Blog Content: Therapy…Is There Really Ever Time?
“Someday I'll make myself a priority, but today just isn't that day."
"I can't recall the last time I had a good night's sleep... Maybe it's been since 2005? No wonder everything's been getting to me."
"I keep telling myself there's no time, no money, and the more I repeat it, the more I convince myself there's no need." (Feel free to insert your own excuse for avoiding therapy here, or borrow one of mine... I've got plenty!)
I used to wonder why my fantastic nail technician never had polish on her own nails, or why my hairdresser always sported a messy bun. It took me a while to realize I was guilty of the same thing — a counselor who couldn't find time to see a counselor.
Even though we invest in quality moisturizers, get our hair highlighted, and sometimes remember to use teeth whitening strips, do busy women ever genuinely prioritize self-care? I, for one, am terribly guilty of finding excuses not to, as if it's ingrained in us to give, give, give, but never receive.
How we spend our days, is, of course, how spend our lives.
Annie Dillard
When the thought of finding a counselor crossed my mind, the whole process seemed overwhelming. I was quick to prioritize many other things that seemed more urgent, with a long list of "more important" ways to spend my money and time. "Find a therapist" always ended up at the bottom of the to-do list.
It took way longer than it should have, but I finally realized that therapy allows me to give more of myself, because I'm in a more authentic, peaceful state of mind.
I'd say most women wish for more hours in the day. Time to spend with loved ones, time to tackle household chores, time to make a difference in the world. Our lives often rush from one thing to the next, barely leaving us enough time to catch our breath in between.
I regret to say that therapy won't magically add hours to the day (wouldn't that be wonderful?!), but it will allow you to spend the hours you have more productively. And more important, more peacefully.
Once my mind stopped racing, once I learned not to overthink every situation, and once I faced life events I'd long been avoiding, I found I was actually given the gift of time.
My days may not have lengthened, but I had more focus, more purpose behind my actions, and a stronger belief in myself.
Finding the time for therapy might not change the world, but it will change your world and those who share it with you, and I can't think of any better use of time.
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