Timing is Everything...

Taking steps forward in life (and in therapy) is all about readiness. And readiness is all about perspective: Where am I right now? What can I see from here? What do I want to change? What feels possible from here? Can I open my mind to the possibility that things could look and feel different for me?

Often, we approach the idea of change with trepidation - which makes sense. It's unknown territory, a place we've never been and may not know how to navigate. This hesitation or fear is there to protect you, and your mind probably learned to do that at some point in your life when change was difficult or traumatic. It makes sense in the context of your experience. So, when you feel that hesitation, or fear, or negativity, acknowledge it and see if you can allow it to tell you why it's here, what it's doing for you. When our fears feel heard and understood, they have enough safety to relax a little and allow room for curiosity. Curiosity often comes with courage, which can reassure the fear and help us take a step forward into new territory. This is the journey - for all of us, all the time, as we navigate this voyage called life.

Readiness is also about self-knowledge. Being willing to hear what your mind and body is telling you about what's in front of you, and how your nervous system is responding to it. For example, anxiety is a warning signal that something isn't right, or you don't feel ready. Anger may be telling you it's time to draw a boundary or remove yourself from a situation that's not good for you. Sadness can be the voice of a vulnerable part of you that's been shut down or ignored for too long. Listening to, understanding, and befriending these parts of yourself will bring more clarity about what you need and how to get there.

In therapy, as in all areas of life, there's a time for everything: A time to begin and a time to end; A time to slow down and a time to accelerate; A time to speak and a time to listen. Openness to change and growth ebbs and flows, and that's ok. There is no 'right' way, there's only your way.