You Are Not Behind: Embracing Your Own Timing in Healing -- Part 12b of Narcissistic Abuse Blog Series
- Randi Camirand
- Jan 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 24
When the Spell Breaks: Healing After Narcissistic Abuse
There is no timeline for waking up.
After narcissistic or emotionally manipulative relationships, it’s easy to feel like you’re “behind” compared to others—friends, family, or even yourself.
You might compare your healing journey to others’, wonder why it’s taking longer than you expected, or feel pressure to “get over it” faster.
The truth is: you arrived here exactly when your system was ready.
Healing Happens on Your Timeline
Every person’s nervous system, past experiences, and trauma imprint are unique. Recovery is not linear, and it cannot be rushed. The moments that feel slow, confusing, or stagnant are part of the process. Your body and mind have been learning to survive; now, they are learning to thrive safely.
This means:
Feeling ready to set boundaries at your own pace
Processing grief and anger as it arises, without forcing closure
Reclaiming your self-trust gradually, moment by moment
Nothing about your journey is wasted. Every feeling, setback, or pause has been preparing you to arrive at clarity and empowerment.
Comparison Is the Thief of Healing
When you compare yourself to others, it can trigger self-doubt and guilt. But your nervous system does not heal according to social expectations or external timelines. It heals according to its own readiness and rhythm.
Instead of measuring yourself against anyone else, notice where you are right now:
What small step have you taken today to honor yourself?
What boundary have you reinforced?
How have you listened to your body or your inner guidance?
Each of these moments is a sign of progress, proof that you are exactly where you need to be.
Integrating Lessons From the Past
Part of feeling “on time” is embracing your past experiences—not as mistakes, but as lessons that shaped your awareness and resilience. Every confusing relationship, every moment of self-doubt, every tear and every insight has contributed to your growth.
Integration means acknowledging:
Your pain was real and valid
Your sensitivity is a strength, not a flaw
Your nervous system is learning safety, trust, and empowerment
By seeing your journey as cumulative rather than comparative, you honor yourself fully and create a solid foundation for the next phase of empowerment.
A Gentle Practice to Honor Your Timing
Pause and breathe. Inhale for four counts, exhale for six.
Reflect on one small victory today, no matter how minor it seems.
Affirm to yourself: I am exactly where I need to be. My journey is my own, and every step matters.
Release judgment for any perceived “delay” or misstep.
Repeating this practice daily helps reinforce self-trust, patience, and compassion for your own healing rhythm.
Moving Forward With Empowerment
There is no universal schedule for recovery. Waking up, processing trauma, and reclaiming yourself happens on your own timeline—and that timeline is perfect.
You are not behind.You are exactly where you are meant to be.
And every moment you honor your own pace is a step toward true integration and empowerment.
You are not alone. I am available for individual sessions, when you are ready.
In the meantime, here are some Resources For Your Healing Journey:
Read blog posts from my series When the Spell Breaks: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse. https://www.randicamirand.com/blog/categories/healing-from-narcissistic-abuse
Follow my Women’s Wintering Well Series on Instagram for almost daily self-care reminders. https://www.instagram.com/randicamirand/
10 Grounding Practices for Women
Visit my Homepage www.randicamirand.com
Learn more About Me and My Approach https://www.randicamirand.com/about
Learn about my Women’s Online Meditation Classes and email sign up to receive notifications. https://www.randicamirand.com/womens-meditation-classes
Check out The Blog for therapy insights and self-help tips.
