Healing this Holiday Season: Signs You are Healing
During the holidays, when life slows down just enough for us to breathe, we’re given a rare chance to notice the quiet ways we’ve grown. And yet, this season can also be hard—filled with memories, expectations, or absences that make the joy feel complicated. Even in those heavy moments, we can still recognize our progress: the strength it took to get here, the wounds that no longer ache as sharply, and the resilience that carried us through. Appreciating the healing we’ve already done allows us to honor our own journey, reminding us that growth can exist right alongside struggle—sometimes shining through in small, steady moments of peace.
Signs to Show Your Healing
Noticing Your Emotions
We can often notice our own healing by paying attention to how we regulate our emotions in situations that once felt overwhelming. Maybe this time the old triggers don’t cut as deeply, or we find ourselves pausing before reacting, giving our feelings space instead of being swept away by them. Perhaps we recover more quickly after a hard moment, or we’re able to name what we’re feeling instead of shutting down. These subtle shifts—less intensity, more clarity, a bit more steadiness—are powerful signs of growth. They show that the tools we’ve practiced are taking root, shaping the way we move through stress, conflict, and uncertainty. Acknowledging that we aren’t as activated as we once were is itself a step toward healing, because it reminds us that change is happening, even if slowly, and that we’re learning to navigate our inner world with more care, intention, and resilience.
Being able to Set Healthy Boundaries
Healing can often look like setting healthy boundaries—and, just as importantly, learning to honor them, even when it feels uncomfortable. Many of us grew up believing that our value came from pleasing others, so the moment we begin to protect our time, energy, and emotional space, guilt can rise up quickly. But that guilt isn’t a sign that the boundary is wrong; it’s a sign that we’re rewriting old patterns. Saying “no,” choosing not to engage in dynamics that drain us, or stepping back from people or situations that feel unsafe are all powerful ways of affirming our worth. Boundaries remind us that our needs matter just as much as anyone else’s and that self-respect is not selfish—it’s necessary. Over time, as we consistently choose what supports our well-being, those boundaries become a form of self-love in action, proving how deeply we’re committed to our own healing and emotional safety.
Increased Mindfulness
We can often notice our healing by becoming more mindful of our bodies and our surroundings, tuning into the subtle cues we used to rush past. As we grow, we start to recognize how our body reacts in different situations—maybe our chest doesn’t tighten around certain people the way it once did, or we catch ourselves taking deeper breaths instead of holding tension in our shoulders. We might become more aware of when we’re truly comfortable and when something feels off, allowing us to respond with care instead of autopilot. Healing can also look like becoming more present in the world around us, noticing the small details we were once too overwhelmed to see: the way someone decorated their home with intention, the softness of lights in a window, or the warmth of a space that makes us feel unexpectedly safe. These moments of awareness—both inward and outward—show us that we’re more grounded, more attuned, and more connected to ourselves and our environment. They remind us that healing isn’t always loud or dramatic; sometimes it’s simply the gentle, steady ability to notice life as it’s happening.
Moving Forward
During the holidays, it’s encouraging to notice signs of healing—moments of peace, joy, or resilience that may not have felt possible before—but it’s also completely okay to still need support. Healing isn’t a straight line, and even when things are improving, extra care and guidance can make a meaningful difference, especially during a season that can bring up complex emotions. Reaching out to local therapists, such as the compassionate professionals at Joyful Horizons Counseling, can provide a safe and supportive space to continue your growth, process holiday stress, and strengthen the progress you’ve already made. Choosing support is not a step backward; it’s an affirmation of your commitment to your well-being.
At Joyful Horizons Counseling, we are dedicated to supporting clients by gently and effectively working through trauma using approaches that honor both the mind and body. Our therapists incorporate somatic therapy and Brainspotting to help clients process experiences stored in the nervous system, while also providing practical coping skills that can be used in everyday life. This integrative approach allows clients to build safety, resilience, and self-awareness as they move toward deeper healing at a pace that feels supportive and empowering.