As it’s been a while since I wrote a blog I thought I would take the opportunity to reflect on what I have learnt over the last 12 months about myself and connect with you before the end of the year.
One thing that I have learnt is that life is forever changing. Change can include loss of all kinds and in some ways it’s part of the process we go through on our life journey. We have to experience loss so that we can make room for new opportunities.
As I move forward with my continuing professional development, I have come to realise that being your authentic self is so important. I’ve learnt where my boundaries are and I intend to keep them there. I’ve decided to show up for me. I have become so grateful for the friends and family that have shown up for me over the last 12 months, particularly those friends who have given me the space to talk on a confidential level, but I also recognise that relationships are a dual process and giving and receiving in equal measure are vitally important. A bit like the breath, the exhale and the inhale are equally important. Separating the wheat from the chaff and becoming aware of empty promises made and also acknowledging where I may be guilty of making promises I have not been able to keep. All of this comes from a place of authenticity. I recognise my past self as a massive people pleaser, agreeing with others when in reality I was afraid of not speaking my own truth for fear of what others would think of me. I am glad to say that part of me is now gone, although knowing the difference between choosing your battles wisely has also helped to make me a more balanced individual.
I was given the opportunity over the Summer to talk about a past traumatic experience in order to bring awareness to the state of our mental health system and help others who had been through similar experiences to speak out. I was surprised at how that had brought up my trauma once again and helped me realise that there were things I still had not dealt with. It has made me realise that no matter how much I have learnt, healing is an ongoing journey and I am only human. It gave a bit of a reality check which I am grateful for. I will talk more about this in the new year but I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that supported me through that process. You know who you are.
My recent tour of Egypt was a huge highlight of this year and it was amazing seeing all the ancient artifacts, the pyramids, the valley of the kings, experiencing the energy and immersing myself in that experience that I have waited over 25 years for, but it also showed me how to appreciate the little things in life. Witnessing so much poverty has helped me to see the world in a different way. I think everyone should visit a country like Egypt or India at least once in their life (and I’m not talking about the holiday complexes I’m talking about the real Egypt, the parts the tourists don’t often see). Being on the tour helped me to understand what real Egyptian life was like and appreciate the freedom we have.
Ultimately, I am finishing this year absolutely loving my job, it feels more like a vocation than a job or a career and I am so passionate about what I do. I am always looking for ways to improve my understanding of mental health and to learn new techniques and work on my own development. I am absolutely ready for 2023 and looking forward to meeting all the beautiful clients I have not met yet, to experience new things, to strengthen my relationships and look forward to the new changes that are coming.
Love and blessings to you all
Sharon