I Am Restored

This story is the last of a three-part series where we asked the experts “How do I know if I’m healed?” In this post, Tammy Thieme, LCSW of Ottawa, IL, shares her thoughts on Restoration. A friend of mine restores furniture. She carefully removes the old layers of stain preparing to add the new beautiful layers. She does this process slowly with care. We must restore ourselves in the same way. We remove the layers of anger, self-doubt, and fear. We replace them with self-worth, courage, and hope. We learn self-care isn't being selfish. We learn that honoring our body with exercise, yoga, eating healthy, and massage can restore our connection to a positive body image — going from feelings of brokenness to feelings of strength.The beginning of the word restoration is rest. Learn to rest by eliminating screen time 45 minutes before sleep. Electronics delay the release of melatonin (a sleep inducing hormone). Keep your bedroom cool and dark to encourage rest. Sleep restores our energy. Learn to just be. Learn we have worth through self-acceptance and not through performance. Meditation and mindfulness can restore our spirit. Mindfulness is training our mind to be more reflective and more aware of what is going on both within and around us. Spiritual growth may include identifying out blessings, being grateful, serving others, and praying.Spending time in nature has proven to improve our sense of well-being. It could be a walk in the woods, climbing a mountain or kayaking down a river.

Adopt the pace of nature:

her secret is patience.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Being assertive and owning our feelings can restore emotional health. Starting a self-help group or sharing your story with others may help you grow. Learning to set boundaries with others is a sign of emotional growth.

Learn to just be. Learn we have worth through self-acceptance and not through performance.

Restoration is a process, but through We Are HER, you don't have to go through it alone. The restored you often is stronger and more beautiful than before.So let your restored self shine through. I’m a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in a sexual abuse treatment program for children and teens for four years and with survivors of abuse for thirty. I have been given the honor of walking beside my clients as they have navigated their roads to recovery.Tammy Thieme, LCSW