Healing Is Not a Destination Of The Journey: Why “Healed” Is a Powerful Misleading Goal – 63
“Embracing the Journey: Rethinking Healing as a Continuous Path, Not a Final Destination”
There’s been a trend in mental health spaces that I’ve struggled with—a rigid notion of “healed.” Let me make something clear: I get it. I understand why people advocate for this idea. On the surface, it’s empowering. It’s aspirational. But before I dive deeper, I need you to follow me on this: healing is not a finish line. It’s a journey that continues throughout life.
And the idea of being “healed” as a static state? That’s a lie.
The Power of Words and the Danger of “Healed”
Words have immense power. As a mental health professional for over a decade, I’ve seen how the words we choose influence not only our thoughts but also our beliefs, behaviors, and ultimately, the energy we project onto others. The pathology of words is real: what you say manifests into what you believe, which manifests into what you do, which then becomes what you show to others.
When we use words like “healed,” we unintentionally create an illusion—that there’s an endpoint to pain, growth, and personal transformation. It suggests that once we’ve crossed this mythical threshold, there’s no further work to be done. This mindset can breed complacency, stagnation, and, frankly, disappointment.
Let’s kill this noise now. Healing is not about arriving at a destination. It’s about showing up, again and again, for yourself and for others.
Healing Is a Skill—Not a Static State
Think about a skill you’ve worked hard to develop. Maybe it’s knitting, basketball, hockey, soccer, or football. For me, it’s drumming. Whatever it is, you didn’t just “arrive” at mastery one day and call it done. It took consistent practice, growth, and adaptability. And even now, no matter how skilled you are, there’s always room to improve or expand into new areas.
Healing is no different. It’s a living, breathing process that requires practice. It evolves as you do. Life throws new challenges, relationships, and experiences at you, and each one invites you to stretch your capacity to heal, adapt, and grow.
The Danger of Complacency
By clinging to the idea of being “healed,” we risk becoming complacent. We stop questioning, stop growing, and stop engaging in the practices that sustain us. Healing requires effort, just like maintaining any skill. If you stop practicing, you lose your edge.
This isn’t to say you’ll always feel broken or in need of repair. Instead, it’s about reframing healing as a lifelong journey—one where you’re constantly evolving, learning, and deepening your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Words Shape Beliefs, Beliefs Shape Actions
The words we use shape our reality. Saying “I am healing” opens the door to growth, adaptability, and ongoing self-discovery. Saying “I am healed” slams it shut.
Let’s shift our perspective. Let’s embrace the idea that healing is a practice, not a product. It’s an ongoing process that invites us to stay engaged, stay curious, and stay committed to becoming the best version of ourselves—not just once, but over and over again.
Because life doesn’t stop teaching. And neither should we stop learning.
WILL WE EVER BE HEALED?
“Beyond the Destination: Embracing the Lifelong Journey of Healing”
Healing is often depicted as a destination—a point in time when we can declare ourselves “cured” or “whole.” However, the reality is much more complex. The process of healing is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey that shapes and reshapes us at every stage of our lives.
From physical injuries to emotional scars, the healing process can vary greatly depending on the individual and their circumstances. It’s essential to recognize that there is no definitive moment when we can confidently say we are completely healed. Each experience we undergo contributes to our understanding of ourselves and our ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Throughout this ongoing journey, we encounter various phases and emotions, from hope and determination to frustration and despair. Sometimes, healing feels like two steps forward and one step back. This ebb and flow is entirely natural and a crucial part of our growth. It’s important to remember that healing isn’t linear; it involves setbacks and progress that can come unexpectedly. This very nature of healing teaches us resilience and adaptability, allowing us to emerge stronger through our challenges.
One vital aspect of healing is self-compassion. In a world that often expects quick fixes and immediate results, it’s easy to become frustrated with ourselves for not “getting there” fast enough. Practicing self-compassion means embracing our imperfections and recognizing that it’s okay to struggle. By treating ourselves with kindness, we create a safe space for growth and healing to flourish.
Another element of this journey is the importance of community and support. Engaging with others—whether through friends, family, support groups, or therapy—can provide a crucial counterbalance to the isolation that often accompanies pain and trauma. Sharing our experiences and listening to the stories of others not only alleviates loneliness but also fosters connections that can be incredibly healing.
As we travel along this path, establishing healthy coping mechanisms becomes essential. These might include anything from mindfulness and meditation to physical exercise, creative outlets, or journaling. Finding what works best for you is key; each of us has unique ways of processing and healing. Moreover, engaging in activities that bring you joy can serve as a source of comfort and distraction, reminding you that there is light even in the darker times.
It’s also important to reflect on how our perceptions of healing evolve. Over time, we may come to see healing not simply as moving beyond our pain but as embracing our scars and integrating them into our lives. Our experiences, struggles, and the lessons learned become part of our narrative, enriching our lives and deepening our empathy for others.
In conclusion, healing is a continuous journey that requires patience and understanding. Instead of looking for a finish line, let’s focus on the progress we make each day. Embrace the ups and downs, the new insights, and the personal growth that comes with confronting life’s challenges. Each step, no matter how small, is significant, and every moment spent on this journey adds depth and meaning to our lives.
Ultimately, it’s the journey that truly transforms us. By embracing the complexities of healing, we open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of who we are and who we can become. Remember, healing is not about reaching a destination; it’s about discovering new facets of ourselves along the way. Embrace the journey, cherish the lessons, and know that every experience contributes to our ongoing evolution.
Table of Contents
by 
by