Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

April 30, 2018

“The wound is where the light enters you.” –Rumi

Are you wounded?  Yes. You are.  We are all wounded.  The more important question is whether or not you acknowledge and try to heal your wounds?  When we ignore our emotional wounds, they fester and the emotional infections come out in our behaviors and interactions with others.  We have all seen damage done by individuals who do not like themselves, do not believe they deserve good things, or automatically place themselves above or below others.  These are examples of emotional wounds being expressed.  However, acknowledging our emotional wounds (which can be scary) and addressing our emotional wounds (which can be painful) allows for healing, not just of ourselves but for those around us as well.  Sometimes this healing comes from a direct action, such as making amends to others for our past behavior.  Sometimes this healing comes from indirect actions, such as modeling (often unintentionally) healthy behaviors and interactions that may guide others as they address their own wounds and the challenges these wounds have created in their lives.

When have I denied my emotional wounds?  What has been the cost to myself and others?  What gifts await me as I acknowledge and try to heal my wounds?