Healing

Healing. Transformation. Letting go of the past, living in the present, looking forward to the future. Healing is natural. Our bodies were made to heal, to recover, to be resilient, to live in the present. Watching my grandson’s scraped knee heal every day brought this healing process to light. In the beginning there was pain, intense pain, an open wound, blood, vulnerability to infection, and the tears of pain. But almost immediately the body begins the healing process. Small layers start forming from the inside, healing cells rush to the scene of the trauma to begin their process of mending. We cleaned the wound and added topicals of antibiotics from the outside to help avoid infection. We placed a bandage over it to give it time to begin the healing. 

But the bandage is not permanent. It cannot stay there forever. It must be removed. The wound was cleaned, checked again for any signs of infection, and then fresh antibiotics and a clean bandage were applied for many days. But eventually, the bandage comes off permanently. 

And the magic of air is needed to help complete the healing process. As the air circulates around the wound, this breath of air helps the scab to grow, a thick layer of outer protection so the inner process of healing can continue. We continued to apply ointment and antibiotics, healing salves like aloe, to heal the outer layers of skin. Eventually, when the inward healing is finished, the scab falls off and our healing is complete. It is a process. Healing from within and from without. Healing is natural. It is part of the circle of life. 

And so is the healing process in our life. We need both the inner and outer healing. Healing from within, where we go inward to reflect on what happened, how we responded, what we learned, and what we would change if it happened again. Healing from without, the support and help of others to help bear the pain and offer their love, comfort, and support. 

Healing often leaves a scar. The scar is a badge of honor, a reflection of the healing process, evidence of a healed wound. I now have a new outlook on my scars. I am no longer self-conscious of them, or embarrassed by them. They represent the healing in my life. Each scar has a story to tell, a story of healing and resilience, of bringing hope and life back into my once broken spirit. I am proud of all my scars. I have survived, I have healed, I am thriving. 

I love who I am. I love who I am becoming. I set myself up to be successful every day by healing my past wounds, so that I can live in the present and look forward to the future.