As I set my intentions and plans for 2015 , I realized with astonishment……
It has been 25 years since I sat with my very first client. I remember feeling nervous and inadequate and just hoping that what I had to share would at least be enough to alleviate a bit of the pain.
Since then it has become both my passion and privilege to walk beside hundreds of individuals, couples and families supporting their growth. I’ve been able to see them deepen their connection with themselves and those they love.
In the process they have inspired me by their courage and vulnerability as they faced their fears and deep hurts. They opened their hearts to build healthier and more nurturing relationships.
I have seen first hand the most powerful source of healing and growth is to be fully known, seen, and accepted by another. The struggles and pain we face hold the seeds for transformation and healing.
And I’ve been privileged to learn from some of the most brilliant, creative and wise teachers on the planet such as Drs. Brené Brown, Sue Johnson, Les Greenburg , John Gottman and Kristen Neff, to name a few. They’ve been mentors who have shared their wisdom and their journeys. They’ve led the way with resources, research and applications. I’ve seen them light a pathway for helping professionals and lay people alike to a healthy relationship with self and others.
“As I look back on what I’ve learned about …….worthiness, the greatest lesson is this: If we’re going to find our way out of shame and back to each other, vulnerability is the path and courage is the light. To set down those lists of what we’re supposed to be is brave. To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”
― Brené Brown
A New Year and a Renewed Commitment
This year I plan to do more writing, more story-telling, and more sharing from the incredible mentors in my life. I’ll be posting on this monthly blog- Change You Can Feel – the latest research and resources for creating healthy relationships and a whole-hearted, authentic life.
I’ll also be teaching these exciting workshops in the coming months, so be sure to check out what you are interested in:
- Hold Me Tight– A Couples Enrichment Weekend Workshop
- Food For Thought– An Exploration of Weight and Shame for Therapists
- A Day of cultivating Self Compassion – details here »
- The Daring Way- 10 Guideposts for Whole-Hearted Living- details here »
To get all these tips and resources and never miss a thing, be sure to
Wishing you health, peace and new adventures in 2015
-Cynthia Benge
