"Counseling is a process of self-discovery aimed at empowerment. Counseling is not an end in itself. You will eventually stop seeing a counselor, but the process you have begun does not end; you are responsible for the quality of your life (Corey p. 451)."
A couple of years ago, I took a risk and experienced psychotherapy once a week for several months. To this day, I can say that decision has made all of the difference in the world in terms of understanding me and my decisions. Corey was correct in his above statement. Had I not sought out counseling and had I not been so ready to meet my inner issues head-on, I would have never acquired the tools necessary to better myself then and now.
It is important to realize that every change is a challenge to become who we really are. If we are true to ourselves, it will not matter what other people think regarding us. I need to focus on my own perceptions of who I am and who I want to be to ensure a positive future. I have found that in order to continue growing, I need to continue to utilize the skills I have acquired from counseling to remain on the correct path toward self-actualization. I also need time to reflect in solitude. I need to continue to educate myself through reading books and talking with other people whom I know and trust reagarding issues that I have in my life. I would also like to begin to journal more often, as I have stopped doing so as I have gotten older. However, it is also important for me to recognize that I am not writing as much because I am sharing more of my thoughts, feelings, and emotions with other people. Like Corey says, "it is not the big changes that are necessarily significant; rather it is your willingness to take small steps that will lead to continued growth." I have begun my journey with small steps and have seen myself grow in a big way. I hope to continue my emotional journey in the same way.
I would like to leave a poignant quote from a book I have read that seems to sum up everything I have learned so far about myself and that also seems to be a fitting ending. And so, as I walk forward and all that I have learned with me, I hope to always remember, "Let's forgive the past and who we were then. Let's embrace the present and who we're capable of becoming. Let's surrender the future and watch miracles unfold (Williamson p 129)." I can only hope that cultivating myself into the person I truly want to be is one of those miracles :)
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