Jan. 22, 2025: Our team of therapists recently had a chance to reflect on our many collective years of work and ponder what lessons we have taken from our explorations with clients. We each took on the challenge of identifying one idea…one takeaway…one nugget of wisdom that we try to use regularly in our own lives. We couldn’t resist sharing the compilation that emerged. We hope you find it helpful and inspiring.
Dick Shoup: In relationships, don’t take anything personally because, by and large, it is not meant personally. Others’ struggles are their own.
Janice Moore: Our efforts in life don't have to be perfect to be OK. Sometimes, we allow the perfect to prevent the good, so it is advisable to tolerate the good enough.
Jennifer Jordan: When working through a problem with seemingly contrasting opinions, feelings or perspectives, always consider BOTH/AND rather than EITHER/OR. By recognizing that two things can be true simultaneously, we have greater opportunity for growth, compassion, connection and solutions.
Jennifer Klein: It is always better to authentically tell others what you wish from them, both regarding actions or feelings, rather than be disappointed that they don’t know what you need. Best to speak it aloud and give others the optimal opportunity to be all they can for you in a relationship, rather than hope they will instinctively know.
Kathy Cosgrove: Not choosing to do something is a choice. Take opportunities to utilize your power and make choices, even when they feel scary and hard.
Lynn Evansohn: When challenged by life we can always do MORE than we had imagined. Trust yourself to explore the struggle and dive deep. In our core is the capacity to understand more, listen more deeply and extend compassion to ourselves and others.
Natalie Redcross: Focus on the type of giver you are, rather than what kind of receiver–or whether you receive enough. Consider that how you give attracts others who match your energy and spirit and therefore will position you to receive what you need.
Virgil Roberson: There is some part of every person that can be reached, can be connected to, and with which we can find commonality. If we look hard enough, and open ourselves, we will find resonance. That openness allows the ability to validate/acknowledge the other, which does not necessarily mean agreement, but gives the foundation for positive communication with one another.