I love being a psychologist. I am passionate about it and know in every fibre of my being that I am fulfilling my life’s purpose.

Every day that I go to work, I have the unique privilege of making genuine connections with people who, in the safety provided by confidentiality, are free to be their authentic selves.  And I have to tell you that it is truly inspiring. 

You see, when people feel safe enough to be their true selves, something absolutely amazing happens…the human spirit is able to shine.  And I am telling you that it is abundantly creative, and resilient and wise. 

In fact, I have yet to meet a client that does not have a sense of what it is they need to do to become the best version of themselves. 

So what is going on here?  If all my clients essentially know what they need to do and have the ability to DESIGN their LIVES why are they coming to speak to someone like me.  Well, the reality is they are stuck.   

Stuck because what they know they need to do is in conflict with another important need, and they are not sure how to move forward.

They know that they deserve to be treated better by others, but fear that articulating their needs will threaten their relationships.

They know that harsh criticism is generally not the way to bring out the best in anyone, and yet, they have difficulty letting go of their inner critic for fear of losing their edge.

They know they need to take better care of themselves, but ignore their body’s messages because they perceive that there is no room for self-care in their lives.  That is, until they have their first panic attack or their child asks them why they yell so much… or worse. 

Or sometimes they just know that that life could be better and they are not sure how to make it happen.  Some know that the rule book that they inherited from their families is inherently flawed but don’t know how to effectively challenge it and take control of their own story. 

Whatever the situation, the individual knows that they have to make a change.  They also know that they need to create space for reflection and that they cannot do it entirely alone.   

Let’s be clear here – not being able to figure this stuff out on your own is NOT a sign of weakness.  It is a sign of intelligence. 

Because being able to hear one’s own voice requires someone to speak to.  It is in the mirroring back of that voice from someone who is really good at listening that we learn to understand ourselves accurately.   In the process, that inner voice that is there to guide each and every one of us gets amplified.

And as we experience someone else giving it the space to be heard, and the respect it deserves we learn to do the same thing for ourselves.  We learn how to listen to that voice, and respect it by acting on its message. 

Yes, there are often new skills to learn, new behaviours to try, and assumptions to test.  But the essential understanding of the type of change necessary is almost always there.  It is through the experience of being heard and supported by an empathic listener that the change process is able to unfold.

And you know what is truly amazing, once people start to get good at listening to and respecting that inner guide, things just start to get easier.  It is almost as if they wake up to a new world.

For me, being there with someone in that moment when that awakening occurs…well, there is nothing more rewarding.

And so my question for you is this:  What are you waiting for?

You know it’s time.

Design Your Life.