08/03/2024
These days, it feels much sexier to talk about our problems and failures, even trying to use language and slang to paint them in cute or quirky ways.
Yes, we should be aware of those parts of us that need work. Yes, that's one of the focuses of counseling. But no, you should not spend day in and day out picking yourself apart, ruminating, going on and on to others about your struggles. You need to spend time focusing on your strengths, support systems, and resources. These are called protective factors, and they are what you can access and lean on to be more resilient. It's essential to be aware of your protective factors and know how to utilize them.
Please hear this: only focusing on your problems and refusing to acknowledge your strengths and autonomy is what allows people to slip into a victim mentality and this is NOT what health looks like.
PS- your counselor, coach, or therapist should definitely be helping you with this part of the work, and there should definitely be time spent in session talking about the wins.
