Why Healing Isn't Linear (And That's Actually Good)

Had a bad day after weeks of feeling better? You haven't 'gone back to square one.' Healing doesn't work like that.

The Spiral Model

Healing is more like a spiral than a straight line. You may revisit the same issues, but each time you're at a higher level of understanding.

Triggers: Something reminds you of old pain

Growth: Sometimes we need to revisit wounds with new tools

Life stress: External pressures can temporarily overwhelm coping skills

Processing: Deeper layers of healing often surface over time

A bad day doesn't erase your progress. Consider:

Are you more aware of your feelings than before? That's growth.

Did you use any coping skills, even if they didn't fully work? That's practice.

Are you being kinder to yourself about this setback? That's self-compassion.

Progress isn't about never struggling. It's about how you respond when you do. You're not starting over — you're starting from experience. 🌱