Have you ever wondered if there was more to life than a mundane, daily schedule? The possibilities for life are boundless. Establishing goals and going after your dreams can feel empowering and exciting. Dream your dreams; make your plans; live your life. But if life’s possibilities are truly endless, then anything can happen—good or bad. Much of life is out of people’s control, and it is easy to retreat into a daily routine that feels safe. The potential can be scary and overwhelming. At times, life can feel stuck in a rut. Life’s potential can be either frightening or exhilarating—and perhaps both at the same time. Feeling excitement and terror in life are normal experiences. Many people want to capture the exhilarating parts of their lives and manager their fears. Mental health services have guided many as they find the right balance for them. Mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and coaches, want to see people thrive. Fear can keep people from achieving their goals and their dreams, but it does not have to. Lehigh Valley Counselors offers therapy, counseling, and coaching, and we love seeing our clients overcome life’s challenges.
A professional, objective perspective may help people see their lives more clearly. When problems are identified and acknowledged, people can find solutions and move forward.
Blaming other people may be the easiest response to life’s challenges, but it can leave people stuck. In most cases, the greatest barrier to people’s happiness and growth is themselves. Without a doubt, other people matter and external circumstances pose difficult challenges. However, people do not always have control over these, but they do have control over their own choices. People can overcome their self-imposed restrictions and thrive.
Making the decision to change and working on yourself takes courage, and it is ok to ask for help in the process. Many people need guidance on how, when, and what changes to make, and mental health therapists, counselors, and coaches can help. Social expectations may stigmatize mental health services as embarrassing or weak, but at Lehigh Valley Counselors, we know that prioritizing your well-being is smart.
Seeking help and making changes takes determination, strength, and usually, some help. Acknowledging a difficult reality and making necessary changes is often a short-term loss for a long-term gain. The discomfort people initially feel as they step out of their comfort zones often has a big payout. Consider these scenarios:
- You have a job that works for now, but you are not satisfied. You want to move up the corporate ladder but are not sure which path is best.
- Your loved one has passed away suddenly. Grief is a strange and difficult feeling. You have having trouble focusing at work and connecting with your family.
- After a big move, your teens are having trouble in their new school. They are great kids, but you are not sure how to help them adjust.
- You and your partner have been together for a while and are beginning to think about marriage. It’s a big decision, and you suggest meeting with a counselor before making the commitment.
- A stress relieving activity that you begin during a particularly difficult time in life has continued and grown into a serious addiction.
What Do Mental Health Services Have to Offer?
Have you ever wondered if there was more to life than a mundane, daily schedule? The possibilities for life are boundless. Establishing goals and going after your dreams can feel empowering and exciting. Dream your dreams; make your plans; live your life. But if life’s possibilities are truly endless, then anything can happen—good or bad. Much of life is out of people’s control, and it is easy to retreat into a daily routine that feels safe. The potential can be scary and overwhelming. At times, life can feel stuck in a rut. Life’s potential can be either frightening or exhilarating—and perhaps both at the same time. Feeling excitement and terror in life are normal experiences. Many people want to capture the exhilarating parts of their lives and manager their fears. Mental health services have guided many as they find the right balance for them. Mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and coaches, want to see people thrive. Fear can keep people from achieving their goals and their dreams, but it does not have to. Lehigh Valley Counselors offers therapy, counseling, and coaching, and we love seeing our clients overcome life’s challenges.
“Perfectionism is not the same thing has striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgement, and shame. It’s a shield. It’s a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from flight.”
–Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
“Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.”
–Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
“Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional. Our only choice is a question of engagement. Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose; the level to which we protect ourselves from being vulnerable is a measure of our fear and disconnection.”
–Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
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