“To invent your own life’s meaning is not easy, but it’s still allowed, and I think you’ll be happier for the trouble” Bill Watterson

I’m a person who likes to know. I like things to be wrapped up nicely. I get anxious when I can’t plan and know the ending. I’m the one who reads the last few pages of a book first. I’m the one who googles the end of a movie before committing to watch it. I’m the one who learned how to wrap a package at a young age so I could look at my Hanukkah presents ahead of time without my parents knowing. Don’t get me wrong, I like surprises, I even love some surprises, just not life surprises. I cannot leave myself open like that. The examples I gave; harmless, benign. It’s the big ones that get to me. I want to plan my children’s lives and protect them from everything. I want to protect my mother and keep her forever. I want to know if I’ll ever get to where I want to be. I want to protect my heart and soul. 

I want to know and I want to tie a pretty bow around all of it. Some call this controlling behavior. But for me it’s protection. The more protection, the less anxiety. Obviously one cannot live like this. Believe me, I’ve tried, but life is full of surprises, twists and turns. So here I am a 60-year-old woman trying to find my happiness and navigate this stage of my life and all the physical, emotional and spiritual changes (surprises!) that comes along with it. Now enter the things that are absolutely doable. 

Breathe and really feel it. 

Let breathing lift you and empower all your senses. Intentional breathing can be transformative. Intentional breathing teaches our body and brain to relax. (Although my brain starts off by saying, “Hellooo, you can’t make me!”). The effects can be felt immediately. It slows heart rate, creates a relaxation response and enables restorative functions to take place in the body. And the best part; it can be done anywhere!  I wish I could say I start everyday with intentional breathing but if I have to be somewhere I’m generally running late and if I don’t have to be anywhere I just start doing, doing, doing. But with that being said I do engage in intentional breathing exercises everyday. And the effects are fabulous. Now (message to self) I have to work on adopting this as a routine before the anxiety and stress have taken over.

Embrace the surprises.

 All of them. There is always so much to learn and see and do and it would be so sad to miss out on what comes with each new day. Think of your “inner child” and how they would react to surprises.

Breathe in nature and absorb it. 

It has a truly powerful impact on the mind. (Sidenote: I’m not an outdoorsy kind of girl but breathing in nature is totally different!) 

Create (anything), dance, sing, and sparkle. 

Artwork by Rissa Olson

If you’re in therapy, trust the process, trust your gut, trust your heart. 

So to me and all you fabulous people thinking now what and trying to figure it out: You’ve Got This.

If you feel stuck on your healing journey, however, working with a therapist can help. Based on your needs, our intake specialist will help you get matched up with your perfect therapist. Click here to schedule a consultation.