Many people believe that the journey towards better health is a straight beeline towards success as long as they stay disciplined enough. This may be true for some people depending on the situation, but for a lot of others, this is very far from the truth.

Whether you’re going through therapy for physical or emotional pain, or if you simply just want to lose weight, it’s not an easy endeavor to take on. You have to first recognize that there needs to be a change. Then you have to seek out professional help and guidance on how to change it. And finally, you have to stick with it. But the part that takes up so much of our emotional energy is the fact that there will be times when – even if you’re doing all the right things – you feel like your progress has plateaued, or even gone backwards. It’s definitely not a straight beeline to success.

I know the feeling.

As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety, I’ve found my healing path with the Eastern philosophies of Taoism and Buddhism. Because of my dedicated practice of meditation and spiritual study, most people who have met me in recent years see me as a pretty easy going, good natured guy. But in actuality, I still have rather tumultuous days. When I feel great, I feel like I can spread love throughout the entire universe. When I feel like a horrible mess, I just want to hide inside of my turtle shell. Sometimes it feels incredibly discouraging that after all these years, I still go through those kinds days. But knowing that the philosophies of Taoism and Buddhism – as well as the practices of QiGong, meditation, and acupuncture – had helped many people throughout time find happiness and wellness, I continue to trust my path as I always have. When I look back at how I was several years ago compared to now, I’ve come a long way.

And so will you.

It takes time and effort to heal. There will be good days and there will be bad days. As long as you’re receiving help and guidance from a certified professional, you will eventually have more good days than bad. When the days are bad and you feel like you’re going backwards, take a few slow, deep breaths. Spend a few moments to remind yourself that healing is a long winding road. Remember to have trust in your healers and guides helping you on your path…. the right ones will keep you realistic, yet optimistic. Be excited that you have the opportunity to heal. Continue on that road, because believe me, you can do this. When you can focus every ounce of energy in your healing and not let the bad days get you down, the universe will conspire to make sure you get there.

Sonny is a Licensed Acupuncturist (NCCAOM), Clinical QiGong Practitioner (NQA), and Advanced QiGong Instructor (NQA) at Purple Cloud Center for Eastern Medicine based in Chicago, IL.