Published September 18, 2025
I’ve gotten this question a lot during the past few years. My life has resumed to normal, although it’s a new life that I didn’t expect. I am in a good place, mentally and physically. So when did I “snap” out of it? At what point was I healed? When was I okay?
First of all, everyone’s journey has a different timeline. Whether it’s grief, divorce, the end of a long-term relationship, or whatever hardship we’re going through, each situation can vary and every personality is unique. It all plays into how we cope and move forward. Try not to compare yourself to someone else’s journey. Healing after loss is an extremely delicate process.
I would love to provide a simple answer to “When Will I Be Okay?” I wish I could say to you that I woke up one morning and was magically healed. Like with the wave of a wand, a fairy appeared and made my problems disappear. Nope, that’s not it at all.
You know what? I realized that the healing is DURING the journey!
Day by day, we get better. Sure, there were some bad days but then we pick ourselves up and move forward. The progress is small, maybe so tiny that we don’t realize it. For example, the tears slowly decrease. We are sleeping better. That panicky feeling has subsided. We start to laugh, even if it’s just for a moment. A walk in nature brings beauty to our senses. A household project is completed. We join our friends at a restaurant. We feel like doing things again.
Slowly but surely, we are healing. We are becoming more okay.
Read my Blog from February 2025 in which I describe how we are making progress and growing stronger even though we may not see it. I know you will be able to relate to many of the aspects in that article!
So don’t anticipate for the arrival of a single magical day. You’re not going to wake up one morning and have the burden lifted away. It happens gradually, bit by bit. The pain and despair get chipped away, but it won’t always be visible. The burden becomes lighter even though there are still moments of grief, but you are able to manage the emotions better. Remember…..there is no way around it, only through it. You must travel through it.
Piece by piece, like building blocks, a new you is staring back at the mirror. One who is stronger and more confident! One who is kinder, gentler, and more empathetic as a direct result of what you’ve been through. One who has built inner peace and reclaimed happiness.
Please believe in what I am saying. I’ve been there. Don’t lose patience, and don’t be so hard on yourself. Often, we are our own toughest critic. I promise that you are healing during the journey. I know others can see it in you, it’s just difficult to see it for yourself. Acknowledge it and own it!
If you want daily inspiration, please follow me on Instagram @sincerelyjulie_joyful_living in which I share stories and posts, all with the goal of spreading joy and positivity. If you’d like to communicate confidentially, simply email me at inquiry@sincerelyjulie.com or comment below for general messages.