In a recent post, Michael Bernard Beckwith stated, “Instead of having our dreams come true, let’s choose to be true to our dreams.”
This may sound like the same thing but one implies a passive approach to achieving those things we desire and the latter represents active choices we make on the road to dreams realized. This passive vs. active approach is also important to understand on the road to mental health and wellness.
I meet clients whose actions show they believe things might change without any changes being made on their part. In other words they want to grow an entire vineyard without ever planting one grape seed. This usually comes in the form of blaming and expectations of others. If they would just change then everything would be better. This, however, is an exercise in futility because change always comes from the inside of any individual. My wanting you to adjust may seem natural but may in actuality be an excuse for one to avoid changing themselves. Even if that change is simply choosing to effectively communicate needs or set clear boundaries.
“Instead of having our dreams come true, let’s choose to be true to our dreams.” -Michael Bernard Beckwith
On the other hand, when clients come to therapy ready to identify their own maladaptive patterns and behaviors they feel empowered and enjoy progress toward goal setting. For example, a person who reports all the transgressions of their employer might not see a steady decrease in triggers the way someone who explores why he continues to work in environments where he is not appreciated might.
If you want to choose to be true to your dream of mental wellness try these three steps:
1. Identify your personal patterns
2. Investigate sources of personal patterns
3. Integrate healthier behaviors and patterns
If you’d like assistance creating an action plan that leads to more positive patterns please contact Tanyika Moore Healing Arts.
By: Tanyika “Tann” Moore, LMFT
Recent Comments