One Decision at a Time
One of the misnomers about counseling/coaching is the idea that we need to be 'fixed' and that with a couple of sessions with me, you can be 'fixed.' First off, there is no fixing necessary. In my younger years, I was constantly looking to be fixed, to be whole. My bookshelves are FULL of self-help resources promising such fixes. What I have grown to learn is that the 'fix' we are looking for happens over time. It happens one decision at a time. Over time as we face different choices, it is what we choose to do with these choices that the 'fixing' comes in.
It is:
One intentional choice to speak your needs.
One moment of saying no and not feeling the need to justify, prove or defend.
One reaction where you choose honesty and truth rather than being passive-aggressive or drama-filled.
These decisions happen when we learn to trust ourselves, to value our needs, to speak up, set boundaries, and say no when we need to.
This decision-making process isn't easy or quick. Putting yourself first, letting go of perfectionism, and choosing not to react to the anxiety are decisions you make one by one every day.
These decisions take awareness intentionality and being present in your daily life.
Scenarios include:
Having a frustrating day and choosing between picking a fight with your spouse or telling him you are frustrated and need 10 minutes, so if he could figure out dinner, that would be great.
Not wanting to have your friend over for a play date because you are tired and choosing between telling her the truth, making up an excuse, so you don't look like a bad mom, or inviting her over anyway and being miserable the whole time.
Meeting your mom for lunch, which you dread because she always wants to spend the entire afternoon with you, and you just don't have the time. Choosing between telling her initially that you need to leave by 1:30 or spending the day throwing passive-aggressive hints as she drags you from shop to shop.
Your kids asked you to play soccer with them in the yard, something you love doing, but you know that your to-do list is ever-growing, and you need to vacuum. Choosing to hang with your kids for the afternoon knowing you can vacuum anytime OR choosing to vacuum and then later being bitter at your husband that you never get to do what you want to do (even though if you are honest with yourself, he REALLY doesn't care about whether or not the house is vacuumed)
We are presented with little decisions every day, and it is our response to these decisions that determine whether we are genuinely living happier. My job as a counselor/coach is to help you get back in touch with you. To help you trust yourself again and get comfortable speaking your needs, lessening your anxiety, and listening to your inner wisdom, one tricky decision at a time.