We do not grow in the space of comfort.

I have this conversation with clients and family and friends on a nearly daily basis. No matter how many times I have the conversation, no matter how many times I hear it or read it from others far more “evolved or enlightened” than I am, the inner dialogue in my head remains:

• I want the easy button!

• Haven’t I endured enough?

• Isn’t there another way?

I love this image! The more I delve deep into the world of introversion vs extroversion, the more sense this makes to me. I have been taught to believe through messages in school, in media, and professional conferences (I will explain later) and seemingly everywhere I turn this: extroversion is the standard to which we all should aspire.

Fear has two meanings:

• Forget everything and run

• Face everything and rise

You choose.

When was the last time you outgrew your “shell“? When was the last time you allowed yourself to be vulnerable enough to break out of the old shell, to allow your new one to grow & take shape?

Several years ago, I started posting every day in November messages of gratitude. While I am cognizant other people mostly see me as a positive person, and I’ve been referred to by clients as “little miss sunshine” and “hippie/peace-loving therapist”…. lovingly, I’m sure….. my outside persona has not and does not always fit what is stirring inside of me. That scary, dark place as it has been referred to by a dear friend. As life ebbs and flows, my mindset does as well. And while I believe this is part of the human condition, I also know from decades of clinical practice, we cling much more readily to negativity than we do to positivity, or in this specific example of humanity, gratitude.

Sad & depression are not the same. They are not interchangeable. Yet, I am hearing it more and more in clinical practice as “I was depressed, yesterday.” No. No. No.