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Poetry

Becoming: Transforming Pain Into Something Beautiful (A Poem)

Molly Transatlantic Notes

When we experience events or situations that cause emotional pain and mental distress, our whole world may become overturned. Unpleasant emotions can disrupt our daily life in a way that interferes with our familiar routines and/or triggers changes in our ability to function in a healthful way. It might seem like an impossible task, but finding how to move forward and/or begin to heal is possible.

Working through the deep complexities in which emotional and mental pain can weave into every aspect of our lives makes confronting it and finding a way forward a triggering and arduous undertaking. Not dealing with our trauma, grief, loss, stress, anxiety, or toxic influences, for example, can initially seem like a strategy that protects us from further anguish — but I think we all know that this will only be helpful for so long.

Regardless of the cause, there comes a time when we can no longer ignore our internal struggles. Moving beyond survival and into a new way of being — even rediscovering beauty in life — is about using our pain to build resiliency and implement the changes we need to experience growth. By shifting our focus from what has already happened to what we can establish and change gives us breathing room. There is power in taking small steps that begin to deal with our pain; we do not have to imagine the good that awaits — we can set about creating it.

A poem by Molly from Transatlantic Notes called, ’Becoming’ that reads: Emotional pain leaves an impact on our mind, body and soul; like an internal anchor attaching to the sorrow that’s taking its toll. We wrestle so hard against it, treading water appearing to float; sometimes turning away from its tumult, trying not to acknowledge its choke. But pain can also bring clarity when we decide to face it head on; it points us towards deep changes, building spaces in which to belong. When we look past what it’s been hiding and examine new ways to unfold; we move beyond merely surviving, we lessen the grip that pain holds. Each step we take is improvement, even when our path seems unclear; there is beauty and nourishment awaiting on the other side of fear.

There is no fixed or universal way to know when our individual journey towards healing can begin; our emotional pain is unique to us, but some general signs may indicate we are in a better place to make a start. When we feel more self-aware and in tune with our emotions, we can choose to implement healthy coping mechanisms. Having a sense of control over our thoughts and feelings or finding a supportive network of people can initiate the first steps we need — additionally, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can be the most valuable way to learn how to effectively manage emotional pain.

Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that healing is not a linear process and setbacks and challenges may arise. However, with patience, self-compassion and a commitment to growth, it’s possible to move towards a place of greater emotional resilience and well-being.

What are you becoming? Are you taking care of your resilience?

Further Info:

NAMI Helpline – a free, nationwide U.S. resource that offers experienced peer-support guidance and advice

FindAHelpline – global (by country) resources for free, confidential mental health support

Safe In Our World – a list of global (by country) LGBTQ+ mental health resources and support

This is part of my M.T.N Poetry Collection: If you wish to share my poetry on Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter, please tag my corresponding accounts and link to my website; do not edit my work or remove/crop out my name or site address from being clearly visible within the post. For all other uses/purposes, please contact me for permission so that information regarding terms of usage can be provided. Thank you.

24 thoughts on “Becoming: Transforming Pain Into Something Beautiful (A Poem)”

  6. Seeking help when you can’t do something about mental health and emotion is very important. This is very important and informative post.

  9. This is so lovely. I love the alchemy of transforming pain into something beautiful. I enjoyed the poem you wrote. Thank you, Molly xx

  12. I always feel such a connection to your poetry, Molly. The first few lines feel like they are taken straight from my life. Back in 2018 I started to address a trauma I had suppressed so far down I didn’t realize what an anchor it had become. Releasing that (though it’s still a process) has definitely allowed me to become a freer person.

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