OmegaWolf

I think that it's hard to define what healing means. It's different for everyone. But, I think that in terms of "progress." My experience is that it's more like two steps forward one step back. So, I'm usually making more progress than I think I am, which is probably true for you too. I think we tend to be really hard on ourselves.

Yesterday, someone on the board suggested that I take a look at the song Exactly by Amy Steinberg. It's about the whole notion of "am I making enough progress." I listed to it and really liked it. 

healing is possible. after struggling with it one way or another for many years, i can see that healing is possible but the process is painful. and i noticed that some of the times when i was actually making the most progress, i was feeling WORSE. and i wondered how can this be helping me, when i have all these horrible feelings of despair and self harm, etc?  however, during these awful times there were some important components that are often part of the healing process- basic needs of daily living were met, trustworthy, healthy support, expressing (through various means- writing, talking, art, etc) what happened that received validation and when appropriate re-framing, tons of self-care and rest, sharing on AS and finding some meaning in my life. but it wasn't until i had made enough progress that i could see that was getting better. it was difficult and painful but sometimes we have to just move forward b/c there is no other way to go. please don't give up hope. 

PM me anytime. ~Flower

Healing is possible.  You just have to have the strength and have perseverance. It has been years since my last time I was abused.  I have made alot of progress, but I also take several steps back now and again.  Healing from it is hard, long, and rough.  If you want true healing, never give up.  You will always remember the hurt, betrayal, the abuse, and everything in between.  It is up to you to tell yourself that I have already been there and I am not going back there again.  You have to just pick up the pieces and move on.  I think sometimes it is like a death of someone you really loved.  You just learn to move on without them.  Sometimes life gets better, but you never forget them.  Sometimes just having someone to talk to helps alot if there is someone you trust.  I hope this helps and I wish you the best.  Feel free to message me anytime.  

BabyDeepBlue