Thank Goodness for Therapy

Over the past few months, I have been regularly going to therapy. I knew I needed someone unbiased, who didn’t know me to vent to and help me get through my personal false beliefs. I am by no means “healed” or “complete” yet, but I do know I am making progress. It has been wonderful, especially since I really connected with my therapist right away. She is especially helpful when it comes to putting things into perspective.

Currently, I have been beating myself up for things taking time and not being “successful” right away. After expressing myself out loud, I realize how silly I am for beating myself up over things that DO take time. It is supposed to take time. It’s not to say it is not successful; it just isn’t ready yet. I am doing all the things I need to do. I just need to give myself grace and understanding that it will not happen tomorrow. It might happen the next day, or the day after that, but not today and not tomorrow.

Being unrealistically hard on myself is NOT doing me any favors. As silly as it sounds, but probably just as relatable, I needed my therapist to give me permission to have a rest day. I had been working so hard on all the things I have going on, but I felt I still wasn’t doing enough. In fact, nothing was going to be enough no matter how hard or how much I worked. Now, I did really enjoy working those long hours last week, but I can’t and shouldn’t keep that up for my own mental health.

Yesterday morning, I was beginning to feeling burnt out. However, after resting and taking time for my self care I feel reenergized and ready to go. It is important to be balanced in everything. You always hear, “Have a balanced diet.” Well, you need a balanced life too. I can work long hours if that brings me joy, or work on a couple core tasks and move on with my day. I usually get so passionate about one thing that I lose track of time and motivation to do anything else. If I am working, then I am ignoring my house chores. If I am feeling motivated to clean and organize, then I am ignoring my work. While I am so hyper focused on one task, I am also ignoring my body’s hunger cues until I am starving and cannot push it off any longer.

I will be working on having a more balanced day; even if that means setting timers or having a more block like style schedule. Having a balanced schedule leads to healthy lifestyles throughout your life. Being able to have fun, make time for self care or simply resting is just as important as working efficiently. In fact, you will probably get more done and do a better job completing your tasks if you are more balanced. Listening to your body’s cues on when to eat or drink or rest or be active will keep your body healthy.

I challenge you and myself to lead a more balanced life, to listen to your body more and to make time for yourself. I am never so grateful for new insights and new ways to lead a more positive life.

-Cassidy