​When we approach personal growth from a place of shame and self-judgment, we move further away from its intention and the whole process may start feeling like a self-punishment and a never-ending quest for “improvement.”

Whether it's a hobby, a project, a relationship, or a personal goal, the initial excitement often propels us forward with great enthusiasm.

​Let's talk about the incredible benefits of journaling and how it can transform your life.

The way we define ourselves can either liberate us or limit us.
 
In a world that constantly encourages us to label and categorize ourselves, we have to be aware of the limitations these definitions can impose.

When we engage in therapy, we are encouraged to open up and share our thoughts and feelings.

However, there are moments when we struggle to find the right words or fear the vulnerability that comes with sharing certain experiences.

When things don’t turn out the way we expected, maybe nothing has gone wrong.

Maybe everything is falling into its place, but we can’t see it because we’re too attached to the outcome we wanted.

Don't decide too soon that it's not working.

​​The seed you planted won’t grow if you keep digging it out to see if it’s growing.
 
Similarly - doubt, judgment, and pressure don’t give us the results we want any faster.

​A big part of life is recognizing when it's time to let go of certain things so we can let in something new, more fulfilling to take its place.

​Until you are kind towards yourself, you won’t be able to be honest with yourself. Until you’re honest with yourself, you won’t be able to take responsibility for your life. Until you’re willing to take responsibility for your life, you’ll be stuck in the same place.

Don’t wait for a major change.

​Instead, focus on the small things that can be completed today and will make tomorrow easier.

Look around you and focus on what’s unfinished.

We so often become slaves to our own expectations.

As we change and our life circumstances change, what once gave us motivation and energy may start feeling stale and pointless.

​You know that excitement when you have a fun trip coming up or you buy tickets to a concert or a movie you really wanted to see?

​Lately I’ve been reflecting on a concept we talked about in my life coach training: “There is not better than here.”

​From the very first session, self-awareness if one of the main capacities we aim to increase in psychotherapy.

​Just because you’re at a different point in life than someone else, it doesn’t mean that you’re behind or that you’re not making progress.

Like anything in life, self-improvement can be used either as a tool or a weapon. Self-improvement is one of those things that we can very sneakily turn into a never ending ending cycle of "becoming better."

Any moment we interpret as bad or undesirable can be just that - a moment. When we feed that moment and prolong it by continuing to think about it, we turn it into a bad day, a bad week, month, and year. You don't have to carry it with you like heavy baggage. Let it be and let it go. 

Wellbeing practice can be anything that supports a greater mental strength and helps you feel anchored to yourself. The most challenging thing about these practices is remembering to actually do them and to be present with the experience. 

It all begins with an idea.

It doesn’t matter if what you believe about yourself is true. When you notice a familiar story or belief coming up, ask yourself:

1. Is this story/belief useful?

2. Is it getting me closer or further away from what I truly want for myself?

3. How do I feel when I believe this story?