The Winding Road

Why Healing Isn’t a Straight Path

When people talk about healing, I think many imagine it as a straight road. A simple path you just walk down, maybe with a few bumps along the way, but still clear and steady. I’ve learned it couldn’t be further from the truth.

If I were to describe my healing journey, it wouldn’t be a smooth road at all—it would look more like a path torn apart by storms. At times, it’s felt like a tornado has ripped through, leaving chaos and debris scattered everywhere. That debris has been the people, the places, the hurdles, and the challenges that sometimes completely blocked the way forward.

There have been countless moments where I wanted to give up. Times when I screamed out of frustration, broke down in tears, and wondered if the fight was even worth it. Healing has been lonely at times, confusing at times, and so overwhelming that I questioned whether I could keep going.

But here’s the thing: even in the middle of the mess, even with all the storms, I’ve kept walking. Step by step. Some days dragging myself forward, other days moving with more strength, but always moving.

Healing isn’t linear. It doesn’t look like what people might think. It’s messy, unpredictable, and anything but straight. And yet, there’s beauty in that. Because every twist in the road, every obstacle, every tear, and every breakthrough has shaped who I am becoming.

So, if your path feels broken, blocked, or impossible right now know this: you’re not failing. You’re simply on the winding road of healing. And the very fact that you’re still here, still walking, still choosing to try that’s proof of your strength.

Keep going. The road may not be straight, but it is leading you somewhere beautiful