A Therapist’s Wish for 2025: Building Strength Through Adversity

This year, I’m continuing the tradition of sharing my personal reflections on the past year and my intentions for the year ahead. The new year is typically a time for reflection and gratitude, but to be honest, this has been a difficult practice for me lately. It’s been a chaotic start to the year for many of us, with natural disasters and the stress and anxiety following the election results. In challenging times like these, it’s often when we need to slow down and practice mindfulness the most. Yet, ironically, these are the very moments when embracing those practices feels the hardest.

My hope for this article is to encourage you to take a moment amidst the busyness of life to reflect on resilience, personal growth, and the positive outcomes that can arise from navigating tough times, so you can approach the year ahead with gratitude and compassion.

Coping With Loss

This year, my young niece was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and as you can imagine, it has been an incredibly challenging time for me and our entire family. The uncertainty, worry, and emotional toll have at times felt overwhelming, leaving me with a deep sense of helplessness. As a therapist specializing in grief and loss, I’ve been reminded of just how painful the process can be to find the potential for growth that’s hidden within tremendous loss.

For my family, life will never be the same. We’re left feeling empty, heartbroken, and isolated, often asking ourselves: Can I learn to be happy again after a loss? The answer is a resounding “yes” (even if you need to take my word for it right now), but it requires being adaptive, and Being Gentle with Yourself.

We all have days when we’re not okay; it’s what makes us human

My personal experience and my specialty has taught me that the Prescription for Grief is to Grieve. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, chronic illness, or another type of hardship, being vulnerable with your emotions takes tremendous courage and strength. This year I’ve been challenged to be more honest with myself and with others about what I’m feeling, and what I need. In order to do this, I must remember that It’s Okay Not to Be Okay.

The Only Way You Can Fail Is by Failing To Try

Navigating a new landscape requires adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to experiment. To do this, we must first fully accept the reality of our situation. When we accept – that is, truly acknowledge what “is”, we stop wasting precious energy on resisting the reality of the situation.

When my niece first became ill, we all desperately wished it wasn’t true. It wasn’t until we accepted the reality of her diagnosis that we could shift our focus toward being flexible, finding creative solutions, and staying open to new possibilities. It’s important to understand that “acceptance” doesn’t mean “agreement” or “approval.” My sister and her husband are working tirelessly to improve my niece’s health, and they’ve aligned themselves with the reality of what they can do in this moment.

During times of crisis or tragedy, our preferred coping strategies and outlets may not be accessible or may not work the same way, pushing us to step outside our comfort zone and Get Comfortable with Being a Beginner. It’s really hard to be a beginner and often our egos get in the way. We can keep ourselves motivated by celebrating the small wins and by being gentle with ourselves. Remember, anyone who ever succeeded at something was once a beginner.

The Journey of Finding Strength Through Adversity

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity” ~ Albert Einstein

Accepting and learning to cope with loss or other profound experiences is one of life’s biggest challenges. But through these difficulties comes tremendous gifts we might not have received otherwise. Through the pain, growth is possible in many ways, including:

• Enhanced self-awareness
• Greater strength
• Openness to new possibilities
• Increased compassion
• Improved relationships with others

Lessons Learned

The list below expresses some of the lessons I’ve learned in 2024:

1. Be Authentic: There’s tremendous value in being honest with yourself and others about not being okay, what you need, and asking for help

2. Make Meaningful Connections: Find a community of people that lifts you up, inspires you, and accepts you for who you are

3. Learn to Adapt: When your usual outlets and ways of coping are not available, get creative, and be comfortable with being a beginner

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Talk to yourself the way you would speak to your best friend – with kindness, compassion, and encouragement

5. Focus on What Really Matters: Crisis and loss give us the opportunity to realize what’s truly important and to practice gratitude more deeply; take small mindful moments to slow down and invite reflection

Looking Ahead

Those who know me know Why I Don’t Like New Year Resolutions, but I do believe in setting intentions, looking forward, and adopting strategies to incorporate lessons learned. To keep it simple this year, I’ve decided to focus on a single word to live by in 2025: love.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed or out of control, it can be helpful to focus on something within your power. One area you can always influence is how you choose to relate to yourself, others, and the world around you. Now more than ever, the world could use more love.

In 2025, I am committed to leading with love.

Operating from a place of love means approaching life with empathy, compassion, and understanding. Acting with love creates space for connection, trust, and growth. It’s not just about affection – it also involves showing patience, offering support, and practicing forgiveness. Love helps us navigate challenges with grace, makes us more resilient in the face of adversity, and fosters an environment where we can all thrive.

Conclusion

I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your journey this past year – acknowledge how far you’ve come and recognize the strength and resources that helped you through the challenging times. Give yourself credit for what you’ve learned, how you’ve adapted, and the growth you’ve experienced. Then, take some time to consider where you would like to go next. Rather than setting rigid or narrow goals, think about the direction or intention that you’d like to set for yourself in 2025.

Working with a professional San Diego Psychologist at Therapy Changes will help you navigate the time ahead. Your therapist will provide focused guidance and help you learn how to be gentle with yourself, slow down, and adjust to change.

Contact Us to schedule an appointment with a talented member of our team. You’ll enjoy The Benefits of Working with a Private Practice Therapist, including the personal touch of personalized care, and a safe place where you are supported and accepted exactly as you are.

I wish you and your loved ones the very best in the year to come, and always.

Photo by James Douglas on Unsplash