A common theme I’ve picked up from speaking to various people recently is that healing is often viewed as a daunting and painful journey. One where the end goal overshadows the experiences along the way. However, focusing on the joy within the healing process can transform our perspective and make the journey more fulfilling and meaningful. In this blog, I’ll explore how to find joy in the healing process and why it’s essential for our overall well-being.
Embracing the Present Moment
One of the keys to finding joy in the healing process is to embrace the present moment. Often, we are so focused on the future—on reaching a state of complete healing—that we overlook the beauty of the now. Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in each moment, can help us appreciate the small victories and positive changes happening daily. For instance, before bed each night, I take a few deep breaths, close my eyes, and make a mental note of one to three things I enjoyed doing that day (no matter how bad the day was). This makes me feel more grounded.
Celebrating Small Victories
Every step forward is a cause for celebration. Healing is not a linear process; it involves ups and downs, progress, and setbacks. Recognizing and celebrating small victories along the way can boost our motivation and sense of accomplishment. For example, if you are recovering from surgery, being able to walk a few more steps than you did the previous day is a significant achievement worth celebrating. Similarly, if you are working on your mental health, having a day where you feel more positive or less anxious might seem like a small victory, but it’s an important one.
Learning and Growing
Healing is a profound journey of learning and growth. Each challenge we face teaches us something about ourselves and the world around us. These lessons can foster resilience, compassion, and a deeper understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses. For example, overcoming a chronic illness might teach you patience and resilience, while navigating through emotional trauma might help you develop greater empathy and self-awareness. Embracing the growth that comes with healing can help us find joy in the process. Every lesson learned is a step toward becoming a more resilient and self-aware individual.
Cultivating Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for finding joy in any situation, including the healing process. By focusing on what we are grateful for, we can shift our perspective from what we lack to what we have. Keeping a gratitude journal, where we write down things we are thankful for each day, can help cultivate a positive mindset. For example, being grateful for a supportive friend, a beautiful sunny day, or even the small improvements in your health can make a big difference in how you perceive your healing journey.
Engaging in Activities that Bring Joy
Even during the healing process, it’s essential to engage in activities that bring us joy. Whether it’s a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying nature, these activities can provide much-needed relief and happiness. Prioritizing joy and allowing ourselves to indulge in what makes us happy can have a positive impact on our overall healing. I recently went to the Butterfly Art Project workshops (an amazing initiative) with my friend, Deevya. We spent a lovely morning learning how to weave and then did a class on Scribble Meditation. It was so much fun, relaxing, and therapeutic!
Building a Supportive Community
Healing can be a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Building a supportive community of friends, family, or support groups can provide encouragement, empathy, and shared experiences. For example, joining a support group for people who are going through similar health challenges can offer a sense of belonging and understanding. Connecting with others who understand what we’re going through can bring joy and comfort. Sharing our journey with others helps us feel less isolated and more supported. If you have a story, a poem or would like to share your creative outlet in any other form, please do share it on the Healing Expressions Page.
Practicing Self-Compassion
Being kind to ourselves is crucial during the healing process. We often hold ourselves to unrealistic standards and are quick to criticize our progress. Practicing self-compassion means treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would offer to a friend. For instance, if you have a setback, instead of berating yourself, remind yourself that setbacks are a natural part of the healing process. It involves acknowledging our efforts, forgiving ourselves for setbacks, and recognizing that healing takes time. Self-compassion can help us find joy in our journey by reducing self-imposed pressure and allowing us to appreciate our efforts.
Finding Purpose in the Process
Finding purpose in our healing journey can bring a sense of fulfilment and joy. Whether it’s advocating for others going through similar experiences, using our journey to inspire and help others, or simply finding deeper meaning in our personal growth, purpose can be a powerful motivator. For example, you might find purpose in volunteering for an organization that supports others with similar health challenges or like me, start a blog to share your healing journey and inspire others. It reminds us that our journey has value and that our experiences can positively impact ourselves and others.
Healing
Finding peace
Isn’t always done with ease
But being present
Let’s us let go of resent
Finding joy
Can be an emotional toy
But embracing growth
Frees us from what we loath
The healing process, though challenging, is filled with opportunities for joy, growth, and self-discovery. By embracing the present moment, celebrating small victories, cultivating gratitude, engaging in joyful activities, building a supportive community, practicing self-compassion, and finding purpose in our journey, we can transform our healing experience into one of profound fulfillment and happiness. Remember, healing is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about finding joy in every step along the way.
Your self-healing coach walking alongside you,
Amisha
My Inner Self Healing 
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