The fun trips to the pool are over. The kids are heading back to school, clad in new backpacks and shiny sneakers. Old and familiar routines are returning as our summer is ending with bittersweet tones.
As we all know, things are changing. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Change is the only constant in life.” One thing worth pondering is this: we have an ever-present opportunity to change for the better. Therapy can help us begin this healing journey.
This Fall, how about we change it up a bit? Rather than hunkering down for another long, cold winter of discontent, let’s recognize the multitude of opportunities for growth and courage in this upcoming seasonal transition.
While we break out our trusty old cardigans and favorite hoodies, why not also find new ways to heal old hurts; let’s create therapeutic relationships so we feel more open and comfortable cracking open those sealed passageways to the deep crevices of difficult memories. We'll shine a light in there, together.
Leonard Cohen wrote, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in''. Let’s explore what that means to you. Let’s think about how to handle current stressors, strategies to deal a little better, and ways to cope.
Let’s find ways to love ourselves again - or maybe even learn to love ourselves for the first time ever. Why not at least give it a shot? We'll learn to be as patient as the moon, and take comfort in the recognition that we all go through phases.
As a therapist at Mindsight, I love to share quotes and poetry with my clients; those little golden nuggets of wisdom can help us through particularly rough days. For instance, one of my favorite Fall quotes reads, “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go…” I truly love that one.
Aside from therapy-related content, this one reminds me of a few other beautiful things. It makes me think of the masses of bare trees revealing the mountains of Jackson County in the Fall. The way you can see nature with such clarity and purity that you can nearly feel it in your very essence; like because it has changed, something is also changing in you.
It gets me thinking about how letting go is sometimes very necessary to begin anew.
It brings back memories of crunching leaves beneath my feet and the smell of smoke from wood-burning stoves floating in the air from distant homes.
It reminds me that there is a season for all things. And, even just in a snippet of this sweet little poem, “How lovely it is to let things go” we can derive wisdom and, if we so choose, succumb to its inherent beauty.
We can interpret this in so many ways:
Getting rid of old clutter and freeing space in our homes for clarity and peace of mind.
Letting go of the old ghosts of regret that haunt our very dreams.
Forgetting about “keeping up with the Joneses” and recognizing that we all have our own paths.
Relinquishing those heavy stones of grief and bitterness that we’ve lugged around without question for years, maybe even decades… in the same way Atlas was punished to hold up the Earth for all eternity.
Thankfully, those of us who aren’t Greek Gods are fortunate enough to have therapeutic options at our fingertips.
If you’ve felt like Atlas for far too long, maybe us therapists can help. We aren’t half as scary as Zeus - not even close. Together we can help you find ways to let go of heavy burdens, express your emotions, tolerate stress, improve relationships, and set boundaries.
Nietzsche said, “Notice that Autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature”. I’d love to hear what that means to you. Reach out this Fall and offer yourself the opportunity to turn a new leaf in your soul.
Laura Cooper is an open-minded, hot-tea-loving therapist and trauma-informed Yogafit teacher. While actively immersing herself in assisting her clients in reaching their mental health treatment plan goals, she also makes time for her own yoga practice and emerging yoga business daily. Laura loves to help others recognize that small and gentle changes in our daily lives can, in time, have big results.
What's Next?
Ready to take your next step? Request an Appointment with a Mindsight counselor.
What online counseling options do I have? There are lots of great telehealth treatment options and lots of incredible therapists to choose from. Check it out!
What is Mindsight Behavioral Group all about? Mindsight has locations throughout Kentucky and they are dedicated to making sure their clients are cared for. Learn more here!
What if I own a mental health group practice and need extra support and resources during this time? We have just the thing! Kasey Compton, CEO of Mindsight Behavioral Group, is incredibly passionate about helping other practices succeed! Check out KC Consulting!
Looking for a supportive community for group practice owners, check out Mindsight Partners.
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