Everyone’s relationship to forgiveness is different, just like everyone’s reason to forgive is different. Forgiveness is a state of consciousness, not an action. Meaning, forgiveness is not about forgetting, but more about releasing the power of the pain that was caused. We might think that by withholding forgiveness, we hold the power.

We’ve all been there, everything seems to be going wrong and we can’t seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel… sounds like 2020, right? These are the moments when it is most important to remember “It’s a bad day, not a bad life.” No single moment, series of interactions, or an entire year should hold enough power to determine the quality of your day or your life overall.

When experiencing emotional discomfort, we either cope through behaviors that numb or distract us or allow us to feel into the emotion. The behavior is either helpful or healthy.  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a therapeutic approach that aims to challenge and rewrite unhelpful or negative thoughts and behaviors by examining how one thinks (cognitive) and behaves (behavioral). CBT works to instill emotional regulation and coping techniques in individuals in order to solve interpersonal challenges.

In the time of COVID-19 it can seem nearly impossible to imagine what the next few months to a year will bring. This can cause some concern around making plans for the future, short or long term. How do we plan for an unpredictable future? The first thing is to accept what we cannot control. COVID-19 has taught us a lot: how to be flexible, how to surrender, and how to prioritize what truly matters. 

Boundaries keep us safe and our relationships healthy. Boundaries are the limits we set to protect ourselves from being used, manipulated, or disrespected by others. When boundaries are honored we are demonstrating respect for ourselves and others. 

As the new year quickly approaches, I am beginning to reflect on my past year and set new intentions for 2020.