I feel like there’s a fairly common phrase used these days—“People will only understand you from their level of perception.” While I don’t disagree with this sentiment, I would like to offer something I feel may be even more true, “People will only understand you from their level of healing.”
Please let me explain.
Over the years, many friends have come and gone, which I know is normal and happens to all of us, but each time it happens, I used to, and sometimes still, catch myself in a cycle of, sitting and feeling stuck on “what’s wrong with me?” Some friendships ended and it was my choice. Others ended and it wasn’t my choice, but I hold some (or all) of the blame. And others ended just because time drifted us apart. I still care for each and every one of these people who I am no longer “friends” with. And if any of them reached out to me needing a shoulder, I would absolutely lend them mine.
“Why?” You ask. Because I have HEALED and will continue healing myself as many times as it takes. Which lead me to thinking, maybe those friendships ended because we were not in the same place in our healing journey. And that is perfectly okay.
Speaking from my experience pre-healing, if someone hasn’t healed, or isn’t ready to begin that process, it can be extremely triggering to see and be around someone who has healed. Who sees the light. Who feels the warmth of joy. Judgment, disgust, blame, are all things I felt in that space. But Y E A R S later, looking back, I see that they were healing and I just wasn’t ready to let go of my shadows. It was easier to stay attached to the darkness than to sit in it, feel it, let it be, then let it go.
From my POV, I feel like there are times I repel people and turn them away. No bad intentions. Maybe it’s my energy. Maybe it’s my light. Maybe I didn’t wash my hair that day, so it smells. Regardless of the reason, I truly believe that people cannot comprehend (the collective) you, your intentions, your words, your actions until they have reached your level of healing. When and if they do, they will, at that time, have a higher likelihood of realizing WHY you did what you did and may even find respect for you and where you were in your process. At least, that’s how it has worked for me.
All this to say, while there may be “fault” to be had in the ends of friendships, know that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for doing what you did because even if you did explain it to them, they would still only understand from their level of healing.
Love,
Me