If you’re wondering whether you’re called to bring healing to this world–which can show up in many ways–see if any of these questions apply to you.
- Does it seem like you’re more sensitive to the feelings, troubles, or energy of people around you than others are?
- Are you a strong, smart, driven (sometimes very perfectionistic) person who is used to being the “rock” for others?
- Are you attuned to the needs of people you’re close to, and sometimes know what’s going on with them or what they need, even before they do?
- Do people frequently come to tell you their troubles, and leave feeling magically better afterwards (while you might feel drained)?
- Do you find it hard to say “no” to helping someone you care about in a time of need, even if depletes your own energy or wellness?
- Did you have a difficult childhood dealing with one or more dysfunctional parent who was either abusive, mentally or physically ill, or addicted to drugs or alcohol?
- Have you been in a romantic relationship with someone who was either abusive, mentally or physically ill, or addicted to drugs or alcohol?
- Have you experienced any traumatic life events, such as child abuse or neglect, physical or sexual assault, accidents or surgeries, or the loss of a relationship or loved one that still affects you deeply?
- Do you find yourself trying to fix people’s lives, or feeling responsible for dealing with their problems (because they seem incapable of handling it themselves)…but then also feeling annoyed or frustrated because they won’t listen to your advice?
- Do you feel a strong sense of being here with a purpose or destiny to serve, but think it’s silly or you must be exaggerating, especially if you don’t know what it is?
If you answered “yes” to more than a couple of these questions (especially if you answered “yes” to ALL of them), you have the hallmarks of a wounded healer…before they’ve healed their wounds. It’s up to you whether you choose to use your healing gifts professionally, or just as a part of your life, but you would probably benefit from working through the underlying issues indicated by these questions.