If you had to sum up the last year, how would you describe it?

I can think of many words that might be applied to the past 12 months. Words like “struggle,” “languishing,” and “fatigue” all come to mind. The endless unknowing, the personal losses, the surprise disappointments and the tragedies on the world stage were a lot to hold without much of the familiarity of our usual support systems or standard ways of coping.

Of course, despite the many aspects of 2021 that were common to everyone, we did not all have the same year. Some of us buried loved ones while others happily walked away from long broken relationships and fell more deeply in love with themselves. Some of us experienced frightening medical interventions, while others finally discovered the space and time to pursue meaningful career changes that enhanced every other aspect of their lives.

We may all be swimming in the same pool, but we are not all having the same experience.

Why do I bring this up? Well, last year held its own painful experiences for me as well. And while those unwanted and unwelcome events have reshaped me, I am also struck by the number of beautiful experiences that happened alongside.

One special honor was being nominated and selected as the best therapist in my area for “Transformative Growth.” This was incredibly meaningful to me as someone who delights in her work, because transform is exactly what I witness my clients doing everyday, as I walk alongside. 

There are so many aspects of life that are truly beyond our control. If this multi- year pandemic has taught us anything, it is certainly that. And yet, transformation is always an option. Whether we simply catch a thought that doesn’t serve us and replace it with something new, or we take a big bold action that scares us and opens the way for more joy in our lives, we have opportunities for transformation on any given day.

You made it through these past few years, my friend. Bravo!! I hope that you will find your own best path to the growth you desire in 2022, and beyond.