Telling Your Healing Story

by Sandra Schubert

A woman I once met, named Sarah, told me her story of how she had once a successful practice as a doctor until she suffered a major mental breakdown. Sarah shared the cause, her treatment and the after effects of her illness. She would never be the same again. Her career as a doctor was over. As we talked, I realized healing takes many shapes. Her healing was not becoming well enough to practice again but regaining her soul. She had to tell a new story about health and well being encompassing her new reality. Healing is a transformation, honoring that which has passed and accepting what has emerged as a gift. 

Sometimes you don't heal in the expected ways. A limb does not grow back; you may never speak again after suffering a stroke. Even death can be the kindest healing for a fatally ill loved one. 

The Healing Process 
Mourning the loss of what you had is a natural part of the healing process. After naming your losses, you can look at those losses with an eye towards healing. 

~ Things to Remember ~ 
Healing has no timetable 
Healing has no set formula or form to it 
Healing is to be honored no matter the form it takes. Some gifts come disguised in plain wrapping. 
Healing is a transformation taking you to new and unexpected levels. 
Healing can mean the healing of your spirit, a relationship or the physical body. 
Sharing your tale is an important part of the your healing process. Realize the pain of loss may not go away. It will subside and transform over time, but the experience will contribute to the fabric of your life, and your healing story. 

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