I think somewhere along the way, we heard a very powerful message:

Healing isn’t easy.

And, for many of us, that leads to feeling like the rising after the deepest losses is too hard. 

Impossible even.

And I once fell into the self-fulfilling trap that healing is unattainable, too.

Until, one day, I came to a realization that made all the difference:

Healing begins with small steps. 

Here are 10 ways to invite healing into your life today: 

1. A time to rest.
The rest I’m referring to may be 8 hours of sleep at night or it may be giving yourself 30 minutes to mindlessly scroll pictures on your phone. But we all need at least a little time each day to not be “on” or performing. Carve in a moment for your heart to recalibrate and rest from fighting the problem trying to steal your peace. 

2. A moment of gratitude. 
Maybe this involves a simple thank you note or journal entry, or maybe it’s a prayer offered in solitude. But when the emotions and calendars of life overwhelm you, gratitude is how we remember that we’re not sinking. And it reminds us we don’t just have burdens. We have blessings, too.

3. A glass of water.
I’m convinced that water just may be the missing piece to at least 50% of our troubles. Slow down. Reach for a water bottle or glass. Breathe. And drink. You’ve just written your body a love letter. Repeat. Often.

4. A word of kindness.
Most people you will meet and interact with need just a word of encouragement to turn things around. Your kindness reminds them they matter. And it unlocks your greater purpose within: love. Send the message out and, I promise, the ripples will continue and find their way back to you in ways you’d never expect.

5. A deep breath.
When was the last time you sat and let yourself breathe? I’m serious. You and I, we don’t do this enough. My favorite place to gift myself with a deep breath is the first few minutes I am in bed each night. Begin with one and find a number that soothes you. After 3-5 breaths, I am not ready to take on the world, but I am ready to make peace with it.

6. A song that touches your soul.
Think about a song that brings tears to your eyes or one that makes your heart smile. Music holds power. Pick a familiar song, let it transport you, and go where it leads. Linger. Feel every emotion. And gather yourself. You just touched love.

7. Fresh air.
I’ll admit, colder weather makes it harder to prioritize fresh air. But even the most bitterly cold air does something important: it wakes us up to right now. So, step outside. Take in the moment. And let the elements remind you. You’re still here. Keep going.

8. Create something.
When was the last time you made something without an agenda or a goal? It is easy for that kind of pure creativity to slowly leave us, especially as we get older. So, embrace the freedom of colors, movement, and a clean canvas. Think of it as adult play therapy and follow where your creativity inspires. You don’t have to understand. Simply go.

9. Connect with someone who loves you.
Every so often, we all forget who we are. Sometimes for a moment. Sometimes for longer. But the ones who love you? They will bring you back. They will remind you your life is special. And their heart will strengthen yours, even across the miles.

10. Something easy. 
When our days reach a dizzying speed, we often feel the pressure to take on more – to keep up with everyone else. But, at some point, we will collapse from all the competing. This is why we need to make space for our unique gifts and those things that come naturally. Enjoy the body you are in. Enjoy the life you have been given. And unsubscribe to the comparison. The small and easy reminds us that joy can and will dwell in the simple.

Healing from the hills and valleys of life doesn’t happen overnight.

But I believe you can invite it in. 

You can begin today. 

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