Day 13: “Healing Isn’t Linear—It’s Loops, Detours, and Start-Overs”

I'm Feeling it Today 😌

First, I'm posting late today as it's been a challenging one. But, I made it.

Some days I feel unstoppable. Other days, I feel undone. And that’s all part of it.

Let me be real with you—healing doesn’t always feel inspiring.

Some days I’m full of creativity and ideas. Other days, like today? I’m flat. Exhausted. Frustrated. Forgetful. Fuzzy.

It’s not a clean, straight path forward. It’s more like scribbles on paper, unexpected turns, and looping back to places I thought I’d already moved through.

There were times early on in my recovery when I made huge progress—then I’d crash.

I’d forget a word, drop a paintbrush, or my glass dishes or just need a nap before finishing whatever I was working on.

And it rattled me.

But slowly, I stopped seeing those moments as failures.

Instead, I began to see them as part of the pattern. It is what it is!!

Part of the truth. My truth.

Progress doesn’t always look like progress to other people.

Sometimes it looks like resting.

Sometimes it looks like starting again.

Sometimes it looks like falling apart—just long enough to gather yourself back up, gentler than before.

Soft Strength: Showing Up Even When It’s Hard. I used to feel ashamed of how long things took me. Now, I feel proud I’m still doing them—on my own terms.

I used to wonder: Will I ever be able to stand long enough to cook again? And without dropping or breaking dishes?

That uncertainty was heavy. I missed who I was and all I could do so easily.

But now? I’m back in the kitchen.

I’m no longer breaking dishes.

I’m walking two miles or more when I can.

I’m an artist now—and I love it.

Because even when it’s hard, I’m still showing up for myself.

Still choosing softness; especially today.

Still choosing art.

Still choosing life.

Creative Assignment:

Draw or journal about your “loop” day. A time you felt like you had to start over.

Was it really a setback—or was it part of your growth?

Use scribbles, spirals, or broken lines to tell the story visually. Let it be messy. No judgment. I'm attaching my current artwork. It's not finished yet. I'm working on it for an upcoming exhibit. Unfinished. Yet, beautiful.

Your Creative Artist and Friend,

Michelle Joy Brown

Your financial support really does go towards helping this artist purchase supplies to continue painting and entering exhibitions as well as selling art. I'm a full-time artist now, all monies I earn supports my continued journey.

Thank you for your support and love. 🥰🥰

© 2025 Michelle Joy Brown. All rights reserved.

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