Growing (and Healing) This Year
Growth requires staying intentional, setting goals, and having gratitude for how far we have already come. It also requires a willingness to step into uncomfortable spaces. Healing (which absolutely requires a willingness to grow) from any kind of loss requires the same set of rules in many ways. For example, we want to measure our progress, trust that things will continue to improve, and ultimately travel from where we are to where we want to be.
The power of intentionality
For growth (and healing) to occur, we have to stay intentional not only about where we want to be a year from now, but how we are going to get there. Healing requires a willingness to do the hard work that is necessary, but it also requires a great deal of self-compassion and acceptance of our humanity along the way. There are times we may need to pause, take a breath, and take it easier on ourselves. There are times when we need to step back and reassess before we can go again.
Amazingly enough, it is in our willingness to slow down, to be both patient and kind with ourselves (and oftentimes with others) that we actually move the needle in huge and meaningful ways. Self-compassion is actually what allows us to correct course, this and every year.
Growing (and healing) with purpose
Start this year with you. When you are creating your calendar for the year, make sure you start with blocking off time for you. This could be vacations with loved ones, pajama days, mini adventures, personal passion projects, completely unplanned time, or time for rest. And since boundaries are acts of self-love, make sure you commit to keeping this time blocked! Say no to anything that would interfere with time devoted purely for you.
Commit to micro-habits. Instead of trying to create habits that are neither attainable or sustainable, take a lesson from James Clear and focus on 1% changes. This is a great way to set yourself up for success, make progress, and to outsmart your survival brain (fight, flight, freeze)! Since our survival brain craves homeostasis, it will literally fight us if we attempt to step out of our comfort zone. Micro change helps keep us (and our brains) challenged without the overwhelm.
Remember that it is easy to be kind to people. In the face of struggle, stress, or trauma, we can feel alone, isolated, and misunderstood. Remembering that we are all human (this includes you) can help keep us connected during the stormy seasons. If thoughtful intention anchors us to our goals (to heal and to grow) then compassion and connection are the rocket fuel we need to make sure we accomplish them.
Start your Brainspotting journey. We all need additional support at various times of the year. Whether you are looking to grow, heal, or transform your life, Brainspotting (BSP) may be a great choice. Through this trauma-informed therapy that uses a full body approach, BSP helps with nervous system regulation, can help clear what is blocking you, and optimize performance. Continue your healing journey with us. We have openings and are ready to offer you mental health support in Denver.
Pivot this year if you have to, but stay anchored to what you know at your core; that you deserve to not merely survive this year, but to grow in rich and meaningful ways.
Happy New Year from your team at Clear View Counseling and Consulting