Healing doesn’t always come with big changes or loud moments. Sometimes, it happens quietly, so quietly that you don’t even notice it right away.
Perhaps you’re still crying, maybe you still miss someone, and maybe you still feel a little lost on some days. And because of that, you might think you’re not getting better.
But let me gently remind you that you are healing and doing better than you think.
Healing often shows up in the small things we do each day. The little choices no one sees or claps for. Things like getting dressed, saying no when something doesn’t feel right, not texting someone back, or taking a deep breath instead of getting overwhelmed.
These small steps matter and mean you’re moving forward.
So, if you’ve been wondering if you’re really healing, let’s take a moment to look at some tiny wins that prove you are, even if you still cry sometimes.
1. You Got Out of Bed Without Hitting Snooze 5 Times
Getting out of bed can feel hard when your heart is hurting. Most people don’t say it, but just starting your day can be one of the hardest things to do.
So, if you got up this morning without hitting the snooze button five times, that’s a big win.
When you’re sad, tired, or stressed, even pulling the covers back can feel like too much. So, if you managed to get out of bed, even though you didn’t feel like it, I want you to know something: you’re doing really great.
Perhaps you didn’t jump up with energy; perhaps you just told yourself, “Let me get through the next ten minutes.” That’s okay and still counts. That little choice means you’re choosing to keep going.
Healing often begins with small things, such as brushing your teeth, putting on clean clothes, and opening the window to let in some light. These might seem small, but they are strong signs that you’re not giving up on yourself.
Just remember that day by day, you are healing. And even if the bravest thing you did today was getting up, know, my friend, that you are making progress.
2. You Set a Boundary Without Over-Explaining
Saying no can be really hard, especially if you’re accustomed to making others happy. Perhaps you often say yes to avoid conflict or to prevent others from getting upset with you.
But if you said no to something this week and didn’t feel like you had to explain yourself, that’s a big deal.
It means you’re starting to listen to your own needs. It means you’re choosing what feels right for you, not just what others want, and that’s a sign of healing.
Even if your voice shook or your heart raced a little, you still did it. You set a boundary, and that’s brave.
Every time you say no to something that doesn’t feel good, you’re saying yes to your peace. And that, my dear, is how healing grows.
Read More: How to set boundaries if you’ve always been a giver.
3. You Went the Whole Day Without Checking Their Socials
It can be tempting to check up on someone who hurt you. Maybe it’s your ex or a friend who walked away. You might want to know what they’re doing or if they’re missing you, too.
If you managed not to check their social media today, even if you wanted to, that’s a big win. It means you’re starting to take care of your heart. You’re giving your mind a break from wondering and overthinking. You’re choosing to focus on your life instead of theirs.
And yes, it’s hard, and it takes strength to stop a habit like that, but each day you don’t look, you take back a little more peace. You’re letting go, even if it feels slow, it’s still healing.
4. You Laughed and Didn’t Feel Guilty About It
When you’re going through something hard, laughing can feel strange. You might think, “Should I be laughing right now when I’m still sad?”
But if you laughed today, even just a little, and didn’t feel guilty about it, that’s a beautiful sign of healing.
It means your heart is starting to make space for good things again, and joy is slowly finding its way back in, even if it’s just for a moment.
Maybe you laughed at a funny video. Maybe a friend made a silly joke. Or maybe you remembered something that used to make you smile. That moment matters.
You don’t have to feel guilty for laughing. Feeling joy doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten the pain. It just means you’re getting stronger, and you’re learning that it’s okay to feel both things at the same time.
Healing doesn’t take away your sadness all at once, but it does make room for joy again. And if you felt that today, even for a second, you’re on the path to healing.
5. You Cried and Then Kept Going
Some days, the tears just come. You don’t plan it. You don’t want it. It just happens. And that’s okay.
Crying doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re still feeling, still caring, and still human.
But if you cried today and still kept going? That’s a big win. Maybe after you cried, you got out of bed and then went to work, or maybe you made dinner or helped someone else; that’s a major win.
Even if your heart was heavy, you didn’t give up, and that takes a lot of strength. Healing isn’t about never crying. It’s about learning to acknowledge and accept your feelings while still moving forward.
So, if you wiped your tears, took a deep breath, and tried again today, you are healing and stronger than you think.
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6. You Started a New Habit, Even a Small One
When you’re healing, taking on something new can feel challenging. But if you started even the tiniest habit this week, that’s a sign you’re moving forward.
Maybe you drank more water, made your bed, wrote in a journal, went for a walk, or prayed before going to sleep. These might seem small, but small habits can lead to significant changes.
Starting something new shows that you’re ready to feel better, even if it’s a slow process. It shows hope is still alive inside you.
So, no matter how small it may seem, be proud of yourself. You’re building a new rhythm for your life, and that’s a win worth celebrating.
7. You Said, “I Don’t Deserve That,” and Meant It
Sometimes, when we’ve been hurt, we start to believe we deserve less than we really do. We stay quiet, we let things slide, and we try to keep the peace, even when it hurts us.
But if you stood up for yourself this week, even in a small way, and said, “I don’t deserve to be treated like that,” and you meant it? That’s a powerful win.
Maybe you walked away from a rude comment, stopped answering someone who keeps hurting you, or maybe you just thought, “No more.” It means you’re starting to remember your worth and now learning what is okay and what’s not okay for your heart.
Whatever it was, it matters. Every time you say no to what you don’t deserve, you make space for what you do deserve, such as respect, kindness, and peace.
Remember that you are worthy of good things, and standing up for yourself is a sign that your healing is working.
8. You Had a Hard Thought But Didn’t Let It Take Over
Sometimes, a sad or scary thought pops into your head. It could be a worry, memory, or something that makes you feel afraid or upset.
In the past, that one thought might have made your whole day worse, made you cry, feel hopeless, or want to give up, but this time, you didn’t let it win.
You felt the thought, but you didn’t let it take over. Perhaps you prayed, spoke with someone, or said, “No, not today.” Hear me when I say that’s a huge step.
It means you’re learning how to handle your feelings without letting them control you. It means you’re stronger than before and understand that not every thought is true and not every thought gets your energy.
9. You Prayed, Meditated, or Wrote Down How You Felt
When you’re hurting, it’s easy to bottle things up or try to forget the pain. But if you took the time to pray, sit quietly, or write down your feelings, that’s a big win.
It means you’re not running from your emotions, but you’re letting them out safely and healthily.
You didn’t reach for something to numb the pain or shut your feelings down, but instead, you chose to slow down and listen to your heart and God. That takes strength and shows you’re healing. And you should be proud of that moment.
10. You Looked in the Mirror and Didn’t Feel Shame
When you’re going through something hard, it can be tough to look at yourself. You may feel sad, tired, or as though you’re no longer the same person.
But if today you looked in the mirror and didn’t feel ashamed or broken, that’s a beautiful win.
Perhaps you looked in the mirror and didn’t say a word. Maybe you just looked at your reflection and didn’t look away.
Or maybe, for the first time in a while, you said something kind to yourself.
That means your heart is healing. You’re learning to see yourself with love again, not just the pain, not just the mistakes, but the whole of you. You’re remembering that you are still worthy, still growing, and still good.
And that small moment? It’s not small at all. It’s proof that healing is happening on the inside, where it matters most.
Healing doesn’t always look big or bold. Most of the time, it’s quiet and shows up in small choices you make each day like getting out of bed, saying no, or choosing peace instead of pain.
Even if you still cry, even if some days are hard, you are still healing.
Every little win counts, and every step forward matters. So be kind to yourself, look back at these 10 signs, and know that if you’ve done even one, you’re doing better than you think.
With Love,
Dr. Janet
