cues Janet Jackson’s What Have You Done for Me Lately?
My Therapy Journey
Every other Wednesday, like clockwork, I receive a call from my mental, emotional, and spiritual best friend and mentor, my therapist. It’s always refreshing to hear her joyful voice to lift whatever mood I’m in that day. After engaging in our pleasantries, we continue the therapy session into discussing current personal situations and experiences on my heart, unbiasedly.
I started this journey in November 2019. Since then, therapy has given me confirmation, joy, a listening ear, reassurance, and a ton of knowledge. It’s also my safe place, free from judgment while gaining tips and advice along the way.
After months of sessions, I’ve learned 4 major lessons about what my therapy journey has done for me so far.
4 Major Lessons
Give Grace
My surrounding theme moving throughout this crazy pandemic is G R A C E. Defined in various ways, here are three favorite meanings:
- “The love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not necessarily because of anything we have done to earn it”
- A pardon, but not an excuse
- Unmerited favor
Basically what I’m saying is: Give yourself grace even when you don’t know what to do. This amazing description of grace is literally what I’ve been doing for myself and others:
We all need grace. We need to take better care of ourselves and extend that grace to one another through patience, compassion, gratitude and listening.
I’m giving myself grace for what I’m feeling during this time of national uncertainty and then I will remember that I can trust God to see us through this difficult time and I can trust God to be with us every step of the way.
In turn, I will give grace to others. It feels like we’re walking on eggshells not knowing whether we are opening our communities, or closing them, and always wondering when we will turn the corner. Give yourself grace and share that grace with everyone you meet because we all dearly need it now.
Control Your Actions
Say it with me: “The only actions I can control are my own, no one else’s.”
This statement is a game changer! This is something we all know – once you place it in perspective, it brings new meaning. I’ve taken this statement to not only control my actions but to give more grace to others as well.
This is a mantra to live by. I encourage you to take this lesson and apply it to your life. Watch how the positivity in your life expands.
Follow Confirmation
Everything I believe about myself, and certain situations, is confirmed in some form or fashion in every therapy session. As we discuss situations, my therapist gives her input, asks specific questions, and gives me clarity. It’s thought-provoking and allows me to figure out my truth.
Confirmation is a very important factor for me. When I’m doubtful of a situation or feeling, I wait for some sort of confirmation before making a decision.
Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, the best thing therapy has taught me is to truly trust my instincts. Along with the confirmation, trusting my gut keeps me sane, avoids disappointments, and keeps me moving forward.
This is how you show yourself love and is a part of radical self-care (a new concept I’m still embracing). Implement trusting your instincts – start small, i.e. choosing dinner for the night based on your cravings and like, then increase to larger decisions, i.e. business goals and housing outcomes.
Consider Therapy: Best Investment
Along with the lessons learned, therapy has been one of the BEST investments I’ve ever made. If you’re considering therapy, my advice is to GO FOR IT! Therapy doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you – it gives you the opportunity to discuss your experiences and challenges with an outside, professional source.
Have any questions about my therapy journey? List in the comments below – I’d love to answer them.
Originally posted on The Moxie Playbook.
