How powerful words are, they can hurt, they can heal. Once said, or written, they cannot be taken back. We can strive to always temper the words we use with love and compassion. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, because we are upset or stressed or unwell or reacting to something we have seen or heard, we say or do something that we instantly regret. We forget to stop and think before we think, act or speak. None of us are perfect, and most of us will forgive those we love and care about for such indiscretions.

Unfortunately sometimes our words and actions are as a result of other peoples perceived words or actions, or deliberate lies and deceptions. We may be acting in good faith and unaware of the malicious intent of the other person, equally unaware of the harm we are causing. I am sure we have all been in such a situation, whether or not we realise it or not. Sometimes it takes years before the truth is uncovered. It can take just as long to heal the relationship, the damage the words and actions of others caused. It can be healed, if everyone involved is willing to work at the relationship.

Sometimes we wont be given the opportunity to repair the damage that others words caused, due to unrepairable rifts, illness, death or other reasons. In these cases, as in all cases, it is important to learn to let go of the anger and the pain. We have to heal the emotional turmoil before it manifests as illness or dis ease in our bodies. If we don’t, the pain, anger, regret and emotion can eat away at us and we continue to suffer.

The key to maintaining health and wellness is to not dwell on the past, whether our fault or not, whether we can change it or not. We need to let go of the past to heal. Luckily there are many ways we can work on letting go and healing. There are many books, blogs, websites, courses workshops dedicated to this topic. Don’t be daunted about the plethora of ideas around, many of them are based on the same fundamental rules of caring for and looking after yourself. I have put together the start of a list of simple and easy ideas, which can be used separately or together to begin the healing process.

1. Talk to the person involved. Misunderstanding, damaging words, whatever the reason, if both parties are willing to try to work it out, safe, honest and open talking is the best first option.
2. If you aren’t up to talking in person, write a letter. This is be useful and healing whether you are actually going to give the person the letter or not. Sit quietly in safe and comfortable place and write down everything you are thinking and feeling. Be honest and open, say exactly what you want to tell your loved one. You can choose whether you post or send it, or not. If you aren’t going to send it, either because you aren’t ready to, or because the person as passed on, bury the letter, or burn it. This is an important step in the grieving / healing process.
3. Guided meditation – there are a huge variety of guided meditations available, that take you on a journey – lie somewhere safe and quiet where you wont be disturbed and listen to the meditation – words and music. Try to empty your mind of everything else and only focus on the healing words and music.
4. Self-meditation – If you can, take yourself on a journey in your mind to somewhere where you feel safe and comfortable, happy, content, well, enriched, energised etc. A park, a mountain, a room, a palace, the beach…wherever is your safe and happy place.
5. Craft, creation, gardening, cooking, painting, building, sewing, jigsaw puzzles, colouring in, even reading – any creative pursuit that your find relaxing and enjoyable helps the healing process.
6. Exercise – anything from a gentle stroll, to a brisk walk or a full on boot camp work out can help our mind and body process turmoil and pain and heal.

This list is not complete, by now you have probably come up with more ideas of your own. I would love to hear them. Small steps, focus on your health and healing, let go of the pain of the past…one of my favourite mantras is “I am grateful for the positive, loving and healing words I share with others each and every day.”