Hi All,
It feels like I took a hiatus from writing, but I’ve been working. Writing is my first love, but I sincerely love my career as a therapist too. God blesses us with many skills and abilities, and I’m fortunate to be able to utilize my abilities in the mental health arena!
Nonetheless, I wanted to pick up where I left and provide you all with some much-needed encouragement. So here it goes!
As a therapist, I often see a lot of clients who struggle with anxiety, doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Most of the time, it is the uncertainty of self. I do my best to refrain from countertransference, because most of the time, I empathize with them. As I too have struggled with my identity. So once I get past my own nuisances, my own stuff, I’m able to encourage my clients and remind them that they are doing the best they can.
Doing the best they can. This phrase sounds so simplistic. But, it can become quite complex. When we live in a world of IG (instant gratification) microwavable lifestyles and constant comparison, we often criticize ourselves. We are always measuring ourselves up to other people. Their pictures, their places, their lifestyles. But, we don’t know their stories and they don’t know ours. However, what I know and what I want you to know, no matter where you are in your journey, you are doing the best you can.
Take the time to stop and reflect on how far you’ve come. Look back on the obstacles that you’d never thought you’d get through. Yet here you stand. Here you are. Achieving things, no matter the duration that it took. You did it, you are doing it. Bask in it. Celebrate these accomplishments. All of them! Even the ones you may think are small. Don’t shorthand yourself. In fact, be good to yourself instead. Wouldn’t you encourage your friend in such a way? Give yourself that same energy.
In fact, start to challenge yourself when thoughts come up that is negative. Or when you get ready to criticize/judge yourself. Stop and be kind to you. Remind yourself, “ I’m doing the best that I can.
Peace and Blessings,
I’Asiah
