additional Counseling Services at Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL
Counseling services are designed to help set you on a path of living a more fulfilled, calm, and happy life.
St. Louis
Our St. Louis team of therapists has a variety of training backgrounds and areas of expertise. We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, therapy for men, couples, and maternal overwhelm. Our practice also helps new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. We can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri and online therapy in Illinois. No matter where you are in your journey, we would love to support you.
Chicago
Our Chicago team of therapists offers a wide range of mental health services to help our clients through the different challenges and hurdles in their lives. In addition to anxiety, depression, grief, therapy for men, and maternal overwhelm, we specialize in professional burnout, therapy for breakups, and love partnering with working moms.
