I couldn’t help but wonder… why is it that when you’re healing from trauma, the days can sometimes feel even more exhausting than when you were stuck in the chaos?
I mean, isn’t the whole point of healing to feel better, to regain your strength, to move forward? But here’s the truth that no one really tells you—healing is hard work. It’s not just emotional, it’s physical. Your body, mind, and spirit are all working overtime to put the pieces back together, and sometimes, it’s absolutely draining.
There were days during my own healing journey where I felt completely defeated. Like, “How is this even progress?” kind of defeated. But what I’ve come to realize is that those feelings of exhaustion aren’t a sign of weakness or a step backward—they’re a sign that your body is processing. Your mind is rewiring, your emotions are leveling out, and your entire being is trying to find its way back to balance.
Here’s the thing: healing isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about allowing yourself to rest. When you’re in the thick of processing trauma, your body is doing more than you even realize. It’s like a marathon you didn’t even know you were running, but here you are, miles in, feeling like your legs could give out at any moment.
But here’s what I’ve learned (and what I want to remind you of): rest is not a setback. Rest is your body’s way of getting you back on track, giving you the energy to keep going. And yes, there will be days when it feels like you’re not making any progress, but that’s only because healing isn’t linear. Some days you’ll feel like you’re conquering mountains, and others, it’ll feel like you’re barely crawling.
And that’s okay.
So, if you’re feeling drained, if you’re questioning whether you’re even healing at all—please, give yourself some grace. Here are a few pieces of advice that helped me get through the hardest days:
Listen to Your Body:
If you’re tired, rest. Your body is telling you what it needs, and trust me, it knows best. Take a nap, take a break, or just sit in silence for a while. You don’t have to do anything to heal. Sometimes, the healing happens in the quiet moments.
Allow Yourself to Feel Everything:
Some days, the emotions will hit you like a wave—sadness, anger, confusion, you name it. Instead of pushing it away, let yourself feel it. Those emotions are part of the healing process. It’s okay to cry, to scream, to feel frustrated. Processing those feelings is how you’ll move through them.
Don’t Rush the Process:
We all want to be "healed" already, don’t we? But healing doesn’t work on anyone’s timeline but your own. Just because today feels slow doesn’t mean you’re not progressing. You are. Trust that.
Celebrate the Small Wins:
Healing is a journey of tiny victories. Maybe today, you got out of bed, or you went for a walk, or you took a shower—whatever it is, celebrate it. Don’t minimize the small steps because they’re all part of your progress.
Be Kind to Yourself:
Imagine if you were talking to a friend who was going through exactly what you’re going through. Would you tell them to push through? Or would you tell them to be gentle with themselves, to take their time, and to know that they’re doing an incredible job just by getting through the day? Be that friend to yourself. You deserve that kind of kindness.
So, to anyone out there who feels like they’re stuck in the exhaustion of healing, I see you. I feel you. And I want you to know that you’re not alone. Keep going at your own pace. Rest when you need to. And remember—this journey, as exhausting as it may feel, is leading you toward the peace and joy you deserve.
Healing isn’t a race. It’s a journey. And you’re doing better than you think.
What does giving yourself grace look like for you?
See you on the next post!
Yours truly,
Serina
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