Healing, recovery, and growth are not linear processes. There will be many ups and downs along the way; sometimes, the road may feel more manageable than at other times. The process can be messy: Relapse may transpire, and obstacles will appear, but more profound levels of healing will also happen.
Although you may understand that the road to recovery and healing is not a straight line, it can be easy to forget that the process is supposed to be messy. It can be healing in itself to allow yourself to be imperfect without making it mean something about you, especially if perfectionism has caused you problems in the past.
The Myth of Perfection
One common experience in any healing journey is the pressure for the process to be perfect — a straight line to the point where you are entirely “healed.”
Part of allowing yourself to be imperfect in your healing journey means befriending perfectionism and making peace with yourself despite not being perfect. This could look like forming a sympathetic relationship with the part of you that feels the need to be perfect.
You Will Face Obstacles
The journey of recovery requires a lot of work. You are not expected to have all the answers or know what you are doing all of the time. You will feel overwhelming emotions, and you can feel worse before you feel better. You will experience considerable leaps in growth only to hit a roadblock at the next turn.
This is the essence of healing.
What Imperfection Means to You
What imperfection means, looks, and feels like will vary from person to person.
It could mean allowing yourself to feel deep emotions instead of avoiding them, receiving help and support rather than isolating yourself, or giving yourself permission not to have it all together and have all the answers. Ask yourself:
- What does being imperfect mean to you?
- How does it feel in your emotional body?
- What thoughts come to mind around the concept of imperfection?
Although it may not feel comfortable, allowing yourself to embrace the chaos and messiness of life is the path toward self-liberation (and healing). Pretending that perfection exists is not only restrictive but is a notion that will prevent you from listening to your true self.
Healing and recovery can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and messy. Embracing the messiness instead of hiding from it can be difficult. At Avalon Malibu, we recognize how uncertain and nonlinear recovery is and are here to support you as you embrace the essence of true healing. Our treatment team is here to help you. You will be among peers and professionals who support a safe environment for healing. If you are struggling and ready to begin your journey home to yourself, we can help. Call us at (844) 857-5992.
