You May Feel Worse Before You Feel Better - letters from Dena

I've been fortunate to have a long career in the medical and spiritual wellness industries, and one common point I hear is something along the lines of -

It might get worse before it gets better. Trust in the process.

In the medical spa, I see this with acne patients, as our esthetician explains: Your face will get better, but it will get worse before it gets better. Don't give up. It's just your skin rebalancing.

In my world of process improvement, I ask folks to trust the process and not quit. I tell them - if we can make it through as a group, something better is on the other side. It is going to be chaotic before it gets better. Trust the process. We can do it.

In energy medicine, I hear it as: We've just moved a lot of stuck or stagnant energy. You may feel less energy for a few days before feeling better.

Last night, in class, I laughed to myself when I heard my professor say something similar about the mental health counseling process -- stick with it; it's probably going to get worse before it gets better.

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Change and processes often follow a pattern that can feel counterintuitive: things may get worse before they get better.

This phenomenon highlights the discomfort that typically accompanies transformation, whether in personal growth, organizational improvement, or even healing.

As individuals and groups navigate through the chaos of change, they may encounter setbacks or heightened struggles that can lead to frustration or doubt.

However, embracing this tumultuous phase is crucial, as it often signifies the shedding of old habits or energies.

By trusting in the process and remaining persistent, there is a promising outcome on the horizon, where clarity and progress eventually emerge. Ultimately, enduring the initial turbulence can lead to profound and lasting transformation.

If you are in competent hands...

Don't quit.

You can do this.

Trust the process.