The good news is that there are answers to life’s questions. There is nothing new under the sun. As time marches on we encounter variations on themes. But what may be new to us has already been faced and resolved by someone somewhere at some point in time.
The most confounding truth is that we often know more than we are prepared to accept and admit. The solutions to the conundrums we face are likely to be locked away in our heads and our hearts.
We’ve heard it before, we may have experienced it before but we need reminding.
The problem is that we are so easily distracted. We compartmentalise and that’s a survival technique. But what we set and forget we can live to regret.
When faced with a predicament there is a tendency to first look outside ourselves for answers. We want to find someone else to blame. Accepted responsibility means acceptance of consequence and that can be unsavoury.
Self care is being self aware. If we want to reduce fear and anxiety, if we want to avoid the deeper depths of depression we must first look inside seeking our own answers. Not everything is black and white however shades of grey often invite further investigation.
When facing a crisis it’s a good idea to take a deep breath, step back and examine the evidence. Then check in with our own knowledge, experience and gut reaction. We can be surprised.
Not everyone has all the answers but those answers are out there somewhere.
There can come a point where it’s necessary to admit that help and support is needed. If and when that point is reached that assistance must be sought.
Top of the list of our duty of care is the duty of care to self. That should never be ignored.
Gary Bentley Counselling 