Don't Give Up, Keep Going

   Let’s face it, change is hard. If it wasn’t so hard more people would be living their dream lives. It’s important to remember that even though change is hard, it’s a necessary part of life. Think about how the seasons change multiple times per year. Trees and flowers bloom in the spring and summer, and then change when fall and winter arrive. We too experience seasons of change. Some changes are more pronounced while others are more subtle. When I reflect on my journey towards becoming a licensed psychotherapist, it’s easy for me to remember the times when change was tough versus when it was easy. It took close to a decade to become a licensed therapist. Yes, a decade when you factor in earning a bachelor’s degree, attending graduate school, gaining the required hours of practice to become licensed, and studying for and taking the licensing exam. It was a slow and steady climb to my goal, and I thought about quitting lots of times when it was hard to accept that I would need to change more than I already had. I’m happy and grateful that I didn’t give up when I wanted to because I love being a therapist.  
   Wherever you are in the change process, don’t give up. Routinely remind yourself about the reasons you wanted or needed the change when you set off to do something new. It’s also good to remember all the amazing things you stand to gain from changing your life. The rewards will be worth the discomfort and hard work but you won’t receive the rewards if you don’t keep going. Take a step by step, one thing at a time approach, and you’ll achieve what your heart desires. Keep going. You’ve got this.  
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