What My Healing Journey Taught Me (That Had Nothing to Do With My Face)

 

When I made the decision to go through a recent medical procedure—yes, a facelift—I thought I understood what I was signing up for.

I expected the physical recovery.

What I didn’t expect… was everything else.

Because somewhere along the way, this stopped being just about healing my face…
and started becoming a lesson in healing me.

The Struggle of Slowing Down

I’m not someone who sits still easily.

I like to be active. Productive. Moving forward.

But this season forced me to slow down in a way I couldn’t control.

There were things I simply couldn’t do. I was told to do nothing—no laundry, no cooking, no cleaning… nothing. No exercise. Nothing.

Places I chose not to go—not because I couldn’t, but because I didn’t want others to see my face, how red it was. Even when I could finally wear makeup, it was hard to find something that covered the redness.

A pace I couldn’t push. If I wanted everything to stay in place, I had to follow the doctor’s orders.

And if I’m honest… that was one of the hardest parts.

The Loneliness No One Talks About

Even when you’re surrounded by love… healing can feel lonely.

There are quiet hours.
Long days.
Moments where you’re left with your thoughts and your feelings.

I realized how much we rely on being busy to avoid sitting in those spaces.

And yet… there is something meaningful that happens there too.

I also felt anxiety being alone. I didn’t want my husband gone for long periods of time. I wanted—and needed—company.

Learning to Receive Instead of Do

This one surprised me.

I’m used to doing. Helping others. Supporting. Showing up.

But in this season, I had to let others do that for me.

I had to let Tim wash the clothes, load the dishwasher—and let it be.

I had to receive care… and Tim did that so well. From applying ointment to getting ice packs and simply being present.

It isn’t easy to:

• receive help
• receive support
• receive presence

But while it’s not easy… it’s humbling in the best way.

Letting Go of Control

There were moments I wanted to rush the process.

To feel better faster.
To get back to normal.

But healing doesn’t work that way.

It reminded me that not everything in life can be controlled…
and sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is trust the process we’re in.

The Lesson I’ll Carry Forward

What I’ve come to understand is this:

Whether we are healing physically, emotionally, or relationally…

The process looks very similar.

It takes:

• time
• patience
• trust
• and grace

And even when it feels slow or uncomfortable…
something important is happening beneath the surface.

Final Thought

If you’re in a season where life has slowed you down…
where things feel uncertain… or unfinished…

You’re not stuck.

You’re being shaped.

And sometimes the most meaningful growth doesn’t happen when we’re moving fast…

…but when we’re learning to be still.

💛 It’s not done… it’s in progress.

The final post in the series will drop on Saturday. Don’t miss it!