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The Race Toward Healing: Every Step CountsHealing from trauma isn’t just a journey—it’s a race, and every step you take moves you closer to your victory. When I began this race, I didn’t have the support I needed. I was surrounded by people who were more focused on preaching forgiveness than offering compassion. They didn’t understand my pain, and some even became frustrated that I wasn’t “moving on” fast enough. It was as if they couldn’t see the invisible wounds that were still fresh, still bleeding.In those early days, I didn’t know how to give myself the compassion I needed. I felt alone, without a tribe, without someone to hand me the water I needed when I was gasping for air. But as I took my first steps toward healing, I realized that this race wasn’t about them. It was about me—about finding my pace, pushing through the pain, and reaching the finish line on my terms.Eventually, I found a support group, and while it has been challenging, it’s given me something powerful: the tools to keep running. Every week, I make a two-hour trip to attend this group because I know that each session is another mile down the road. It hasn’t been easy, but with five weeks left, I can finally see the finish line in the distance. I’ve learned that healing is about showing up for yourself, over and over again, no matter how hard it feels.Stepping Into Your StrengthHealing is a race, but not everyone starts from the same place or runs at the same pace. Some of us begin with hurdles we never asked for, while others may have a smoother track. But what matters isn’t where we start or how fast we go—it’s that we keep moving. Each step, no matter how small, is progress. Every stumble is part of your strength. Every breath you take is proof that you are still here, still fighting, still worthy of reaching the finish line.Picture yourself on the track, the wind in your hair, your heart beating with determination. The road ahead may be long, but with each step, the finish line gets closer. You are powerful. You are resilient. And no matter how far you have to go, you are not running this race alone.Crossing the Finish LineImagine yourself at the finish line, arms raised in victory, the weight of the world finally lifting from your shoulders. You didn’t just survive—you conquered. The scars you carry are not signs of defeat, but badges of honor, proof of the battles you’ve fought and won. Every step has been worth it, and you’ve crossed the line stronger, wiser, and more whole than when you began.As you run this race, know that healing is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Some days will feel like sprints, while others will feel like you’re trudging uphill. But no matter what, each step counts. You are your own greatest champion, and the power to heal has always been inside you.Closing Thoughts:You are capable of so much more than you think. No matter how hard the race gets, don’t stop running. Keep your eyes on the finish line, and remind yourself that you are moving forward, even on the days when it feels like you’re standing still. Healing is a race worth running, and you are worth every single step.So, lace up your shoes, breathe deep, and take that next step. Your finish line is waiting, and you will get there.Kathe'rine&nbsp;

The Race Toward Healing: Every Step Counts  Healing from trauma

Shot of a beautiful young woman trying to hold keep her groceries from falling from a broken paper bag

---"Letting Go of What Doesn’t Belong to You"Imagine for a moment that you’re holding a stone in your hand. It’s heavy, isn’t it? Feel the weight of it—the coolness, the roughness. That stone represents the burdens you’ve been carrying—the things you’ve held onto for so long, even though they were never meant for you to carry alone.Sometimes, without even realizing it, we hold onto things that aren’t ours to bear. Other people’s expectations, the shame or guilt from things that weren’t our fault, or the pain of things that have happened to us. Maybe you’ve been holding onto something from your past for so long that it feels like a part of you now, but it doesn’t have to be.Take a moment to think about what that stone represents for you. Maybe it’s a memory, a hurt, a relationship, or even an idea of yourself that you’ve outgrown. Whatever it is, you’ve been carrying it for a long time, and maybe you’re ready to let it go.Now, picture yourself standing at the edge of a body of water—a lake, a river, or even a simple bowl of water. You hold that stone, the weight of it in your hand, and you think about how it’s been weighing you down. But now, you have a choice. You can release it.You’ve been carrying this weight for a long time, but it doesn’t define who you are. It’s something that happened to you or something that’s been part of your life, but it doesn’t own you. You are more than that. And you are allowed to set it down.When you’re ready, you throw that stone into the water. Watch it sink beneath the surface. Watch how the water ripples out, how the heaviness of that stone disappears into the depth of the water. You’ve let it go. You’ve released it.That water represents something beautiful—it represents cleansing. It washes away the things that have been holding you back. It symbolizes that you don’t have to carry that burden anymore. The heaviness is no longer yours to bear. ---Other Illustrations for Letting GoBalloons in the Sky: Imagine holding a balloon filled with all the negative feelings, hurt, and shame that you’ve carried. As you stand there, you reflect on how this weight has kept you grounded, unable to soar. But now, as you let the balloon go, you watch it rise higher and higher, drifting away into the sky. As it disappears, you feel lighter. That balloon represents the release of things you were never meant to carry—letting go of the fear and pain that has weighed you down.Writing and Burning: Sometimes the things we carry are invisible, but they feel just as heavy. Picture yourself writing down the words that represent your pain or trauma—maybe it’s a fear, a name, or a memory. Then, you take that piece of paper and burn it in a safe space, watching the flames consume it. As the paper turns to ash, you feel the release of those words. They no longer have power over you.Cutting the Cord: Imagine yourself tied to something heavy with a rope. That rope represents an attachment to something painful from your past—maybe it’s a person, a place, or an old version of yourself. You’ve been holding on to it for too long, and it’s been holding you back. Now, visualize yourself taking a pair of scissors and cutting that cord. The weight falls away, and you feel yourself standing stronger and more freely. You’ve released the ties that no longer serve you. ---Reflection and Moving ForwardReleasing these things doesn’t mean that the pain never happened or that it wasn’t important. It means you’re no longer letting it define you. You’re freeing yourself from the weight of the past so that you can move forward, lighter and stronger.Ask yourself: What are you ready to release? What no longer belongs to you? What has been holding you back from moving forward?Kathe'rine

"Letting Go of What Doesn’t Belong to You"

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Navigating Distractions: Protecting Your FocusLife can sometimes feel like a busy airport, right? So much is happening all around us—people coming and going, noise, and constant movement. It’s easy to get caught up in all that chaos and lose sight of where we’re supposed to be headed. But, just like at the airport, there are specific instructions we need to follow if we want to reach our destination. When we stay focused and listen carefully, the path becomes clearer.Think about what happens when you approach the TSA line at the airport. It’s hectic, people are distracted, but the agent at the front gives everyone the same set of instructions: take off your shoes, remove your electronics, put everything in a bin. These are the steps you must follow before moving forward. And if we’re not paying attention, we miss something—maybe we have to go back, re-check our bag, or take out what we forgot.In our lives, distractions work the same way. They pull us away from the instructions we’ve set for ourselves. We get caught up in things that seem important in the moment, but really, they’re just noise. They keep us from focusing on our goals and can sometimes hurt us emotionally, as we lose sight of the bigger picture.But here's the thing: when we get distracted, it doesn’t mean the journey is over. Just like at the airport, when we make a mistake, we can correct it. Maybe we have to step aside for a moment, but we eventually get back in line, refocus, and keep going. We have to remind ourselves of our goals—our destination—and refocus on what we need to do to get there.Now, once you’re on the plane, there are more instructions: how to put on your seatbelt, where to find the life vest, and how to use the oxygen mask in case of emergency. These instructions are there to protect you, just like the guidelines you set for your own life and goals. If you follow them, you’re better prepared for whatever comes your way, no matter how turbulent the flight.So, what are the instructions you're giving yourself right now? What boundaries and guidelines are you setting to protect your focus? When distractions come—and they will—how will you stay on course?Sometimes, distractions come in the form of people, relationships, or opportunities that seem tempting but don't really align with where we want to go. It's easy to feel hurt or thrown off course when things don't go the way we expect, but we can always dust ourselves off and get back in line, ready to move forward again.The key is to remember that we can regain our focus. We just have to pay attention to the instructions we’ve set for ourselves and not let the noise around us drown them out. And just like every flight, we have a destination—we’ll get there as long as we keep going. Kathe'rine&nbsp;

Navigating Distractions: Protecting Your Focus

Healing the Unrightable Wrongs: Finding Justice Within Ourselves 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 WorthThe 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 SpacesHealing 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 ProcessWe 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 PeaceHealing 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 DreamSometimes, 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 JusticeJustice 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&nbsp;

Healing the Unrightable Wrongs: Finding Justice Within Ourselves

Life directions. Making a big decision. Choice.

Embracing the Bravery in Our Healing Journey As we continue our journey through this month of Thanksgiving and reflection, I want to take a moment to talk about something that’s often overlooked—bravery. You see, we often think of bravery as something that requires bold, outward acts—climbing mountains, speaking up in front of crowds, or achieving great feats. But what if bravery isn’t always about what we do on the outside? What if the greatest bravery is found in the quietest, most personal moments? What Is Bravery? Bravery doesn’t always look like the movies or the stories we hear. It’s not about running into battle or facing danger head-on. At its core, bravery is about facing fear, standing up when everything inside you is telling you to shrink, to hide, or to give up. It’s about showing up—even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about choosing to keep going when the road ahead seems dark, unknown, or impossible. Bravery in Healing Now, think about this: What if I told you that every single step you’ve taken in your healing journey—every decision to face your trauma, every moment you chose to work through the pain—was an act of bravery? Because it was. Healing isn’t just about overcoming what happened to us; it’s about daring to go to places inside ourselves that are raw, unhealed, and sometimes, terrifying. It’s easy to run away from those feelings, to bury them and pretend they don’t exist. But you? You’re different. You’ve dared to face those feelings, and that is bravery in its truest form. Healing takes courage—it takes the bravery to open up wounds and sit with the discomfort, the bravery to be vulnerable with yourself and others, and the bravery to allow yourself to feel all the feelings. It’s not easy. It’s not glamorous. But it’s real. And that bravery? It’s what allows you to dream again. Even if that dream is simply to heal, to find peace, or to move forward. That is enough. Your bravery in just showing up for yourself in the midst of trauma is monumental. Daring to Dream and Heal In the process of healing, sometimes our dreams are small, and that’s okay. Maybe your dream is simply to have a day without pain. Maybe it’s to be able to trust again. Maybe it’s to move through life without carrying the weight of past trauma in every moment. That’s a beautiful dream. And it’s worthy of your bravery. The road may feel long and overwhelming at times, and it might feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back. But in those moments, remember that your bravery isn’t just about the big strides. It’s about showing up, even on the hard days, when healing feels like a distant goal. The truth is, you are braver than you think. Every day you continue, every day you make the choice to face what hurts, every day you remind yourself that healing is possible—you are becoming braver and braver. You don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out. Just showing up is enough. And that’s something to be thankful for. A Reflection for You As you think about this month of gratitude, I encourage you to reflect on your own bravery. Think about the small, quiet victories you’ve had—when you’ve made it through a tough day, when you’ve allowed yourself to feel, or when you’ve taken a step toward healing, even if it felt small. These moments are your acts of bravery, and they are what make you stronger. So, this month, as we pause and give thanks, let’s be thankful for the bravery that has carried us through our toughest times. Let’s be thankful for the bravery that allows us to dream again, to heal, and to move forward with hope. You are braver than you think. And that bravery is leading you toward something beautiful.Kathe'rine&nbsp; ---

Embracing the Bravery in Our Healing Journey

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Finding Thanks in the Journey: The Impossible Dream and the Power of Who You Are As we step into the month of Thanksgiving, it’s a time to reflect on the blessings we’ve received, the strength we’ve discovered within ourselves, and the dreams that have kept us going. There’s a song that captures much of this sentiment, “The Impossible Dream.” You may have heard it before—it speaks of striving for something greater, even when the odds feel impossible. It talks about fighting for what’s right, no matter the struggle, and pushing through when the world seems too heavy to bear. When I listen to this song, I think about all of us—survivors, dreamers, and those walking through life’s toughest seasons. It’s easy to forget the strength we hold inside, especially when we’ve been through trauma or hardship. But when we pause, even for just a moment, we can see how far we’ve come. It’s important to take a step back and give thanks for the courage we didn’t even know we had. Every step of your journey, every challenge you’ve faced, and every dream you’ve kept alive is something worth appreciating. Mindfulness and Gratitude in the JourneyThanksgiving is a time when we focus on the things we’re grateful for, but it’s also an opportunity to practice mindfulness—being present and acknowledging the power of who we are, right here and now. Gratitude isn’t just about what we have; it’s about recognizing the strength we carry, even in moments of vulnerability. Mindfulness helps us to see ourselves with clear eyes, not defined by our pain but by our resilience, our heart, and our ability to keep moving forward. So, what can we be thankful for this month? Your strength – You’ve already shown immense courage in everything you’ve overcome. The path may not have been easy, but you’ve kept walking. Your dreams – Just like in "The Impossible Dream," there’s power in holding onto your dreams, even when the world seems against you. Those dreams are not impossible. They are your light guiding you through tough times. Who you are – You’ve built resilience, understanding, and compassion through your experiences. Every part of you, even the broken parts, have contributed to the beautiful person you are today. Understanding the Power of DreamingDreaming doesn’t have to be grandiose or unattainable. Sometimes, it’s simply the act of believing that there’s more ahead of you. It’s understanding that no matter where you are now, you have the power to shape your future. Your dreams, big or small, are part of the incredible journey that only you can take. In a month dedicated to giving thanks, remember to thank yourself for the dreams you hold—whether they’re dreams of peace, healing, connection, or new beginnings. Those dreams are alive within you, and they are worth nurturing. Reflection for the MonthThis Thanksgiving, I encourage you to reflect on your journey. Think about the "impossible dreams" you’ve been chasing and the strength you’ve found along the way. There are moments in life when we feel like we’re walking through the storm, but even in those moments, we are still moving forward. Each challenge, each setback, and each victory, no matter how small, has contributed to who you are today. As we move through this month, let's take time to give thanks not just for the good moments but also for the strength we’ve discovered in the hard ones. And let’s continue to dream, because as long as we have breath in our bodies, the impossible dream is never truly out of reach.Kathe'rine&nbsp;

Blogs

The Race Toward Healing: Every Step Counts Healing from ...

"Letting Go of What Doesn’t Belong to You"

Navigating Distractions: Protecting Your Focus

Healing the Unrightable Wrongs: Finding Justice Within Ou...

Embracing the Bravery in Our Healing Journey

Finding Thanks in the Journey: The Impossible Dream and t...