Please help change . . . me?!
Updated: Aug 9, 2022
The reality is that I, you, can really only control one person . . . the self.
Clients often walk through the counsellor’s door with this foremost thought: If my spouse would just be more like me! If my kid could just see that I’m right! My parents need to understand me and my generation! It’s a nice dream list, for sure – but these things are hard to come by. I’m often reminded of this thought:
Think carefully about how difficult it can be to change some of your own difficult behaviours, thoughts, feelings – insurmountable at times, I’ll bet.
Hard stuff! Now imagine how hard it would be to change someone else . . .
puts it in perspective, doesn’t it?
The reality is that I, you, can really only control one person . . . the self. This is where the rubber meets the road. If we know that this is all we can control, then at least we now know where to direct our energy and efforts but the sobering reality is that our efforts may or may not have an effect on those around us. This is where knowing your values (what you are all about) becomes essential. By living a life that is true to your values, you can be content with what you see in the mirror at the end of the day. If that happens, I’m betting it will have implications for those around you too!