Time doesn't heal all wounds. It teaches us to live with them.

We've all heard the saying, "Time heals all wounds." It's a comforting notion, suggesting that our pains and hurts will fade with time. But time doesn't heal wounds. Instead, it teaches us to live with them.

What time offers us is two clear choices in dealing with our pain.
1: Stuff It in a Box and Keep Busy
Or
2: Be with It, Feel It, and Grow from It

Option 1 This is a path many people take. When faced with emotional pain, many people tend to sweep it under the rug, stuff it in a box, and hope it never resurfaces. They keep themselves perpetually busy, chasing after anything that can distract them from that painful box.

They might throw themselves into work, immerse themselves in endless social activities, or become obsessive about anything that keeps their minds occupied. They might also numb themselves with alcohol, substances, shopping, sex, etc.

But here's the catch: that box, no matter how tightly sealed, has a way of popping open when they least expect it. The buried emotions come rushing back, often at the most inconvenient times.

Option 2 The alternative, often the more challenging choice, is facing our pain head-on. Instead of locking it away, we allow ourselves to experience it as it's happening. It means feeling the range of emotions that come with it: rage, sadness, fear, distress, disgust, anger.
This process isn't easy. It can be uncomfortable, even excruciating, at times. But it's also where the real healing begins. When we sit with our pain, we start to understand it. We uncover the root causes, the triggers, and the ways it has shaped us.

The process of feeling your pain is the first step towards true healing. By acknowledging and understanding your wounds, you can begin to address them. Going through pain and coming out the other side can lead to tremendous personal growth. It's in facing adversity that we discover our inner strength.

Suppressing emotions can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Remember, healing takes time, and it's not a linear process. Some days will be harder than others, but each step you take toward embracing your pain and allowing it to teach you is a step toward a healthier, happier you.