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Radiant Soul,
I’ll never forget the day I had a complete meltdown. I was rushing to get somewhere, even giving myself an extra half-hour just to be sure I’d arrive on time…..and I was still late.
There I was, at 11:00 AM, trapped behind a line of cars on the highway….and that’s when it hit me.
Tears.
Hysterical, unstoppable tears.
I was a mess.
My head dropped to the steering wheel, and the sound of honking faded into the background as I let it all out.
Snot and all.
Eyes bloodshot red.
I was having a complete meltdown.
Now, I know you’re thinking, “Dr. A, running late isn’t worth all that.” And you’re right, it’s not…but this here, wasn’t really about me being late.
It was time for me to let go.
You see, when life hands us tough experiences, we often try to push through without truly facing what we’ve been through. We stay busy, pretend it doesn’t bother us, or avoid the pain, hoping it will just fade away….but the truth is, our bodies remember.
Our emotions wait, storing up until the day they demand to be felt and healed.
Sitting there on the highway, I knew I couldn’t just keep pushing it down. So, I pulled off at the next exit and parked, giving myself a moment to grieve in safety.
Sidebar: Maybe this is a little TMI and I’m the only one who does this but, when I cry, I look at myself in the mirror. It’s a way to check in—to see how my pain is showing up in my own eyes. Call it strange, but it helps me process.
I pulled down the visor, opened the mirror, and let the words come out, harsh and unfiltered: “Why are you like this? You’ll never get it together. You’re a failure. You can’t even arrive on time.” I shocked myself into silence. How could I speak to myself that way?
Closing the mirror, I leaned back and gazed out the sunroof. Suddenly, a line of butterflies floated above—blue, yellow, white, multicolored—all drifting in circles. And just like that, a calm washed over me, so sudden and unfamiliar it felt surreal. Then, as if my own thoughts had transformed into something wiser, I heard these words: “This is the last time you talk to yourself this way. You’re not a failure; you’re hurting. And until you face this pain, life will feel chaotic. Staying busy isn’t going to cut it anymore. Now, pull yourself together, cancel your meeting, and go home.”
I sat up, wiped my face, and took a deep breath.
The drive home felt like everything around me had aligned. As I turned into my neighborhood, I got a text: the person I’d been rushing to meet needed to reschedule. I couldn’t help but feel like God was giving me exactly what I needed— space to breathe. Space to grieve.
That day marked the beginning of my journey inward and will always be a moment I will never forget.
Everything you experience—good and bad—wasn’t meant to break you. It’s part of the wisdom your future self needs.
We carry pain, shame, and regret, embarrassed that it’s part of our story.
We think, “If only I hadn’t gone through that, maybe I’d be different…better.”
But here’s the truth:
You weren’t meant to be a victim in your own story.
You were meant to create a masterpiece from your experiences….but you can’t do that while holding onto the pain.
You have to let it go.
I hope you see that you’re still here….and in that, I hope you start to see the beauty within your pain….but in order for you to honor it - you have to stop burying it, ignoring it, and suppressing it. Slow down, feel it, and let it guide you into a healthy way of being.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” — Romans 8:18 (NIV). No matter how deep the pain feels now, it doesn’t hold a candle to the joy, peace, and purpose waiting on the other side of healing. Just as the darkness of night fades into dawn, your commitment to face and honor your pain will reveal a brighter, stronger version of yourself.
The joy that’s coming is more powerful than any hardship you've endured.
Trust that the journey inward is worth it because, in time, you’ll see that your struggles are preparing you for a greater peace and fulfillment.
If you’re in that place where it feels like the pain might win, I want you to know this: it gets better. I know it may feel overwhelming now, but there is joy on the other side of the inner work you commit to. Healing isn’t easy, but with each step, you’re reclaiming your life, finding peace, and making room for a future that holds light, love, and strength. The pain doesn’t define you—it’s a part of your story that will someday feel distant, softened by the wisdom and resilience you gain along the way.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV). While life may press and challenge us, we’re never defeated. For every negative, God’s promise brings a powerful counter of hope. You may feel perplexed, but despair doesn’t have to define you. You may be struck down, but you are not destroyed. Keep going. Trust that there’s more for you than this moment..
What Does “Honoring” Your Journey Look Like?
Honoring what you’ve been through is an act of self-compassion. It means allowing yourself to fully accept where you’ve been, treating yourself with kindness, and finding gratitude for the growth you’ve gained. It could look like celebrating small wins, speaking gently to yourself, or acknowledging the resilience that has carried you this far. Honoring is about recognizing that every experience has added to the strength and wisdom you have today.
If you’re ready to dig deeper and honor your own journey, I’ve created a digital worksheet filled with reflection questions to guide you. [Click here to access it.] It’s a tool to help you take those first steps, providing you a safe space to reflect and process your strengths and embrace areas of growth. Investing in this worksheet also supports the work I do to create more resources like this, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fuel your journey.
For those of you ready to connect more closely, my membership community is here to provide support along the way. “Fuel the journey,” and receive additional resources, opportunities to ask questions, and a space to connect with others on a similar path. For those looking for a more personalized experience, I offer 1-on-1 coaching sessions where we can work together to unpack your journey and build a path toward healing and strength.
Journaling became my sanctuary, a safe place to unpack what I’ve been carrying. It may not sound like the most fun thing to do, but it’s far better than staying trapped in unresolved pain, letting it dictate your actions, emotions, and life. It’s time to free yourself and let your pain inspire you into a wiser, stronger version of yourself.
The only way I found peace was by giving myself permission to feel and heal, without running.
They say you can’t heal what you don’t reveal….and often, it’s not about showing your pain to the world, but revealing it to yourself. When you see the wound, you can understand what it needs. And when you care for it, you’ll be inspired by how it transforms you and your life.
If you want to avoid the breakdown I had, it’s time to stop grieving what you’ve been through. You gotta honor it.
With Love and Truth,
Dr. A
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Amirah B. Abdullah, DrPH
Dr. Amirah B. Abdullah—affectionately known as Dr. A—is dedicated to helping you develop the mental skills that shape every part of life. As the heart behind For Your Inner G, she’s here to guide you on a journey of strengthening your mind, nurturing your spirit, and embracing emotional resilience. With a focus on empowering adulting success, Dr. A is committed to supporting you in discovering the confidence and clarity to live authentically.
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