Trauma says: 'Keep them at all costs.' Healing says: 'Keep yourself first.'

 A Note to Readers: These entries are simply a collection of personal self-check-ins shared by a woman on her own journey. They are intended to encourage you to pause and check in with yourself, but they are not a replacement for professional support. I encourage everyone to seek the help of a licensed therapist or counselor if they need guidance in navigating their own mental health.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 (in the US) or contact your local emergency services immediately.

"Trauma says: 'Keep them at all costs.' Healing says: 'Keep yourself first.'

For a long time, I thought healing meant I’d stop being afraid. But the truth? The fear didn't disappear—it just moved. I stopped being afraid of an empty chair at the table, and started being terrified of sitting in a room full of people and not recognizing the woman in the mirror.

In this week’s Sunday Mental Health Check-In, we are unpacking the difference between a survival response and a healing standard.

📝 Hear the full entry, https://substack.com/@rakiaari/note/c-201655013?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=7p8aq.

This Week’s Mantra Rooted in Wisdom

"If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm." - African Proverb

(Meaning: When you are secure in who you are (healing), the actions of others (trauma/rejection) lose their power to hurt you.)

#TheAkuaProjects #RakiaAri #HealingJourney #ChooseYourself #MentalHealthBlog"