Going Through It: How Healing is Less Like a Breakthrough and More Like a Lesson

We’ve all heard it, right? The idea that healing happens in one grand, life-altering moment. The breakthrough is where everything suddenly makes sense, the kind of instant transformation you see in movies. But if you’ve ever been through something tough, you probably know the reality isn’t quite so dramatic. Healing isn’t always a lightbulb moment; it’s more like a series of lessons that slowly build on each other.

In this post, we’re diving into why healing is less about sudden breakthroughs and more about gradual growth. Because let’s be real, if healing were as simple as a single epiphany, we’d all be fixed by now, right?

The Myth of the “Breakthrough”

Let’s start by unpacking the myth that healing should happen in one big, dramatic moment. We live in a world that loves instant gratification. Whether it’s social media’s quick dopamine hits or the countless “life hacks” we see online, we’re conditioned to expect fast results. But when it comes to healing, that same mindset can backfire.

We’ve all been there, thinking that one perfect conversation or a single epiphany will magically “fix” everything. The thing is, healing doesn’t work like that. Sure, there might be moments of clarity, but those aren’t the moments that define your healing. The real healing happens in the everyday steps, the slow and steady progress, and the lessons learned along the way.

It’s easy to see why we fall for the breakthrough myth. Stories of miraculous transformations, whether in personal journeys or Hollywood films, paint a picture of change happening in an instant. But in reality, lasting change is often more subtle. It’s like the difference between a sprint and a marathon, one might seem more exciting, but the marathon is what gets you to the finish line.

Healing as a Process, Not a Single Event

Now, let’s talk about what healing looks like. Spoiler alert: It’s not a one-and-done deal. Healing is a long process, a journey that happens over time. And, honestly, it can be frustrating. There’s no fast-forward button on this one. But here’s the thing, healing isn’t a race. It’s more like a winding road where you’re learning as you go. And some days, that road might feel like it’s full of bumps and detours. That’s okay.

Think about how we learn other big lessons in life. When you start a new job, for example, you don’t suddenly become a rockstar employee overnight.

It takes time. You make mistakes, you adapt, and you keep growing. Healing is no different. It’s about taking one step forward, maybe a few steps back, but always moving forward in the end. The setbacks don’t erase the progress you’ve made; they’re part of the process. They help you learn more about yourself and the world around you.

The Role of Lessons in Healing

Here’s where it gets interesting. What if healing wasn’t about a magical moment, but rather the little lessons you pick up along the way? Think about it: Every time you overcome a challenge, reflect on a tough situation, or learn something new about yourself, you’re adding to your healing toolkit.

These lessons might not be earth-shattering, but they’re the foundation of your growth. It’s like learning to ride a bike. At first, you might struggle to balance, fall a few times, and wonder if you’ll ever get it. But with each attempt, you get better. You start to trust yourself more, and eventually, you’re riding without even thinking about it.

Healing works the same way. Each lesson, no matter how small, adds up. Maybe it’s learning to set better boundaries or recognizing when you need a break. Maybe it’s forgiving yourself for something you’ve been holding onto. Each step forward might feel small, but together, they add up to something huge. And when you look back, you’ll realize just how far you’ve come.

Accepting the Ups and Downs

Now, here’s the part a lot of people struggle with: accepting that healing isn’t always a smooth ride. There will be days when you feel like you’re making progress, and others when it feels like you’re taking two steps back. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the secret: That’s completely normal. It’s part of the process.

Healing isn’t linear. You might feel like you’ve hit a breakthrough, only to find yourself back in a tough spot a few weeks later. And that’s okay. Sometimes, it’s during those down moments that we learn the most. They give us a chance to pause, reflect, and reassess what’s working and what’s not. And guess what? Every time you work through one of those moments, you’re getting stronger.

This ebb and flow can be challenging, but it’s also what makes the healing process so rich. If healing were just one constant upward trajectory, you wouldn’t get the depth of understanding that comes from working through difficulties. It’s like the seasons, there are w  Healing works in a similar cycle.

Why It’s Okay to Not Have a “Breakthrough” Moment

Here’s something to remember: It’s okay if you don’t have that breakthrough moment. It’s okay if you’re not suddenly “fixed” or have an epiphany that changes everything. Maybe that’s a healthier approach to healing, understanding that it doesn’t have to happen all at once.

When we expect that one perfect moment to change everything, we set ourselves up for disappointment. The pressure of waiting for that breakthrough can overshadow the small wins and the progress we’re making in real time. But what if we let go of that expectation? What if we stopped chasing the idea of a perfect moment and started focusing on the everyday steps that are leading us forward?

Healing isn’t about rushing to a finish line. It’s about honoring the process and understanding that, even when things don’t feel like they’re moving, they still are. Trust that the work you’re putting in now will eventually show up in ways you may not even realize yet.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

So, here’s the takeaway: Healing is less about finding that one big breakthrough and more about learning as you go. It’s about showing up every day, taking the small steps, and learning from both the highs and the lows. Those little lessons? They’re what gets you where you need to be.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for healing. Your journey is unique, and it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. So, instead of waiting for a breakthrough moment, focus on the lessons you’re picking up along the way. Healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, and that’s something worth celebrating.

inters that feel cold and never-ending, but they always make way for spring.