To Forge A New Path: You Must Be Willing to Walk Alone at Times.

December 15, 2025 

Heline Freea, Author and Trauma Therapist

Tim Lineaweaver, Subject Matter Expert

The saying, "To forge a new path, you must be willing to walk alone at times," underscores the power of self-reliance in innovation, personal growth, and the creation of a unique life. It's a powerful reminder that following your own vision often means breaking away from the expectations and comfort of the crowd. 

Many individuals find that their healing process is deeply personal and doesn't align with traditional approaches. This involves questioning established frameworks, seeking alternative therapies, or simply listening to one's intuition about what feels right.

Author Heline Freea is a trauma therapist and educator, Mental health trainer, energy therapist, clinical supervisor, and Founder of Rooted in Recovery Truth & Purpose. Heline is also the author of Unlayering the Hidden Roots of Trauma.

According to Heline Freea

Finding the proper support in therapy can feel elusive for many individuals, leading to further disconnection and misunderstanding that impedes their healing journey, not realizing that healing is varied. When traditional approaches fall short, self-healing through alternative, holistic methods — such as energy healing, creative expression, mindfulness, presence, Eastern rituals, and yogic practices — can become a more resonant path that supports and nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. 

Being re-rooted in loneliness encourages us to explore our own needs, desires, and vulnerabilities without the influence of another person. During this time of self-reflection, we delve deeper into our own psyche and begin to understand what we truly seek in love and life. This process of healing is about reclaiming our identity and learning to stand on our own two feet. Ultimately, the impermanence of love teaches us that while connections may fade, embracing solitude catalyzes growth. 

Growing Up In The Shadow Of Trauma

Growing up with trauma stifles our voices, dims our imaginations, and buries our dreams and the vibrant potential that resides within us, compelling us to forget the strengths we once possessed. Yet, it is precisely these elements – our voices, our creativity, and our aspirations - that hold the key to healing and growth. 

The journey is about rediscovering the joy and hope that coexist with our pain, reminding us that we have the power to rise, create, and dream. It reminds us of the hope that exists beyond our challenges and encourages us to dream again, even when the world feels heavy.

In environments where validation is scarce, emotions are dismissed or exploited; this lack of understanding creates a chasm between them, leaving many to suffer in silence. Navigating the complexities of healing leaves no choice but to seek resolution outside of familial relationships. 

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The Solitary Path

The solitary path, while daunting, can become an opportunity for healing, forging unexpected connections with those who can empathize with their experiences, leading to a richer, more authentic existence. Walking alone can be profoundly transformative, unearthing strengths and ultimately redefining one's identity on one's own terms.

The journey invites us to reclaim our innate creativity, renewing our capacity for joy and curiosity. When I was fleeing my family home decades ago, there was no support. Nowhere to turn to. 

Reach Out

Today, I often hear well-meaning statements such as "Don't suffer in silence" and "Reach out."

Is it truly that easy to reach out for help in situations of trauma, especially when the fear of retaliation looms significantly, trust in professionals may be lacking, and the stigma surrounding trauma can make survivors feel isolated, fearful, and ashamed? Self-healing becomes a vital option when individuals don't know where to find support in the absence of external resources. 

Forging our own paths to personal growth helps us to define who we are beyond our trauma. This process demands courage and determination. Joy is available.

You can open the channels. Your isolation isn't a weakness; it is a divine instruction.

This exploration of healing invites us to embrace the non-verbal, intuitive dimensions of our journey. It often compels us to confront our innermost thoughts and feelings, fostering introspection and self-awareness. In solitude, we are stripped of external distractions, allowing us to delve deeper into our inner worlds. Here, our consciousness moves gracefully inward, where "integrating remembering" becomes a profound act of acceptance. It's understandable why so many survivors remain stuck in fear and self-doubt, trapped in survival mode, because the familiarity of their struggles feels safer than the uncertainty of change.

We acknowledge our history without words, allowing silent integration to unfold. This profound, unspoken process can unlock layers of healing, reaching into the subconscious, allowing the flow of creativity to guide us. This organic approach leads us to a deeper understanding and connection with ourselves, allowing the unseen to reveal its wisdom and grace. Through this process, we discover not only healing but also a profound awakening to the depths of our being.

As we expand our healing through creative processing, we tap into the wellspring of our imagination. Whether through art, music, writing, or movement, creativity becomes a sacred conduit for emotional expression. It invites us to explore the rich landscapes of our inner world, using our intuition to uncover and release emotions that may have been held captive within us.

To Forge A New Path

To forge a new path, you must be willing to walk alone at times. In the midst of chaos, there is always an opportunity for growth. New beginnings often come disguised as painful endings.

To find our individuality, we must take steps to shed the conditioned personality imposed upon us. Individuality is inherent in existence, while personality is imposed by society. Living through daily trauma, facing threats of abandonment and danger, I often wished for a "get out of jail free card." A few months before breaking free, I recognized my nervous system at capacity. 

Throughout my childhood, I learned ways to build capacity through imagination, song, and poetry.

The Solitary Canvas: 

• Aloneness as a catalyst for emotional regulation.

• Aloneness doesn't equate to isolation; rather, it signifies an opportunity for expansion.

• Aloneness fuels the heart and soul.

Befriending ourselves during difficult times invites compassion and curiosity into the present moment, marking the beginning of our journey to reconnect with our senses.

Many spiritual philosophies suggest that aloneness can deepen our connection to the universe. 

Creative Arts

From a psychodynamic perspective, creating art can serve as a form of symbolic representation of unconscious thoughts and feelings. Traumatised children express feelings that may be too difficult to articulate verbally. When they mould clay or paint, they may not only be crafting a physical object but also working through their emotional landscapes.

In my work as a play and creative arts child therapist, I've witnessed some beautiful cathartic moments with children, their imaginations soaring, their faces lighting up as they sprinkle glitter, as if each sparkly piece represents a burst of wonder. I have seen them transform from quiet observers into bold creators, alive in the moment and allowing their true selves to emerge with each creative choice. Through creativity, we re-activate our imagination, our ability to imagine more, think less.

For Me As A Child 

For me, as a child, writing served as a bridge between chaos and clarity. The visual representation of my feelings added another layer of relief and understanding.

Externalising what's inside transforms abstract emotions into something visible and tangible, making it easier to accept, confront, and set new boundaries that honour my emotional wellbeing. 

Child's Play- A Secret Language

My dreams began to take shape at the age of nine. The wonder of the song "Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" sparked a light in me, reminding me that even in difficult times, there was always a path forward. Through the lens of music, I learned that joy and creativity could exist even in despair. 

The song emphasized the importance of dreams, faith, and belief in a higher power, as well as themes of family betrayal, the complexities of family loyalty, jealousy, and resilience in the face of adversity. It also explored themes of identity, self-discovery, unity, and diversity.

This was the beginning of my love of musical theatre. The song and story resonated with me, as I was grateful for the quietude before sleep, when wonder, stories, and enchantment seeped in.

"In the stars above, everything shines. The night didn't scare me; it's my time to re-align. I don't run, I don't hide, I float, I drift, in a love so rare, Universal bliss.

Peace can expand you, opening channels they can't touch, even in hostile environments, we can come up for air."

As my sister and I sang this song, I almost felt like I was being transported somewhere else out into the night's sky, as I gazed up at the stars. The night was my respite, a chance of peace. Reflecting, I love the night. I'm not afraid of the dark. I would like to know if my nervous system aligns with those states of calm.

I closed my eyes, drew back the curtain, and a world far, far away. In that moment, I felt the music wrap around me like a warm embrace, etching its beautiful melodies into my soul. Each note resonated within me, a reminder of the possibility that existed beyond the confines of my life. The backing voices like angels hovering over me, whispering promises of hope and love into my spirit. In this serene vision, my imagination gifted me with a warm glow and a calm mind as I floated upward, soothed by ethereal harmonies—a celestial symphony.

Maybe I always knew there was something more, something gentle and healing, a presence that watched over me, a refuge from the chaos that surrounded me.

At night, I could shed the weight of my reality and immerse myself in the magic of storytelling and singing. I recognized that the power of music was not just a personal refuge; it was a universal language that connected us all. It transcended pain and sorrow, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences that resonated deeply with those who dared to listen.

Once, the solitude of my youth felt like a source of anguish, but with the wisdom of age, it became a rich source of comfort.

What the Heart Reveals

What we resist, the heart will reveal through a sense of longing — moments of anxiety, avoidance, or fear. Healing asks us to embrace the discomfort that arises. To learn its hidden lessons, unravel the truths, and respond. There's courage here. There's insight here. There's growth here. There's resilience here. There's empowerment here. There's freedom here. Healing asks us to tap into our creative passion and imagination, to find magic and experience wonder as we dream hope into our existence.

There is much to be found in restoration amidst the chaos of life, where we discover greater depth in our experience of being alive. As we sit with our discomfort, we will uncover a deeper connection to our true selves.

Throughout this journey, we often feel that something essential is missing. This longing can guide us toward more profound understanding and connection, urging us to explore the hidden layers of our being and reclaim what we seek.

Pausing to reassess your commitments so you will have the freedom to focus on your well-being, permitting you to put yourself first.

Is there something that's not working, something weighing you down? Stagnant routines, negative self-talk, toxic relationships, unhealthy choices,

It could be time to surrender to the 'NOW.'

How would it feel to embrace the unknown?

While fear may try to hold us back, it can also propel us forward when we choose to confront it. By leaning into the discomfort and taking small, intentional steps, we can transform our fear into fuel for action, paving the way for personal growth and empowerment. And if you can't decide anything today, that's absolutely fine. 

Sometimes, simply being present and allowing yourself the space to feel without pressure is all that's needed. Or to sit and "BE". It's okay to take a step back and give yourself the grace to pause and reflect. Life isn't a race, and there's no need to rush your decisions.

Trust that clarity will come in time, and honor where you are in this moment. Celebrate what is working, the practices and relationships that elevate your spirit, nourish your body, and inspire your mind.

In these challenging times, remember that the journey through uncertainty can lead to profound transformation. For further reading, please see the article below: "Unraveling the Intricacies of Generational Trauma."

https://traumatalk.substack.com/p/unraveling-the-impact-of-inter-generational

Heline Freea at https://www.globaltraumainterventions.co.uk/

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