In this series of blog posts, I’ve discussed why relationships can be so complicated, examined some common relationship patterns in which we often engage, and identified some ways to help raise our awareness of these issues so we can begin to establish healthier, more fulfilling relationships in the future.
So aside from continuing to hone our self-awareness through mindfulness meditation, what else can we do? The answer, of course, is: it depends. In some cases, simply being aware of our tendencies is enough to spark the kinds of changes we desire in our lives. More often, we nee
d help from someone objective and skilled in identifying and unraveling these patterns. And while talking with friends and family members may provide some immediate comfort, they often bring their own biases and motives to those discussions, however unintentionally, which clouds their judgement, often resulting in unhelpful advice or enabling. Professional counselors and psychotherapists, on the other hand, can provide the space for unbiased exploration and reflection, and having a keen understanding of the underlying issues in which unhealthy relationships are fostered makes all of the difference.
In the end, we all want the same things: to love and to be loved. And while relationships may seem difficult and frustrating at times, they can also bring lasting satisfaction and joy, regardless of mistakes we made in the past. One of the real treasures of being human is that we can change; we are afforded the opportunities to make different decisions and to learn from our past. The first step in creating those conditions, and in experiencing the kind of love we truly deserve, is to commit to seeking help.
Please visit the Services page to learn more about how you can take that first step.