Healing the Unrightable Wrongs: Finding Justice Within Ourselves

Nov 28, 2026

As we reflect on this month of gratitude and thanksgiving, there’s something profound that keeps coming to mind: the idea of the unrightable wrong.

There’s a line from the song The Impossible Dream that says, “To right the unrightable wrong…” and it strikes me deeply. It speaks to the desire we all have to fix the things that have been broken, to undo the hurt we’ve experienced, to find a way to make things right—especially when the wrongs done to us feel so unfair, so impossible to undo.

The Unrightable Wrong

When we face trauma, whether it’s betrayal, abuse, or any form of injustice, there’s often this intense longing for justice—the wrong to be made right. Sometimes, we expect others, the ones who hurt us, to be the ones to fix it. We wait for apologies that never come, or for recognition that may never happen. We hope that the people who wronged us will somehow realize the depth of their actions, but the truth is, not everyone has the ability or the willingness to make things right.

And that’s the harsh reality. Not everyone will apologize. Not everyone will see the damage they’ve caused. And sometimes, the way we want to be fixed may never come in the form we expect.

But here’s where we have the power: we can still make things right for ourselves.

Justice for Ourselves

In the face of injustice, healing begins when we stop waiting for others to give us justice and start finding ways to give it to ourselves. We can’t control what others do or don’t do, but we can control how we respond and how we heal.

So how do we right the unrightable wrongs in our lives?

1. Acknowledge Your Worth

The first step to healing and righting the wrongs is recognizing that you are worthy of peace, dignity, and respect—no matter what has happened to you. Sometimes, the wrong isn’t just in what others did to us, but also in how we began to see ourselves after the trauma. You are not your pain. You are not defined by the wrongs others have committed. Reclaiming your self-worth is the first step to healing.

2. Seek Out Healing Spaces

Healing doesn’t always come from the people who hurt us. It can come from finding safe spaces—places where you are seen, heard, and validated. It might mean seeking support groups, therapy, or other healing practices that allow you to process the pain. If one thing doesn’t work, don’t let it stop you from trying something else. It’s not about finding the perfect solution right away, it’s about finding the right solution for you.

3. Find Your Voice in the Process

We can’t undo what’s been done, but we can find our voice in how we move forward. Speak your truth, even if it’s only to yourself at first. By acknowledging the hurt and giving yourself permission to grieve, you are taking control of your narrative and your healing.

4. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Peace

Healing often involves setting boundaries—deciding who is allowed to hurt you again and who doesn’t get a place in your life. Boundaries aren’t just about protecting yourself from others, but also about protecting your heart and your well-being. It’s about deciding what is and isn’t acceptable, and taking steps to honor that.

5. Embrace Your Healing Journey as a Dream

Sometimes, our dream isn’t about finding the perfect closure, but rather about finding peace within ourselves despite the wrongs. You are the dream that didn’t have to exist—you are the miracle of your own survival. When we face injustice, it’s easy to feel small, to feel like we’re powerless in the face of what’s been done to us. But by choosing healing, by choosing to move forward, we become the impossible dream. The very fact that you are still here, still fighting for peace, is a victory.

6. Create Your Own Justice

Justice doesn’t always mean punishing others or making them feel the consequences of their actions. Sometimes, justice is about creating the life you deserve—a life filled with healing, boundaries, and peace. It’s about no longer letting others define how you heal. By continuing on your journey, by choosing to invest in your well-being and your peace, you are making things right for yourself.

You Are the Impossible Dream

If there’s one thing I want you to take from this reflection, it’s this: You are braver than you think. The very fact that you are here, still breathing, still living, still learning and growing through your trauma, makes you an inspiration.

We may not be able to right every wrong, especially those that are outside of our control. But in our healing, we find a kind of justice that’s more profound: we make ourselves whole again. We rewrite our story, even if we can’t rewrite the past.

So, let’s end this month of gratitude by giving thanks to ourselves—for being brave enough to heal, for being strong enough to keep moving forward, and for being the dream that’s still unfolding.

---

As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s remember that healing is a journey—a beautiful, hard-fought journey. Give thanks for your courage, for your strength, and for the steps you’ve taken toward healing, even when it felt impossible. The wrongs we face may never be fully erased, but we have the power to make things right in our own hearts. You are the impossible dream—brave, worthy, and healing.

Happy Thanksgiving. May you continue to find peace, gratitude, and strength in your own healing journey. You are enough.

Kathe'rine