The author reflects on a significant personal transformation, noting a reduction in the flinching response to touch and a growing trust in gentleness, as it is no longer seen as a precursor to turmoil. There is also a shift in self-perception, as the writer expresses a movement away from self-hatred and toward self-forgiveness. This illustrates a journey toward healing and acceptance.

In her novel, An Untamed State, the protagonist Miri embodies the idea that sometimes, further breaking is necessary for true healing. This perspective underscores the complexity of recovery and the idea that resilience can emerge from severe experiences, allowing individuals to reconstruct their sense of self and trust in the world.