Healing Takes Time: And That’s Okay

In a world that glorifies speed, perfection, and bouncing back like nothing ever happened, healing often feels like a silent rebellion. You’re expected to get over it. Move on. Smile again. Be okay. But what if you’re not? What if some days you’re still just trying to breathe?

The truth is: healing takes time. And not just days or weeks — sometimes months, even years. And that doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

Mental health is not one-size-fits-all

The problem is, we’re often taught to treat mental health like a checklist — if you meditate, talk to someone, take a break, you should feel better. But healing doesn’t follow a template. What soothes one person may trigger another. What works for someone else may not work for you — and that’s okay.

We need to stop comparing wounds we cannot see. Your pace, your rhythm, your way of coping — it’s all valid. Mental health is deeply personal, and your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

Grief is not linear. Neither is healing.

Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a dream, or even just the version of yourself you used to know — grief hits in waves. Some days you’ll feel like you’ve found your footing, only to be knocked down by a smell, a song, or a memory.

There’s no deadline for when you should feel “better.” The world might move on, but you don’t have to rush to catch up. Grief, like healing, doesn’t come with a schedule.

The pressure to be 'fine' is exhausting

We live in a time where we post polished pictures but hide the panic attacks. Where “I’m fine” is a default, even when we’re barely holding it together. But pretending to be okay is not the same as being okay. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to admit that you’re not.

We need to normalise saying:
🟡 “I’m struggling.”
🟡 “I need space.”
🟡 “I’m still not over it.”
🟡 “I’m taking time for myself.”

And we need to respond not with judgment, but with softness.

Let’s romanticise rest, not resilience

It’s time we flip the narrative. Let’s stop idolising hustle and instead romanticise slowing down. Let’s celebrate crying on the bathroom floor as much as we celebrate conquering the world. Let’s stop asking, “Why aren’t you over it yet?” and start saying, “Take all the time you need.”

Because healing isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about feeling every crack, letting the light in, and learning to live with the pieces.

You don’t have to wear a brave face every day.

At Project Ezza, we believe healing should be held, not hidden. That’s why we created the "Healing takes time" tee — a soft, wearable reminder that you’re not alone, and you’re not late.

You’re doing the best you can. And that’s enough.

So here’s to the quiet healing, the ugly crying, the journaling at 2am, the skipped parties, the therapy sessions, the “not today” texts, the small victories, and the gentle starts.

Because healing takes time.
And you’re allowed to take yours.