Healing is a journey—one that, for me, has been anything but straightforward. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, the path is often full of twists and turns, progress and setbacks. It’s in these moments that we’re tested not just in body but in patience, trust, and surrender.
My knee injury began after a car accident on Mother’s Day weekend this year, and it has served as a humbling reminder of the body’s limits. I did several weeks of physical therapy, and while I felt improvement, I seemed to reinjure it during my green belt Taekwondo testing. Since then, healing has felt like a day-to-day negotiation—some days are better than others. This season, where my body doesn’t move or respond quite the way I want it to, has been an adjustment. It’s not just physical; it’s a challenge of patience and acceptance, which has been frustrating at times.
But my emotional and spiritual healing began long before this accident—over the last three to four years, to be exact. And these years have taught me so much about trusting the process, even when it feels slow or uncertain.
Trusting the Process
When healing takes longer than expected, it’s easy to get frustrated. I’ve learned that trying to rush the process or regain “control” often leads to setbacks. Whether it’s pushing through pain or ignoring the signals my body and mind are giving me, I’ve found that forcing it only prolongs the healing.
Listening to my body, my soul, and my God has been the only way forward. Yoga, therapy — both mental and physical, prayer, mindfulness, parenting, and even coaching young people, have all helped me surrender to the process. I coach a group of young boys in soccer who are constantly testing boundaries, learning, and making mistakes. They’ve unknowingly mirrored my own journey—reminding me that healing isn’t linear, that growth comes from the lessons learned along the way, and that sometimes we fall so we can learn how to rise again.
Exploring New Experiences as a Path to Healing
One of the things I’ve discovered throughout this process is that trying new things can be healing in itself. Whether it’s challenging myself physically, mentally, or creatively, pushing my boundaries has helped me find strength and understanding within myself. Take my journey in Taekwondo—it isn’t just about the physical; it is about seeing how far I can push myself mentally, even after the injury. These moments of testing and learning have been instrumental in my healing.
Even starting this blog, which began as a way to share my thoughts and connect with others, has become a form of journaling—a space where I can reflect on my experiences and track my emotional and spiritual growth. Writing has been therapeutic for me, providing clarity and a release that I didn’t realize I needed. By trying something new, like this blog, I’ve discovered another avenue for healing that challenges me to be vulnerable and honest with myself and my readers.
The Role of Community in Healing
Healing isn’t something we can do alone. For me, my support system over these last few years has been a cornerstone of my journey. My pillars—Alberta, Omar, Jackema, Pops, Uncle Carl, and my Mississippi neighbor Tanya —have walked with me, sharing their own stories, wisdom, and love. My aunts, uncles, grandmother, and mother have shared lessons about my father, their upbringings, and their own life experiences, helping me figure out who I am and how I want to move forward. Their presence, their ability to listen, cry with me, or simply sit in silence, has been a profound source of emotional and spiritual healing.
It’s in these moments of connection that I’ve learned the power of vulnerability—of being open about my struggles and allowing others to support me. Healing, in many ways, is communal. We heal in the company of those who love us, who hold space for our pain, and who celebrate our growth.
The Power of Gratitude and Intention
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in this season is the importance of living in an intentional state of gratitude. Focusing on the things I’m thankful for—big or small—has shifted my perspective from frustration to appreciation. Even on the days when my knee aches or my heart feels heavy, I try to find moments of joy and contentment. My children are definitely a great help.
Putting myself first, being honest about my needs, and setting boundaries has been crucial to my healing process. I’ve had to let go of unrealistic expectations—not just of my body, but of myself and others. I’ve had to release what others think of me and focus on what I know to be true in my soul.
Nature has been a refuge during this time—whether it’s a long walk or simply sitting outside and feeling the breeze. Watching what I ingest—whether it’s food, TV, music, or even conversations—has also played a role in my healing. I’ve learned that what we take in, in all forms, affects how we heal and grow.
Honoring All Emotions
Healing requires us to go through all the emotions—joy, sadness, anger, disappointment. It’s important not to mask the pain, whether it’s from broken relationships, the loss of loved ones, or the betrayal of our own bodies. I’ve felt the pain of all of these, and it’s only by acknowledging it and sitting with it that I’ve been able to move forward.
I believe healing isn’t just about feeling the hard stuff; it’s also about making space for joy. I make it a point to laugh, to surround myself with things and people that bring me joy. And I don’t apologize for it. Whether I’m feeling overwhelmed, joyous, angry, or at peace, I know that all of these emotions have a place in my journey. Healing means embracing all of who we are, without shame or apology.
Moving Forward with Grace
As I continue on this journey, I’m learning to give myself and others grace. None of us have it all figured out, and that’s okay. I’m learning to honor where I am, and to trust that healing, in all its forms, will come in its own time.
Trying new things and focusing on myself have also opened doors for healing I didn’t expect. Whether it’s testing my limits in Taekwondo, stepping into the unknown with this blog, or seeking new adventures that challenge my brain and body, I’ve found that these experiences have been powerful tools for healing. They’ve allowed me to reconnect with myself, learn new things, and grow in ways I didn’t see coming.
Healing takes time—it can’t be rushed, but it’s always evolving. The key is to trust the process, lean into the discomfort, and surround yourself with people and practices that support your growth. Whether you’re healing physically, emotionally, or spiritually, it’s important to honor where you are and not try to force the process.
Healing is an act of love for yourself and those around you. Today, I encourage you, and myself, to take a moment to reflect, acknowledge your emotions, and ask yourself what small step you can take toward healing.
BTW: We don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take the next step—healing happens one moment, one decision, one breath at a time.
What’s one thing you’ve tried or would like to try that might help you heal? Share in the comments, and let’s support each other in this journey toward wholeness.
Other Post You May Like
Blog Anniversary Reflection: A Year of Growth, Healing, and Adventure
Finding Balance: Raising Strong, Emotionally Intelligent Kids with Firmness and Love
