Mariposa Counselling

"I knew I was stuck in a pit, but you let me find my ladder"--I was impressed by this client's ability to describe their experience of therapy so vividly. Sometimes we are in our pit and we can't even see the back of our hands, much less the sky above or the ladder we need to move into something different. Therapy doesn't often pull people out of the pit; it might not even make ladders; but it sure does make space for you to find your own.

I just sequestered the ticking clock in a far room...sometimes quiet is that necessary. For the highly sensitive or simply the overstimulated, quiet can give us what we need to reset and face the world again.

Teens have always had to struggle through times of self-doubt and self-discovery, but this year is no ordinary year. Our teens are beginning to feel lost in the chaos of pandemic life. Those supports that used to be in place to flag concerns are no longer available, their much needed places for self-expression have changed, their friend networks are relegated to social media when face-to-face is needed--our teens feel--and they are starting to feel so deeply without reprieve that they are getting lost in the midst of it. Begin to help by creating safe places for self-expression, be open to difficult communication, and seek help when things begin to feel too big. Even one conversation with a trusted friend, family member, or professional can begin the journey to a better year for your teen.

A colleague recently told me that sometimes self-care is radical. It is more than bubble baths and cups of coffee--it is realizing that your well-being matters. That might mean making some hard decisions. Sometimes a bubble bath or walk outside won't cut it, and you may need to make some big changes so life can be more of what you need it to be at the moment. Take care of yourself--future you will be grateful you did.

Balancing our care and our responsibilities isn't always easy. I find myself learning more and more about that lately. I have to ask myself if I can do all that I think I have to. We are nearly a year into pandemic life here in Saskatchewan and we have been managing that stress and overwhelm every day. We might have to add extra self-care as we continue in this stressful environment. The people around you may be saying we have reached a "new normal" but the new normal can't be maintained if it means living in a state of constant stress, anxiety, or overwhelm. Yes, we are in this together. Yes, we are going to get through. AND we might need a little extra support in the process.