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Every Step Forward Is Progress: How to Heal from Emotional Abuse, One Day at a Time

Healing from emotional abuse is a journey, and sometimes, it can feel like you’re not making any progress at all. You might feel stuck, overwhelmed, or even like you’re moving backward. But remember: every single step you take is progress, no matter how small it may seem.


In this blog post, we’ll explore how to step into the healing process, why progress doesn’t need to be perfect, and how to celebrate the small wins that bring you closer to a healthier you.

Healing Isn’t Always Pretty—And That’s Okay


When we think about healing, we often imagine a smooth process where things just keep getting better. But the reality is, healing from emotional abuse is often messy. It’s full of ups and downs, and sometimes, it feels like you’re standing still or even moving in the wrong direction.


The tough moments—when you feel like crying, when frustration and exhaustion take over—aren’t signs that you’re failing. These moments are actually a crucial part of the healing process. They’re not setbacks; they’re steps forward. Each time you allow yourself to feel, process, and stand face to face with the emotions that come from abuse, you’re making progress towards your own emotional and physical well-being.


Why Small Steps Matter in the Healing Journey


When you’re recovering from emotional abuse, it’s easy to overlook the importance of small, everyday actions. However, these tiny steps are often the foundation for bigger breakthroughs. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and progress doesn’t have to be fast or perfect. This is a journey, not a race.


Here are some examples of small steps that make a big difference in your healing:


  • Setting Boundaries: Whether it’s saying “no” when you need to or enforcing personal space, boundaries are essential for your emotional health, even when we feel uncomfortable setting them.


  • Self-Care: Taking a few minutes each day to rest, reflect, or engage in something that brings you joy is an important part of your healing.


  • Acknowledging Your Emotions: Instead of pushing down your feelings, take time to learn to recogni+-ze and honor them.


  • Seeking Support: Whether from a trusted friend, coach, or counselor, reaching out for help when you need it is a huge step forward.


Each of these actions may seem small in the moment, but over time, they add up. Progress doesn’t need to be dramatic—it just needs to be doable.


How to Shift Your Focus and Celebrate Your Wins


Instead of focusing solely on the end goal of being fully healed, which by the way is a myth, try shifting your mindset. Healing from emotional abuse isn’t about perfection or speed. It’s about growth, self-compassion, and learning to care for yourself in a new way.


What if you started celebrating the small wins along the way? Here are some ideas for shifting your focus:


  • Recognize the Progress You’ve Already Made: Even if it feels small, every boundary you set or emotion you recognize and feel is a step forward.


  • Be Patient with Yourself: Healing is a long-term process, and it’s okay if it doesn’t happen all at once.


  • Celebrate Each Step: Whether it’s saying “no” for the first time, taking a day off for self-care, or seeking support, these are all important milestones in your healing journey.


By shifting your focus to the present moment and celebrating small victories, you’ll start to see just how far you’ve come.


What’s One Step You Can Take Today?


As you reflect on your healing journey, think about the small steps you’ve taken this week, this month, or even today. Maybe you finally recognized you're in an emotionally abusive relationship. Maybe you took a moment to breathe when things felt overwhelming. Maybe you allowed yourself to rest after a long day.


Every single one of those actions is progress. It deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.


I encourage you to ask yourself: *What’s one small step I can take today to protect my peace and move forward on my healing journey?*


Moving Forward in Your Healing Journey


Healing from emotional abuse is not a straight path, and it’s certainly not easy. But with each step—no matter how small—you are moving closer to peace, freedom, and emotional wholeness.


If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about the next step in your healing process, I’m here to help. As a coach, my passion is walking alongside you, helping you navigate your journey toward healing and growth. Let’s work together to map out your next steps, one day at a time.


Schedule a free mini coaching session today, and let’s dive deeper into your healing process. Whether it’s setting boundaries, processing emotions, or finding your inner strength, I’m here to support you every step of the way.




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