If you’ve ever considered this question you might want to read on. There are a million things that can happen throughout our lives that can cause distress, heartbreak, disrupt our growth, create grief, and require some kind of soul-healing. For many sensitive souls, just living in the world today requires a little daily soul-healing. But, to those who have experienced any kind of trauma, an abusive relationship, a toxic workplace, or the loss of loved ones or pets, make sure you’re healing your soul and not letting negative past events influence your happiness today.
Trust me, I know. I experienced addiction, family dysfunction, childhood trauma, and loss all by the age of 21. I spent most of my 30s healing from it. Here’s how to start.
Not everyone will love this one. I don’t love it. But, it is a divine truth. When you need to heal your soul, it’s pretty important to get quiet. This does not mean isolating, not having fun, not engaging in meaningful relationships with people, even personal or romantic ones. This means spending meaningful time alone for whatever allows you to turn inward for reflection and personal growth.
I think this is crucial for several reasons including, this is a time to turn to spirituality, even if you’re not spiritual. Looking for outward validation from meaningless things isn’t a solution for this recovering person. Reading, writing, understanding, forgiving, and finding meaning, are the positive solutions that push you forward in an emotionally healthy way. Ignoring what happened or using things to make it go away won’t help you learn.
Have as much fun as possible. I was repeatedly told to enjoy my life and have fun as I healed from tough life events. “That’s your best advice?” I asked therapists, coaches, and more. I was shocked. Shouldn’t I go to an ashram or stop talking or do something to pay for what happened? Not at all. Life is uncertain and disturbing on a good day. There’s no reason to mope or feel bad.
When you’re in the space to start healing, whatever has happened is over. The war is over. You can be happy again. It may not be easy at first, but you’ll find a way to smile again. Who or what made you laugh? Who or what makes you happy? Find them, it, whatever, and have some freaking fun.
If you think this sounds silly, I can assure you it is not. Every time I judged a situation or acted unkind, or entitled, or like a bitch, it came back to haunt me. Every. Single. Time. Recently two stressful moments happened where I caught myself in a situation where I wanted to be annoyed, and I regrouped.
Thank God I did. Both would have had unforeseen consequences and it’s only from learning hard lessons from my bad days that I try my best to be grateful and appreciative at all times to everyone. Being nice also comes back to you in meaningful ways. Besides, being a jerk might cause a situation that makes you contemplate at night for the rest of your life.
A healthy life provides many benefits. If it isn’t obvious, don’t drink too much, don’t do drugs, don’t overuse Rx drugs, and don’t engage in risky behaviors. This will not help you heal. It will distract you and make you ultimately feel much, much worse. I’m not saying you can’t take the edge off if that helps you. Go for it. Just don’t use and abuse and put yourself in dangerous situations. You’re too god for that. That was a typo but I love it so I’ll just write it again. You’re too GOOD for that.
Rest. It’s so important and I do it and so should you. I sleep a solid eight hours and often nap. It’s not even on purpose. When I’m going through a heavy time it’s like my body and brain can only take so much. Can’t stay on your workout schedule? Just do your best. I’m walking 4 miles a day because I literally can’t pick up the weights some days. And, that’s cool too. The soul needs rest right now. It makes sense. If you’ve been dealing with a stressful situation of any kind it’s like you’re on heightened alert all the time. When it’s over, there’s a natural trend to rest.
I could not have recovered from my trauma or addiction issues without help. I needed people who could explain what happened and guide me toward real solutions. I required therapy and tools for sobriety, getting along with other people, staying positive, and Rx for depression at times. I went to Yoga and sound baths, became a practicing Buddhist, and tried anything I thought would help. Nature and exercise are nice but if you have PTSD or a mental illness as a result of what’s happened in your life, talk to a professional who can help come up with a treatment plan for you.
To wrap up, if you feel your heart is broken and your soul is shattered, you need to heal yourself. Take the time and self-love to engage in the following: Nurturing time alone, lots of fun and friends (well, as much as you can take), connecting to your spirituality, getting outside, living your best life, eating well, exercising, get professional help, and feel your feelings. You have to go through to get through.
And, for the love of God, don’t abuse yourself with drugs, alcohol, sex or any bad and destructive behavior while you’re trying to heal. It will do the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish. Good luck and good healing.
Growing Up In Recovery After You Get Sober
What To Do When You Hate Being Sober
Sober Fun For The Spring
Check out my book The Mother-Daughter Relationship Makeover
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Copyright © 2023 Reach Out Recovery Services LLC | Terms and Conitions |. Site by Quadshot Digital
