The courage to look
Denial is a way to cope with pain. It can be useful in some situations, like loss and illness, in giving you time to come to terms with what has happened.
But if you sense that you might be denying something important, it might be time to muster the courage to face it.
Remember, you don't have to face it all at once: just take it one layer at a time. Here's how to start — with self-compassion.
Say to yourself:
"It's okay to be in pain. It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to be imperfect. I'm a human being, and this is all a part of being human.
And being human also means that I can be brave and face these things that scare me. I can sit with discomfort. I can extend compassion to myself. I am taking this step because I know that I'm worthy of more peace in my life."
From there, ask yourself:
"Where am I in pain, and how have I been ignoring or denying it?"
