Vanessa Bork Counselling

Life is a journey. And it neither began nor will end with us. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Protecting and using our energy with care and intention shows respect for ourselves and for the people we share our time and energy with. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #boundaries #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Simple. Straightforward. Non-confrontational. NOT apologetic. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #boundaries #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

It’s not, You can’t treat me that way. It’s, I will not allow that sort of behaviour in my life. A subtle, but significant difference. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #boundaries #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Most of us think of boundaries as interpersonal toolsways in which we shape how we interact with others. This is true! But before we introduce them to others, they are one important way we can get to know ourself better. This step is just as valuable. In order to have good relationships with others, we have to have a good relationship with ourself. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #boundaries #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

We are all in different parts of the same ocean, and in very different boats. Our experiences are not the same. Your own personal experience is valid. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

...or friends, or co-workers, or anyone else. Boundaries are essential to your wellbeing. Letting them go for the sake of someone else’s peace is dishonouring to your own peace. Your peace matters, too. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

The closer we come to what matters most to us, the more fulfilled we feel. What’s essential to us blossoms and grows when we give it space and care by weeding out the things that matter less. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

The things we like fill us with life. The things we dislike drain life from us. Recognizing these things can go a long way in our pursuit of fulfilment. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Life is full of ups and downs. There is no way to remain fully alive and engaged with life without experiencing both the good and the bad. So, we will suffer at times. Although this may feel out of our control, we have a choice about how we meet the suffering and how we want to relate to it and live through it. There is a great amount of power in this. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

And not just because it’s 2020. We can find joy in the most unexpected places, and be cloaked in sadness when everyone around us seems happy. We feel what we feel. We don’t choose our emotionswe receive them as messages about what matters to us. So, this holiday season, try to give yourself permission to feel however you do, and honour what it is that truly matters to you. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

I may have shared this quote before, but it’s definitely worth sharing again. Who we are and how we carry ourself through this world matters. It impacts not only our own future, but the lives of those around us. Our character matters profoundly. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Even when we try to put things out of mind, or the memories and emotions are so traumatic our brain banishes them from our consciousness, our body still remembers. This can show up as chronic pain or illness, inexplicable symptoms that are difficult to pin point, difficulties sleeping, aches and pains, being startled easily, and so on. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

A big part of being able to live fully is coming close to ourself. Knowing our self, being with our self, and listening to our self helps us take a position about how we want to live in his world. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Finishing off Reflection Week with a full list of additional questions for you to chew on. So much reflection can be emotionally draining, so please remember to practice self-compassion along the way! #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

This is a natural response to things we feel we need to run away from in order to keep ourself safe. Emotions or events that seem too much to bear, we try to leave behind by our instinctive drive to flee. When we cannot actually leave, we disconnect our mind and body in our best attempt to no longer be fully present. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Our mind and body are not separate things. What our mind experiences, so does our body. Everything we think and feel shows up in our physical body as well. Hard emotions can actually feel like physical pain. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Being fully alive means opening yourself up to feeling good, bad, and everything in between. Embracing it all isn’t always easy, but it’s the only way for life to flow through you at its fullest. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Today’s reflection question asks what makes life worth living (you know, a nice easy breezy kind of question). #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

First, we must believe it is possible. Then we can begin. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

The goal is to live in such a way that we can unequivocally say yes to life, through all its ups and downs. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Yesterday I talked about how we often need to find joy rather than wait for it to come to us. Today I offer you a brief list of possible joy-inducing activities! I enthusiastically welcome you to leave any of your own suggestions in the comments below #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

We are in contact with the world around us through our physical body. It is essential to our experience of life. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Sometimes we must find joy deliberately. It’s a beautiful magical thing when joy unexpectedly finds us and sweeps us off our feet with delight, but this much more rare. A sparkling dazzling ephemeral flare of pure bliss. A moment to be treasured, for sure. But sometimesactually, MOST of the timewe have to seek joy ourselves. This need not be thought of as any sort of loss. It does not diminish the glow of the moment. Joy is still joy. Like all things, it too requires our en...gagement. We have to show up to the moment and decide that we want to feel joy. Sometimes it’s easier than others, but it’s always within our power to seek even a fleeting moment of joy. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare See more

Just because the answers aren’t obvious or easy, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Don’t give up if the way isn’t immediately clear. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

We organize and understand best through story. Themes, chronology, characters, plots. This is what settles our mind and redistributes chaotic chunks of experiences and thoughts and feelings into a unified parcel that is easier for us to carry. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Pro Tip. Don’t bank on fluke successes. Go out there, mess up, and actually learn how to do it in the process. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Seeking control can be a slippery slope. It can lead to us being controlled by the need to be in control, which means we still don’t have the sense of agency and freedom we were actually striving for. Balance is key here. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

When everything feels like it’s spiralling out of your control, it’s helpful to remember all the things you truly can control. These are just a few examples of the many ways (big and small) you can feel more empowered. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

First things first, stop the leak in the roof. But don’t quit there. You don’t need to live under a precariously patched up roof. You can rebuild. Good as new. In fact, given the right support and resources and time and courage, you could build a roof that’s even better. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Be like grass #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Hard Truth. Honesty is the best policy. Even when it’s scary. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

We struggle when we feel separate, isolated, disconnected. The reason these feelings pain us so much is because it is unnatural to be apart from things. Our healing lies in reconnecting. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Not everything we’ve learned was meant for us to hold on to. Recognizing that it may be time to let some things gosome burdens and pains that were never meant to be oursis a monumental step in our growth and healing. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

We often talk about diversity as something to be tolerated, or maybe even something to move toward. But in the wildthe natural way of the worlddiversity is fundamental. Everyone and everything is connected. Impacted by and dependent on each other. Diversity is the answer to balance and harmony. We can learn a valuable lesson from nature. That we, too, are all a part of this intricate system. Embracing our place and making space for everyone else helps not only us, but all o...f the natural world. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #rewildtheworld #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #davidattenborough #alifeonourplanet See more

You’re not responsible for (or in control of) your trauma or the ways in which others have treated you. But you are free to heal, grow, and live in any way you choose as your response. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #selfesteem #sartre #quotes

We are stories interweaving with each other’s stories. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Breathe. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Today’s thought for gentle consideration. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

There are times to take action and times to rest. Both are forms of productivity. And both are necessary legs in the longer journey. Knowing when rest is needed is valuable. It’s not laziness, it’s intentionally replenishing your energy and motivation so you can keep moving forward. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Here’s to continuing the fight for change and equality. To more women, people of colour, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+, and all other underrepresented groups having a voice and leading us forward. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare

Something to sit with today. #identity #authenticity #intentionalliving #meaningandpurpose #freedomandresponsibility #choice #beingintheworld #narrative #story #embodiment #relationships #connection #selfawareness #awareness #reflection #existentialism #existentialtherapy #therapy #counseling #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #wellness #holistic #psychology #lessons #growth #life #love #selfesteem #selfcare