When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal

by Brianna Wiest

Start saying “thank you” for what you want as though it has already happened. Write it down, say it out loud. Even once is enough.

Junk journal. Open up a notebook and scribble down exactly how you feel. Stop trying to invalidate them with positivity. That will arise on its own once your subconscious is more clear.

Do something each day that helps you get to know yourself better. Write down what you like and what you don’t. Identify your values, your beliefs, your hopes, your fears.

Practice standing up for yourself in a healthy way. Look in the mirror and practice setting boundaries. Learn to speak your truth with dignity and grace.

Recognize that whatever bothers you most about other people can reveal the unconscious truth about yourself — use these discomforts as opportunities to heal your own invisible wounds.

State what you are feeling, in clear and honest terms. This will help you process and accept it, even if it doesn’t make complete sense to you right now.

Interrogate one negative thought. Instead of running on autopilot, stop and ask yourself: Is this true? Do I know for a fact this is true? Who told me this is true? Then ask yourself: Does this thought help me move my life in the direction I would like it to go? Give yourself permission to rest. If all you were able to do today was wake up and keep breathing, that’s okay.

Pause before you react. You are allowed to be angry, but you will want to be mindful of allowing that feeling to make you

take action that could impact your safety or quality of life for years to come.