Healing as a Renovation Project: Embracing Change and Growth

Healing is a lot like a renovation project—it can get messy. It takes time, energy, and effort. The surface might look fine, but behind it, there could be hidden layers—past traumas, grief, uncomfortable emotions, and unexpected surprises.

Just like an old house holds onto memories, our bodies and minds store experiences. Once we tear down the walls, we finally uncover what weʼve been holding onto. Thankfully, our bodies give us clearer warning signs than the hidden problems of an old home. The tightness in our stomach, the weight on our chest, the rapid heartbeat, or the heat in our ears—these are our bodyʼs signals telling us to pay attention. We can talk about the racing thoughts, the difficulty falling asleep, or the ways we avoid certain parts of our lives. We can explore why we get trapped in unhealthy relationships with peers or partners. But until we acknowledge whatʼs hiding beneath those uncomfortable feelings, we canʼt truly heal.

I encourage you to sit with yourself in those anxious or uneasy moments. Feel the discomfort, and take the time to learn a new coping strategy or grounding technique. Explore mindfulness and discover how we can heal our bodies with new skills. Above all, find peace and healing—itʼs never too late.

You might be surprised by what you uncover when you finally break down those walls, because much like a home renovation, the end result is always a better version than before.

Written by Sierra Collier, LMSW