Letting Go Of Old Patterns: When Healing Hurts

Some of our coping patterns developed for very understandable reasons. Avoiding, withdrawing, distracting, controlling or shutting down can provide short-term relief from anxiety, stress, emotional triggers or painful experiences, even when those same behaviours eventually begin limiting our lives. This reflection from When Healing Hurts approaches old patterns with understanding rather than judgement. Through a trauma-informed psychological lens, we explore honouring why a pattern developed while gradually becoming willing to loosen its hold. A compassionate reflection on behaviour change, avoidance, trauma, emotional healing, mindfulness, self-awareness, personal and spiritual growth, and creating space for new ways of living. Ends with a short rhyming affirmation.