We all want closure, especially when our relationships turn sour. But as much as we wish for it, closure isn’t always an option – and many times it may not even be the best option. So how do we navigate these rough waters without the help of definitive closure? It comes with understanding healing on our own terms and what that looks like in practice. Let me break it down.
The Reality of Closure – why it’s often not an option and how we must learn to accept that
Closure is a tricky thing. We often find ourselves yearning for it, hoping that it will bring an end to a difficult chapter in our lives. But what happens when closure isn’t an option? When loose ends remain untied, when apologies go unsaid, when we can never quite get the answers we need to truly move on? It’s a painful truth, but one that we must learn to accept. Seeking closure can sometimes do more harm than good, especially when the other party isn’t willing or able to give us what we need. Instead, we must find closure within ourselves. We must learn to let go of the things we cannot control, and learn to live with the loose ends. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary for our own healing and growth. It’s a practice in resilience.
The Power of Reflection – recognizing our patterns in relationships and acknowledging the lessons we have learned
Have you ever stopped to think about the patterns in your relationships? The types of people you seem to attract or the situations that repeat themselves? It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and not take the time to reflect on what we can do differently or the lessons we’ve learned. But recognizing our patterns and acknowledging the teachings that come with them can be incredibly powerful. I have learned some really hard truths about the kinds of relationships I tend to seek and invest in. They are often co-dependent, with me striving to “earn” approval from people who like watching others jump through hoops for them. This is a ME thing. Something I can control and learn from.
Moving On vs. Moving Forward – the importance of separating ourselves from past experiences and relationships
It’s natural to hold on to things that are no longer serving us, whether it be a past relationship, a job that is no longer fulfilling, or even our own negative self-talk. But why do we do this? Speaking for myself, I think it’s usually because of a fear of the unknown. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t, as they say. But t’s important to understand that there is a difference between moving on and moving forward. Moving on implies that we are simply forgetting the past and leaving it behind, while moving forward means acknowledging our past experiences and relationships, but actively choosing to let go of what no longer serves us and move towards a better, brighter future. It’s a difficult process, but it’s one that must be done in order to truly thrive.
Forgiveness is a Journey – understanding how to forgive ourselves and find peace with those who don’t offer us closure
Forgiveness is a journey that can take you down some winding roads. You may start out feeling angry, bitter, and resentful, especially when the person who hurt you doesn’t offer you any closure. You might think to yourself, how can I possibly forgive them when they don’t even seem sorry? But, as you set out on this journey, you’ll find that forgiveness isn’t just about the other person – it’s about you, too. Forgiving yourself, for example, for the mistakes you make along the way, is just as important as forgiving someone else. And, before you know it, you’ll start to feel a weight lifted off of your shoulders as you begin to let go of the negative emotions that were holding you back. It may not be an easy journey, but it’s one that’s worth taking – one that will ultimately lead you to a place of peace, healing, and closure.
Acceptance is Key – recognizing the power within ourselves to heal, grow, and create new beginnings
Acceptance is key to unlocking the power within ourselves to heal, grow, and create new beginnings. It takes courage to face our imperfections, mistakes, and pain head-on, but doing so is the first step towards personal growth and transformation. Accepting ourselves and our past may not be easy, but it is necessary if we want to move forward and create a better future. It is liberating to let go of self-judgment and embrace self-love and compassion. Through acceptance, we give ourselves permission to be imperfectly human and acknowledge our unique journey. So let’s start on this journey together, embracing our flaws, unlocking our power, and creating new beginnings.
Self-Care as a Necessity– creating healthy boundaries for ourselves so that we can continue on our journey towards closure
In today’s ultra-busy world, it can feel like we barely have time to catch our breath, let alone take care of ourselves. But the truth is, self-care is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. And creating healthy boundaries is an essential part of that. It’s all too easy to let the demands of work, family, and other obligations blur into one endless cycle of stress and exhaustion. But by setting clear limits on our time and energy, we can create a buffer zone that allows us to recharge, rejuvenate, and move forward with renewed purpose.
The process of closure isn’t usually a linear path – it’s more of an emotional journey we must all embark on. While the outcome may not be what we hoped it would be, reflection, forgiveness and acceptance can help us get closer to a place of peace. The most important thing is that we never lose hope or stop believing in who we are and what we’re capable of. If you find yourself struggling to move past a bad relationship or any other obstacle in your life, remember: healing is possible if you just keep persistently pushing forward. Maybe then you’ll have the closure that was so hard to come by. Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you see more content like this!
