Moving Forward vs. Moving On: Which Approach is Better for Healing?

When faced with heartbreak, loss, or trauma, people are often encouraged to "move on" or "move forward." Although these phrases may seem interchangeable, they represent different approaches to healing. But which one is better? This article explores the distinctions between moving forward and moving on to help individuals choose a path that fosters emotional recovery.

Discover the benefits of "moving forward" in healing. Learn how moving forward differs from moving on and why it fosters emotional recovery.

The Key Differences Between Moving Forward and Moving On

The phrases "moving forward" and "moving on" seem similar, as both statements suggest progress. However, they carry distinct meanings in the context of emotional healing: 

• Moving on suggests finality. It implies leaving something behind, often without looking back. For many, "moving on" means adopting the "clean slate" approach–detaching from the past and starting fresh as if the experience never happened. 

• Moving forward acknowledges the past while continuing to grow from it. Rather than forgetting or suppressing emotions, moving forward allows individuals to integrate past experiences into their healing journey while still progressing. Therefore, "moving forward" is more about making peace with one's past rather than pretending it never happened. 

Why Moving Forward could be the Healthier Choice

Healing is not about erasing the past but learning from it. Below are reasons why moving forward tends to be more sustainable for long-term healing.

Acknowledging the Past Instead of Avoiding It

Moving on can lead to avoidance. People may suppress painful memories or deny their emotions, believing it will allow them to heal quicker. However, unresolved feelings have a way of resurfacing later, often in unhealthy ways (e.g., emotional numbness, anxiety, self-doubt, etc). 

By contrast, moving forward involves processing what happened. Rather than ignoring the pain, it allows people to work through it in a way that fosters emotional growth and resilience. 

Healing at Your Own Pace

Moving on is often associated with a sense of urgency. Society tends to reward those who appear to bounce back quickly from pain. However, healing doesn't follow a set pattern or timeline. 

Moving forward allows for flexibility. Individuals have the freedom to take small steps, addressing emotions as they arise while still making progress. This approach prevents the emotional whiplash that can come from forcing oneself to move on too quickly. Moving forward also allows us to have space to take steps forwards and backwards in our own process.

Retaining Valuable Lessons

Every experience, even painful ones, provides valuable lessons that people can learn and grow from. However, when moving on involves cutting off all ties to the past, the insights from these experiences are lost.  

Moving forward allows individuals to extract wisdom from what they have gone through. Whether it's recognizing red flags in relationships, understanding personal triggers, or developing coping mechanisms, embracing these lessons leads to healthier future experiences.

Allowing Yourself to Feel Without Getting Stuck

Some people fear that they will be stuck in sadness forever if they don't move on quickly. However, moving forward offers a middle ground—it permits people to feel emotions without becoming trapped by them.

Moving forward encourages mindful processing instead of suppressing grief. It allows individuals to acknowledge sadness, anger, or regret while simultaneously working toward a future that isn't defined by those emotions.

Building a New Future Without Erasing Your Story

For many, moving on can feel like wiping the slate clean. However, healing isn't about erasing part of the story but about weaving it into personal growth.

Moving forward allows individuals to create a new chapter while keeping past experiences as part of their narrative. The past does not need to be forgotten to build a fulfilling future.

When Moving On Might Be Necessary

While moving forward is typically the healthier approach, there are instances where moving on is necessary. For example, if someone is in an abusive relationship, moving on by cutting all ties is often essential for safety and well-being. 

However, in these instances, healing should also involve moving forward. After leaving a toxic situation, it is crucial to process the experience and ensure that past wounds do not affect future choices.

How to Move Forward After a Painful Experience

Despite its benefits, moving forward can be a challenging process. Here are some ways to embrace moving forward: 

Give Yourself Permission to Feel 

Healing doesn't mean ignoring emotions. Acknowledge your pain and allow yourself to process it. However, it is essential to be mindful of the fine line between processing emotions and becoming stuck in them.

Reflect on What You've Learned 

Instead of seeing the past as something that happened to you, try to view it as something that shaped you. What lessons have you learned? How have you grown? 

Set Realistic Goals 

Healing is a journey. Set small steps to help you gradually move forward without overwhelming yourself. Try setting new goals, picking up a hobby, or dedicating time to self-improvement. 

Practice Self-Compassion

Healing isn't linear. Some days will be easier than others, and setbacks are natural. Moving forward means treating yourself with kindness and patience during difficult moments. Practice self-care, engage in activities that bring you joy, and celebrate progress no matter how small. 

Focus on the Present Moving Towards the Future

Dwelling on the past or fearing the future can keep you stuck. Moving forward requires balance—acknowledging the present moment while taking steps toward a fulfilling future. 

Seek Support 

Having a strong support system can make moving forward easier. Therapy, trusted friends, family and support groups can provide guidance, validation, and tools to help you navigate the healing journey. Talking to others who have experienced similar struggles can also serve as a reminder that healing is possible.

Moving Forward for True Healing

Moving on and moving forward involve progress, but healing is not about reaching the final destination. Moving on can lead to suppressing emotions or cutting off parts of self and one's story. Moving forward allows individuals to acknowledge their past, learn from it, to embrace self and continue growing. This helps integrate past experiences into a stronger, more resilient future. 

Embrace the Power of Moving Forward With Our Therapist Collective 

At OntarioTherapists.com, we provide client-centred care for individuals of all ages. Our team understands the impact past experiences can have on healing. We aim to provide a supportive space where clients can move forward from these challenges and cultivate a vision for the future. 

Our psychotherapists offer personalized support to help you take meaningful steps toward healing. Through our sessions, clients can learn to process emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and integrate valuable lessons into their lives without feeling stuck in the past. 

Book a free half-hour consultation via video call or phone. Call us at 647-296-9235 or click here to book your appointment.