StandUP Wellness

My Belt.

I recently buckled her up, slipped through the loops of a pair of freshly sized flare jeans, and realized she and I are at the last notch of our journey together. 10 years ago I buckled her in at our first notch. The one furthest left with notches to spare.

She has endured so many fits, relying on her buckle to stretch her across the middle of all my moments. She loved parties, hated work, and dug painfully into my expanding belly when both were too much.

We notched our way to the right, regularly and without surprise. She always knew it was coming. She has held me at every notch. Knowing I was no better or worse than the one before. Or the one next. But in need of her all the same.

She was secure at every notch. Steadfastly doing her job. In line with her purpose. Exactly as designed.

She hoped I was secure at every notch. Steadfastly living life. In line with my purpose. Exactly as designed.

❤️

It's a hot debate across my colleagues what our ultimate goal is for our clients. I spent far too long believing my job was to identify The Problem and offer The Solution. Most people believe feelings (as a symptom) were the problem and managing them (decreasing them) was the solution. Spoiler alert ... It was limited in its success. Because the world keeps offering us events and situations worthy of feelings.

Learning HOW to feel. What information does this feeling hold for me. What in my present moment tapped into my history to give it intensity. What choices do I have and what do I want to do. It's called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and it's a life changer.

Grab your nearest emotional support pal. Squeeze. Have compassion for when roles reverse.