I have been a worrier for the majority of my life; which has been a rather large waste of time as I focused on things almost completely outside of my control. Along with this worry, I carried an enormous amount of guilt and shame, feeling bad or somehow responsible for things usually also out of my control. My perfectionistic tendencies were exhausting and self-sabotaging. It became incredibly heavy holding on to so much negative emotion all of the time; yet I somehow thought I could continue on, like some type of super human. I then came to realize that anxiety and depression does not discriminate; it can consume any of us.
Eventually while in college, I reached out to a therapist through the University Counseling Center. In our first meeting, she bluntly told me that I had no boundaries and it was my own fault. I did not do well with such a direct approach, and I chose to not see her again. However, that did not change the fact that she was completely right! I had no boundaries, and I was the person suffering the most from that decision. In order for me to be able to help support others, I needed to take care of myself first. I needed to learn how to say no to others sometimes in order to say yes to myself.
Many people consider self-care to be a radical, selfish concept. Self-care is not selfish, and it continues to be an essential part of my life, both professionally and personally. I eventually found a therapist whom I felt more comfortable working with and continued to learn important things about myself, such as the validity of my emotions and the strength of my sensitivity. I continued to find my limits and grow through my journaling, yoga practice, running, meditation, and reading. I was also reminded of my support network of family and friends who all loved me unconditionally.
I consider the healing process to be a deeply personal, intimate journey. There are times of healing that seem more obvious and formal, such as therapy or support groups. Healing also occurs in those quiet moments of self-reflection, journaling, prayer, meditation, reading, dance, art, and sharing with others. I am not the guide; I do not have all of your answers. Your answers lie within you, and I am honored to be a part of that discovery process.
Eventually while in college, I reached out to a therapist through the University Counseling Center. In our first meeting, she bluntly told me that I had no boundaries and it was my own fault. I did not do well with such a direct approach, and I chose to not see her again. However, that did not change the fact that she was completely right! I had no boundaries, and I was the person suffering the most from that decision. In order for me to be able to help support others, I needed to take care of myself first. I needed to learn how to say no to others sometimes in order to say yes to myself.
Many people consider self-care to be a radical, selfish concept. Self-care is not selfish, and it continues to be an essential part of my life, both professionally and personally. I eventually found a therapist whom I felt more comfortable working with and continued to learn important things about myself, such as the validity of my emotions and the strength of my sensitivity. I continued to find my limits and grow through my journaling, yoga practice, running, meditation, and reading. I was also reminded of my support network of family and friends who all loved me unconditionally.
I consider the healing process to be a deeply personal, intimate journey. There are times of healing that seem more obvious and formal, such as therapy or support groups. Healing also occurs in those quiet moments of self-reflection, journaling, prayer, meditation, reading, dance, art, and sharing with others. I am not the guide; I do not have all of your answers. Your answers lie within you, and I am honored to be a part of that discovery process.