Walking the Walk
As a psychotherapist and teacher, I guide and instruct people on how to improve their lives, how to better communicate, how to cope with adverse circumstances, and how to effectively deal with interpersonal issues. I have years’ worth of experience with this. I know that the interventions I suggest are effective when people use them. I’ve written a couple of books filled with exercises for improving relationships and letting go of anger and resentments. In other words, I talk the talk.
Then there’s my own life. For all of my prefrontal cortex knowledge, my limbic system feels the same emotions that my clients and students feel when something or someone pisses me off or hurts my feelings. In spite of years of living, growing, and both giving and receiving therapy, it is so easy to jump to a place of fear and anger and not want to leave there.
So that is when I am challenged to “walk the walk.”
During these stressful political times, I strive to live by the Serenity Prayer and remember that I can only control my own thoughts and feelings and behavior and no one else’s. With COVID-19, same thing. I try to find meaning in life at home and online and protect myself as best I can when I venture out. But that is not my original “go to.” I have to mindfully choose how I want to be.
When I recently disagreed with a work colleague and wanted to just run away from the whole situation, I was finally able to reach out to talk and, more importantly, to listen, and we were able to re-connect.
In any and all scenarios, I can feel myself move from the agitation and anxiety that are symptomatic of the addictive state to a place of calm and Connection that are recovery.
Walking the walk takes intention and willingness. Having to make that decision as stressful events arise keeps me connected to my clients, students, and everyone else. It keeps me humble and compassionate. May I never lose these qualities.
Be In Light,
Carol
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