Straight line was a lie
I've realized over time that the straight line was a lie. The straight line, in this context, is the linear progression of life and the assumption that once you've worked through something mentally, it stays resolved.
Over the past year, I've had reminders of a time I had a lot of difficulty getting through. I was uncertain and, worst of all, ready to give up. I had to face that again, and it was not comfortable. I thought I had changed, but deep down, I was still the same person. This time, though, I knew the consequences.
We are bound to stumble and make the same mistakes. You will not be prepared for it. It will be uncomfortable. But you know better. And you hope that it helps you get through it this time.