Starting a new journey can be many things. Sometimes that journey is by choice, other times it is thrust upon us by outside forces, and other times we reluctantly venture into it out of a mix of obligation and responsibility. Whatever the reason, major changes bring a myriad of challenges that stretch our imagination, our knowledge, organizational skills, and overall mental flexibility. We may find ourselves fighting through anxiety, or reveling in the excitement.
In every new journey, stopping to reflect on our skills and knowledge to move into the new journey is important. More importantly is utilizing our resources to identify what we do not know. Because, after all, we don’t know what we don’t know until we know it! Starting my private practice in Eugene was the start of a new journey, after I finished my journey as a caregiver for my ill mother. We are constantly challenged by new journeys…it’s amazing how quickly we can move from one to the next. Three years ago I began caring for my mother, who was experiencing rapid cognitive decline. That journey involved understanding medical needs, senior care resources, insurance, and many other things. As she entered hospice, I entered into a new journey of grief. And then again, after she passed, I began a new journey of identity and career choices.
In only three short years, I have moved through the journeys of caregiving, loss of a parent, and opening a new practice. I have had to utilize other people, above all, to navigate these journeys. The knowledge held by those around us cannot be overstated. Therapy is an important component to this support. Yes, I engaged in therapy as a therapist. Engaging in therapy through these journeys helps with clarification, fortification, and motivation. Your journey doesn’t have to be an individual one. Don't go it alone.