I signed up for therapy…
…again. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. For the past year and a half, I’ve been telling myself I should go back to therapy, but I kept letting excuses keep me from going back. Not having time, not finding the right person, not being able to meet in person, etc. I was prioritizing everything and everyone else when I should have been prioritizing my mental health.
Since April of this year, life has been going nonstop. It’s like God took me by the hand and said, “this is going to be one heck of a journey, but we can do this.” And y’all, we’ve been running ever sense. All gas, no brakes. I’ve been so exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve been going through the motions and living in survival mode. I thought I could handle everything life threw at me, but it turns out I couldn’t.
As a person who’s a firm advocate for therapy, I’ll be the first one to say starting the journey is far from easy. It takes a tremendous amount courage to admit when you need some guidance when it comes to navigating the challenges you face in life. Sometimes you need someone who doesn’t know you from a can of paint. Someone who won’t judge you. Someone you can cry to. Someone who can give you tools on how to navigate through life while going through those challenging times. Once you find that person, the rest comes a bit easier.
If you’re like me and you’ve finally admitted to yourself that you can’t do this alone and you’re ready to start (or restart) your therapy journey, I want you to remember this…
1. Find the person who calms your nervous system. Even if it means meeting 5 different people. Don’t stop until you find the right person.
2. Be vulnerable and honest. Therapy won’t work if you’re holding things back.
3. Give yourself grace. There will be ups and downs throughout your journey. It’s all a part of the process. It’s normal.
4. Stay committed. Therapy isn’t easy. If it was, everyone would be in therapy.
5. There will be peace on the other side of your journey. You’ll thank yourself later.
Last week I went to brunch with my best-cousin. A time was truly had. We talked, laughed, walked around the beautiful property, took pictures, and made Tik Toks. I hadn’t had that much fun with my girl in a long time. Later that night, while I was lying in my bed crying, I told myself “I’m not okay.” How was it that I had the best time at brunch and now I’m ending my night with many tears leaving my eyes and hitting my pillow? Something isn’t right. I can’t handle this on my own. I’M NOT OKAY.
A few days later, I made myself an appointment with a new therapist.
I start next week.
Wish me luck.