23/12/2021
It is again that time of the year. The time to be joyful, merry, and grateful. Or better, the time during which we are expected to be joyful, merry, and grateful.
For me it is also the time of sending out the last invoices of the year. While I sign them with ‘Merry Xmas', ‘Have a relaxing holiday season’, ‘Have a good start in the new year’ I think about all the amazing women that this year have passed through my office, sat on the couch, connected via zoom or skype, reached out and did the work.
I think about all the struggles I listened to, the pain I hopefully helped to hold, the courage, the joy, the pride, the fear, the desperation, the hope, the sadness, the disappointment, the self-doubt, the anger, the sense of achievement that I witnessed.
I have often tears streaming down my cheeks while I press the ‘send’ button because this year those emails will reach women currently in a domestic violence shelter, in a mom and baby unit at the hospital, going through a divorce, trying to deal the best they can with special need children, making choices to survive a burnout, struggling with self-identity after becoming mothers, dealing with guilt and self-worth, struggling to find a place in the world where they feel they belong.
I feel so much pride for the courage and strength they are showing and the big or small things they achieved. I feel immensely privileged to be in the position I am. A position that requires no judgment on my side and full trust and vulnerability on theirs. I often ask myself if I am worthy and capable to hold the responsibility of such precious and fragile feelings. I know I am not perfect and sometimes I fall short, but I really hope that all the women who chose me to help them getting to a better place felt validated and accepted. I have such deep admiration for each one of them.
To all of you, my wonderful clients, thank you for choosing to walk your pathway with me!
And to all of you out there who are struggling during these Holidays I wish you strength, self-compassion and all the love you deserve.