“Life gave me lemons”…I went to therapy!

I think the saying goes something like, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In some instances, that statement can be easily achieved.  In other instances, life “lifes” and it makes more sense to seek guidance from the Lord AND a licensed professional because they are unbiased and that is what they are there for. This summer is one for the record books and it included:

·      My job ending

·      Traveling to check on family out of state

·      Traveling out of state for “girl time”

·      My father passing away

·      Dealing with the events and business that goes along with being an executor of an estate

·      Traveling out of the country for alone time with my husband/our anniversary

The list is not all inclusive, but it is a good screen shot. Blessed beyond measure for sure, I can say I was overwhelmed, tired, overstimulated, my nerves were shot, and I figured it was time to get a hold of things. I started with coming to grips with the reality that I needed to get things in order in the first place. From there I planned what I was going to do. The plan involved being more intentional with my actions. I got a gym membership to get back into the gym. I developed a list of activities and places to spend time with my husband and my children. I looked for therapists in my area that accepted my health insurance, held virtual sessions to fit my schedule, and fit some personal preferences I wrote down. My list consisted of three therapists, and thankfully I liked the first one I had a session with, so it took off from there.

I have had two previous therapists, and both had positive attributes that positively influenced my life during that time. My current therapist is a vibe. She challenges me. She has a way of making me reflect in ways I did not previously, and she gives out homework. (My God!). Recently she asked me to identify three to five goals I would like to achieve during therapy. I came up with the following:

·      Improve communication skills

·      Understand my emotions (e.g. triggers)

·      Foster new relationships with moms who are like me

·      Understand the cycles of grief

·      Understand/overcome imposter syndrome

Via our sessions, we have addressed grief and emotions and during our last session she asked me to reflect on how I think I am doing dealing with those topics. Honestly, I think I am doing well. The gag is I always think I could be doing more, when I really am doing what I need to do. Things just take time (*insert eye roll, but not really). Instant gratification should be a sickness, but I am slowly but surely getting it together. Thus I don’t know about making lemonade, but I can definitely make some good ice water with what is going on in my life today. Yall pray along with me as I pray along with you. Until next time folks.

 Oh wait! In case you are looking for a therapist, check out Grow Therapy (not sponsored). There are tons of apps to choose from for every kind of mental health need. The key is finding what works for you!