My one-year stay in the convent was a jumpstart to my healing. In the initial stage of formation, venturing deeper into self-awareness has been pivotal and helpful for me to become aware of the issues that I did not know were there and those I didn’t think were still there.

Becoming aware of those unresolved issues was painful. It hurt. It was unpleasant and uncomfortable. And of course, I hated how it felt. But at my very core, I also knew that it was necessary for me to go through that. The pain does not go away easily, but it is also not going to stay forever, this I am sure of.

To feel like all my ‘monsters’ whom I tried to run away from were able to catch up with me, and to combat them face-to-face had been daunting at first, but eventually became enlightening, liberating, and empowering.

Being made aware of them and having the opportunity to examine them with God has given me hope that we (God and I) can still do something about them; that I could still grow for the better; and that I am loved no matter what.

I see this part of the journey as grace. God does not want me to remain in bondage. So, He has been working on healing me and setting me free. This process invites and gives the opportunity to trust the Lord more, to choose daily to be more open to His grace, to take courage, and to be patient and humble.

It has been almost four months since I left the convent. Whenever I look back at that indispensable part of my journey, I realize that God revealed (and continues to reveal) to me the hidden truths in order to bring healing, liberation, and restoration. This is only the beginning. The journey continues.

P.S. The video titled “Practical Steps for Finding Healing” (which made me reflect and write this post 😁) may give you a bit more light and insight on your own journey.

God bless you.