The Truth About Healers

It’s an interesting truth that the people who have endured some of life’s most difficult trials end up being the most generous of spirit. For instance, many doctors and nurses have had family members confront sickness and disease while they were young. Watching a loved one suffer caused them to want to enter the medical profession as a means of sparing another family’s pain.

I’ve read recently about community organizers in impoverished neighborhoods and how they were inspired to work to bring about change. They experienced such poverty while they were living in those communities that they wanted to spare the children and families currently living there some of the same stigma and hardships that they went through.

I find that many counselors chose this profession because they wanted to give people the help they wish they had received. They are often referred to as “wounded healers”. When you’re in the midst of a trial, all you can think about is getting through to the other side. There are times when it seems an impossible task yet we persevere.

I believe that part of healing is being able to use the pain that one has gone through to help others. When we can use our experience and journey to make someone else’s road a bit easier to travel, we are able to make sense of our trials and find some sense of closure.

Of the many titles that I hold, the one that I cherish the most is certified peer support specialist. This is the one that validates my recovery from mental health and substance abuse challenges. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and keeps me humble. Being able

to use my recovery story to encourage other people keeps me on my recovery path. This

is part of my healing journey and it helps other people as well; I consider it a win-win all around.

Shame keep us silent; it makes us think that we are the only ones who have ever experienced anything difficult. Healing encourages us to share our stories. In the process

of sharing, we find out that we’re not alone and more people can experience recovery. I encourage you to find someone safe that you can share your story with.

There is freedom in the sharing for you and the listener. Don’t allow stigma and shame

to keep you imprisoned. Set yourself free with the truth that healing belongs to you.