The Healing Continues
Reflecting on the trauma. Understanding the healing process. Learning how to move forward—and catching the first glimpses of life becoming a little better.
The second collection in Cristie Schwan’s deeply personal trilogy explores what happens after survival, when the difficult and necessary work of recovery truly begins.
“Healing does not erase what happened. It changes the power the past has over what comes next.”
After Surviving, Healing Begins
The Healing Continues reflects on the trauma explored in Book One and turns toward the difficult process of moving forward from a bad situation.
This collection acknowledges that healing is rarely immediate or simple. It unfolds gradually—through reflection, support, difficult realizations, renewed strength and small signs that life is beginning to improve.
Book Two lives in that important space between surviving the past and creating the future.
Experience the Words
Before The Healing Continues arrives in 2027, read one of the personal poems that offers a glimpse into the uncertainty, loneliness and search for identity explored throughout Book Two.
WHERE DO I BELONG?
different now from how it used to be The future
was planned out; life took a nosedive then everything became scary My identity
has changed, who am I without you? You were by
my side forever, but now I have no clue This space
is just me now & no one else It’s up to
me to figure it all out, every last battle Where to
even start to try to figure it all out No
confidence in myself, only left with self-doubt Feeling
adrift at sea, I can’t relate to anyone Wading through
murky waters during this blurry transition I can barely
see straight, pushing down those feelings Too hard to
comprehend, I’m constantly grieving Everything
within me is shattered, no clue how to pick up the pieces Nowhere to
turn for help, only feelings of loneliness Feeling all
alone, no connection to others The life is sucked
out of me, I’m feeling smothered Trying to
find my people instead of feeling worthless To fit in
& feel their love & their endless kindness Who am I? I
wonder.. I thought I knew all along This constant feeling being on the outside & looking in.. so where do I belong?
Moving Forward One Step at a Time
Recovery is not a straight line. It is a continuing process of understanding, releasing, rebuilding and noticing that life can slowly begin to feel different.
Reflecting
Looking honestly at the trauma and recognizing how deeply the experience affected everyday life.
Understanding
Beginning to make sense of painful emotions, damaging patterns and the lasting impact of the past.
Rebuilding
Finding strength, restoring confidence and taking practical steps toward a healthier new direction.
Moving Forward
Recognizing the first glimpses of change and allowing hope to become part of life again.
Life Gets A Little Better
Healing does not always arrive as one dramatic breakthrough. Sometimes it appears in small moments: a clearer thought, a calmer day, a stronger boundary, a returning sense of confidence or the realization that the future no longer feels impossible.
Those glimpses matter. They show that the past is no longer the only story being written.
Words for the Work Healing Requires
Processing Trauma
Reflecting on painful experiences without allowing them to define every chapter that follows.
Reclaiming Strength
Recognizing personal resilience and rebuilding confidence after a damaging situation.
Choosing Forward
Taking the gradual, imperfect and courageous steps required to create meaningful change.
Survive. Heal. Begin Again.
Surviving Divorce and Moving Forward
The beginning of Cristie’s journey through heartbreak, divorce, self-discovery and the first steps forward.
Explore Book One →The Healing Continues
Reflecting on the trauma, understanding recovery and seeing the first signs of life becoming better.
Book Two Details →Life Begins
Leaving the old life behind, finding genuine happiness and creating the life she always wanted.
Explore Book Three →Healing Is a Continuing Story.
Book Two arrives in 2027. Begin with the collection that started Cristie’s journey.