Happy New Year

"When there is no way out, there is still always a way through”. Eckhart Tolle

Two-thousand and twenty brought many experiences that challenged me. One of the most recent was the death of a good friend at thirty-nine years of age. This death came so unexpectedly, so suddenly, that I had little time to absorb its reality. As days moved into weeks, I constantly had to ask myself if I had room for the sadness it brought; could I continue to move in the direction of my values? While I was aware that the sadness was there, I did not let it overshadow any of my other experiences. Consequently, as I made more room to grieve, I actually felt a greater connection to my sister-friend. I grew to appreciate how this connectedness helped to drive me and challenge me to live a life of purpose just as she had lived.

This is how I work as a therapist. I challenge my clients to take steps and look at things from a different perspective. I see things in them that they do not always see in themselves. I remind them that language matters. Sometimes a reframe is all that is needed. Too often we are so connected to what we have lived in the past or so far ahead of where we presently are, that we miss the beauty of what is happening right in front of us. Thus, limiting our ability to truly embrace our day-to-day existence.

This year forced me to plan less and hold personal moments closer to my heart. To truly appreciate the time with family and friends whether it was face to face, across computer screens, or phone lines. I set and accomplished goals that were beyond my radar and truly marveled at my ability to pivot more than I ever thought possible.

So, as you welcome this New Year, my hope is that you welcome it with new eyes & a new enthusiasm for what is possible in each individual moment this year holds. I hope you are able to connect to yourself in such a way that you allow room to experience the things that show up in your life without judgment, without fear, and without undue pain. I hope that you are able to make meaningful connections that allow you to live a life of value that fosters your growth and brings you peace.

"...the only power there is, is contained in this moment: It is the power of your presence." Eckhart Tolle, Practicing the Power of Now