If you have been apart of my Graced Moms community or following along closely, then you know that I am a fervent advocate for mental wellness, especially through the form of talk therapy. Aside from the fact that I have worked in the Mental and Behavioral Health field for over 10 years, I have been on my own therapeutic journey for the past 4 years and it has shifted my perspective and ability to navigate life tremendously. Although I will continue my journey of healing, a very vital aspect of this journey has come to an end for me. My relationship with my therapist has come to an end. Even in the ending of this dynamic, her beautiful example of modeling agency over her life testifies of her resilient and unapologetic ability to take initiative of her life as she enters into her retirement still sharp, young at heart, giving herself permission and grace to adventure into this new and unknown path. I have decided to dedicate this blog post to her. As you read along you will get insight into my therapeutic journey to this point and hopefully gain some insight about the practical process of choosing to participate in talk therapy.
To My Therapist:
From the moment I walked into your office, sat on your couch as a confused young woman trying to make sense of some of the biggest and hardest decisions I had recently made, you have been a safe space for me. I have often heard that finding a good therapist is one of the hardest, yet, most, rewarding gifts we can give ourselves as adults and you have truly been a gift to me for the last couple of years.
You have walked along side of me through some of the darkest and happiest times of my life, including the birth of my daughter. You have reminded me to appreciate the lessons that life often offers through painful experiences, challenged thoughts and perspective that did not serve me, you have spoken to the soul of my being when I have felt like I had nothing to live for, and you have given me the words to communicate my life experience no matter how difficult the conversation is. You have given me permission to radically accept myself and the parts of me that I have had to learn to love, by encouraging me to boldy accept nothing less than my hearts’ desires while giving me tools to confidently navigate life; all of which have led me to this beautiful space where I fully embrace myself and the woman that I have fallen in love with.
Thank you for getting me here! Here are some of the gems that you have given me that are intricately embedded into my heart:
- Allow the dust to settle: When life is chaotic or uncertain, we can give ourselves grace, space and time to react.
- Observe my limitations: I can’t be everything to everyone all of the time. Know what my limits are, set boundaries, and release the guilt while fully embracing this notion.
- I am more powerful than I think: I have complete agency over how I choose to live out my life experience, approach life in a way that reflects this.
- Life is a journey filled with climbs and plateaus: Life is a constant journey, there are times when it requires more of me than I feel I have to give and there are times when life affords me opportunities to enjoy the work that I have done. Both are a sign of growth.
- Two opposing things can be true at the same time: Although life may call for me to accept the things I cannot change, my feelings about said things are valid, whether these feelings are good or bad.
- Feelings are information: Our feelings inform how we navigate life, stay in touch with myself so that I can process my feelings in the most healthy and beneficial ways.
These lessons have assisted me in navigating some of the hardest and most uncertain moments I have faced. Thank you for these gems, for seeing me when I felt invisible, and for making me feel safe. Through this note I hope you understand the impact you have had on my life and that you feel the gratitude exuding from these words. I am forever grateful for you and the space you have held for me.
Wishing you the best! I will for sure miss our weekly dialogue.
-Cassondra