The Place of True Healing is a Fierce Place

I had a wake surfing accident over Labor Day that resulted in 20+ stitches (the ER doctor lost count) and a concussion. The accident was traumatic for my family and friends on the boat, and of course, for me.  Even so, as far as brain injuries go, it could have been so. much. worse. I’ve been told many times how lucky I am. I know that is true.

To follow the guidance of my care team, and the wisdom of my body, I had to step way back from my responsibilities of my family and work (especially screen time) and rest, rest… rest.

Even though I teach about self-care — and like to think I’ve got a pretty good practice going! — this was so challenging for me! This PAUSE has been a great teacher that I must keep listening to the changing needs of my head, heart and body and RESPOND with care and self-compassion.

You have heard me say that “self-care looks different every day.” Well, that is especially true when you are in unknown territory and you must focus on healing. 

So what did that look like?  

Resting. Allowing. Listening to myself. Feeling the emotions. Refraining from all screens. Journaling. Asking for help. Trusting my intuition. Letting go. Listening to audiobooks. Refraining from stress. Holding boundaries and noticing the freedom they allowed. Being with others without responsibility. Being grateful. Noticing and celebrating tiny milestones of progress. Sitting by the pool and knowing that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. 

My self-care over my two month recovery has been a life-giving experience that has enriched my life in so many ways. I imagine that with more distance from the accident, I’ll have more to share on what I’ve learned. For now, I want to say, THANK YOU to my family and friends who treated me with such care and compassion. Thank you to my amazing clients who made space for me to shift our work so that I could show up at my best, on a schedule that worked for me. And thank you to myself for being brave enough to allow healing to occur.  (Whoa, that’s hard to say, but oh so true!) 

I really love this quote by author and speaker Cheryl Strayed: “The place of true healing is a fierce place. It’s a giant place. It’s a place of monstrous beauty and endless dark and glimmering light. And you have to work really, really, really hard to get there, but you can do it.”

I feel this truth down in my bones. There is a fierceness that come from experiencing trauma, from learning to protect yourself and if we are brave, there is space for healing and growth.

This experience has helped me to get super clear on what is important. It has slowed me down and allowed me to recommit to my purpose, my family and to myself.

I’m feeling so lucky to have work that I love, friends and family that love me, and that my body and brain continue to heal.

Xo,
Jenny