Finding Your Inner Peace: My Personal Journey to Healing

Finding Inner Peace: My Personal Journey to Healing

For much of my life, I struggled with the weight of my emotions. It wasn’t always easy to talk about, but I battled with depression, anxiety, and a constant sense of being disconnected from the world around me. There were days when I felt like I was simply going through the motions, unable to fully engage with life. I felt lost, adrift in a sea of thoughts and feelings that I couldn't control, and no matter what I did, it seemed impossible to find a way out. We all know that there will always be a cause but somehow we also wonder what and when did it occur.

Tho somewhere along the way, things began to shift. Slowly, and almost imperceptibly at first, I have started to find my way back to myself. That I am still going through now, I, myself know that I am not there yet but the light of the tunnel is visible. It wasn't like before, just darkness, no hope, no me.

The journey of finding my inner peace didn’t happen overnight—it wasn’t something I could force or rush. It will take time, patience, and a lot of support from the people around me, but gradually, I know I have already learned that healing could be gentle. I could heal at my own pace, unhurriedly.

Nature as my Sanctuary

I remember one time, on my birthday, my partner took me somewhere special. Even then, I wasn't fully present with him. I was happy, but my mind was still tangled with so many thoughts. He surprised me with a hike up Mt Bluff Knoll, a mountain I’d always wanted to visit. I was happy when we were at the base of the mountain, taking in the surroundings—it made me feel fresh and light. The view was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

The hike was a long one, about 6.8 km. I remember feeling grumpy because my legs and feet ached, and I asked myself, "Why am I doing this on my birthday?" But halfway through, it started to rain. That’s when I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I felt alive. I felt present—like I was truly here with myself. I was happy because I was with the person I love. I think that was the day I began to feel a little better.

When I returned to the city and went back to therapy, I told my community nurse, James, about that day. I shared how being in the rain, surrounded by nature, and in the quiet of the mountains made me feel so alive—that it made me want to live again. As someone who’s never been drawn to city life or the 9-5 grind, this experience reignited something in me. Nature has always been a part of who I am, but during my darkest times, I had forgotten that.

Nature has been a healing force in my life long before that hike. In the chaos of everyday life, it’s easy to forget the calming power of the natural world. But I realized that being surrounded by trees, flowers, or the ocean brought me back to the present moment. It helped quiet the noise in my mind. Nature became a reminder to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the world beyond my thoughts. It taught me that peace doesn’t have to be found in grand gestures—it can be found in the simplest moments of stillness, like watching a leaf fall or feeling the breeze on your skin.

As I reflected on this, I recalled reading “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams, which explores the science behind how nature improves our mental health. The book talks about how exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase creativity—all things I experienced firsthand. The more I spent time outside, the more I began to reconnect with myself, and the more I started to heal.

Nature became my teacher, reminding me that peace isn’t something you find—it’s something you create by simply being present, by slowing down, and by allowing yourself to just be.

Therapy and Self-Compassion

Nature was healing, but it wasn’t the only part of my journey. I also sought therapy, and that was a transformative experience. Therapy gave me the tools to understand my thoughts and emotions better. It helped me make sense of the chaos inside my mind and taught me that I didn’t have to let my thoughts control me. Through therapy, I learned to recognize my triggers, challenge negative beliefs, and practice self-compassion.

Self-compassion was one of the most important lessons I took away from therapy. I had always been my harshest critic, constantly putting pressure on myself to be “perfect” or to have it all together. But I learned that healing comes from accepting yourself as you are—flaws, mistakes, and all—and being kind to yourself during the tough times. It’s about recognizing that I don’t have to be strong all the time, and it’s okay to have bad days.

It’s okay to not be okay.

Healing Doesn't Have to Be Rushed

One of the things I’ve come to understand is that healing is not a destination, it’s a process. It’s a journey that looks different for everyone, and it’s okay to take it at your own pace. Some days will feel lighter, and other days may feel heavier—but that’s all part of the journey.

Healing doesn’t have to be hurried. It’s okay to move slowly, to give yourself the time and space you need to feel whole again. Inner peace doesn’t mean you never feel pain or sadness—it means learning how to navigate life’s challenges with a sense of calm, balance, and self-compassion.

A Message of Hope

To anyone reading this who may be struggling, I want you to know that you are not alone. There is no timeline for healing. It's not about rushing to the finish line—it’s about allowing yourself to feel what you need to feel and trusting that, with time, the storm will pass. You are worthy of peace, and it’s okay to take the time you need to find it.

My journey wasn’t easy, but I’ve come to appreciate every step of it. It’s through the pain, the struggle, and the small victories that I’ve learned to embrace peace—not as a destination, but as a way of being. I invite you to take that same journey, at your own pace, and to embrace the healing process with patience and love.

Remember, you are growing something for yourself to enjoy, and with every step forward, you are closer to finding the peace you deserve.