S1 Ep 11: What Do You Expect From Healing?

Let’s face it: we all hope healing will be simple, quick, and pleasant. When we first set out on this journey, it’s easy to imagine that we’ll magically resolve all of our issues with minimal discomfort. As Candice and Shelly discussed in this episode, that’s not exactly how it works.

Both hosts opened up about their own expectations of healing, which included idealistic hopes for constant peace and light. What they discovered instead was a much more complicated and layered process. Healing often brings up old wounds, physical discomforts, and emotional turbulence. Candice and Shelly have both recently been navigating their own physical challenges, from digestive issues to Shelly’s limp, showing us that healing isn’t always easy—but it is always worth it.

Healing is hard, and it’s not linear. There will be moments of breakthroughs and moments of setbacks. Sometimes you might feel on top of the world, and other times you might be in tears over an old memory or a physical ailment. Both Candice and Shelly remind us that this is normal and part of the process.

Here are some truths about healing that were discussed in the episode:

• Healing is not linear: You might feel like you’re making great progress, only to hit an unexpected challenge. Healing doesn’t follow a straight path, and that’s okay.
• Healing is your responsibility: No one else can do this work for you. Support is essential, but at the end of the day, the responsibility for your healing lies with you.
• Healing takes time: Expecting overnight transformation will only set you up for disappointment. It’s a journey—be patient with yourself.

Candice shared a personal practice that helps her stay grounded during the ups and downs of healing: candle rituals. Lighting intention candles allows her to set the tone for her day, and she shared some of her favorites during the episode. These included a Gratitude candle to remind her of the importance of being open to both giving and receiving, and a Sacred Space candle to create a protective energy while doing the deep work of healing.

If you’re looking for ways to add a sense of ritual or intentionality to your healing journey, lighting candles with a specific focus can be a powerful tool.

One of the most powerful aspects of healing is the way it reconnects you with yourself. Candice spoke about how, before her healing journey, she lived a largely unconscious life, simply going through the motions. Healing brought her back into active participation in her own life. Shelly shared how healing deepened her relationships and helped her become more compassionate, patient, and less judgmental—both with herself and others.

Healing can often feel like peeling back layers, revealing parts of yourself that you may not have been aware of or had ignored for years. This self-awareness is a huge gift, even if the process can be uncomfortable at times.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to begin, here are a few simple ways to get started:

-Be curious: Start by asking yourself questions without judgment. What areas of your life feel heavy? What emotions keep resurfacing?

-Try rituals: Whether it’s lighting candles, journaling, or meditating, incorporating small daily rituals can help bring more intention and focus to your healing journey.

-Reach out for support: Find people who can support you—whether that’s a friend, a healer, or a community group. Healing doesn’t have to be done alone.

-Listen to your body: Physical symptoms can be a way for your body to communicate that deeper emotional or spiritual healing is needed. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

-Start small: Healing doesn’t have to be a massive, all-encompassing process. Small, consistent steps can lead to profound changes over time.

Healing can be hard, but as Candice and Shelly reflect in the episode, it is absolutely worth it. The discomfort and challenges are part of the process, but they lead to deeper self-awareness, more meaningful relationships, and a greater sense of purpose. Healing allows you to live a more conscious, intentional life where you’re not just reacting to what happens, but actively shaping your experience.

Healing isn’t something you do once and then move on from—it’s an ongoing journey. But it’s a journey that leads to more joy, peace, and understanding, even if it’s messy along the way. As Candice and Shelly remind us, the key is to keep showing up for yourself, no matter how hard it gets.

Thank you for being part of the Healers With Humor community. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can navigate the highs and lows and celebrate the beauty of self-discovery and growth.