Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed

“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.”

This quote emphasizes the nature of healing as a transformative process rather than an erasure of past trauma or damage.

Here’s a breakdown of its meaning:

1. Acknowledgement of Damage: The quote starts by recognizing that damage or trauma has indeed occurred. Healing doesn’t pretend the past didn’t happen or that the wounds were never inflicted.
2. Transformation Through Healing: Healing is described as a process where the impact of the damage changes. It’s not about making the damage disappear but about changing how it affects the individual.
3. Regaining Control: The key aspect of healing, according to this quote, is regaining control over one’s life. The damage no longer dictates one’s actions, emotions, or thoughts. The person can move forward and live without being dominated by past traumas.

In essence, healing involves a shift in power. The damage exists in one’s history, but it no longer has a commanding influence over one’s present and future. This perspective highlights resilience and the ability to reclaim one’s life despite past hardships.