Do you know how a haircut or stylish new shirt aligns with a more positive, polished, mature-even version of yourself? For me, shifting my office out of the bedroom feels like exactly that.
Instead of a wall, I look out at the two acres of land directly behind our house – at the decades-old pine, cottonwood, and maple trees. The finches are close by too, outside the window, pecking, scavenging from the rhododendrons and fallen leaves.
I think I’m going to like it here. (The song from “Annie came to mind when I wrote that.” One of my childhood favorites!)
If you’re new, you might not know the blog’s mission; To challenge and evolve our way of thinking.
After reading the book “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know,” the idea came to me. (And gets a Jaclynn rating of Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo. The system created here.)
Anyway, with this new information, I’ve put into practice new strategies in poker. And I’m here to tell you it’s working! My latest move involves betting big on the flop. Then again, on the turn. And then I am betting big or going all-in on the river.
I shared how rarely, if ever, I bluff. However, now that I am forcing myself to do it, it’s become more comfortable. Something I look forward to, dare I say?
Now, onto the fun part – challenging our thinking!
While in the last session of the day, I observed my mind’s desire to fall into the trap of judging the client’s behavior. However, as you and I both know, judging is likely not the most helpful approach to take (I could go into why I think that is, but that’s for another day.)
So I knew I didn’t want to judge, but also, I didn’t know what to do instead. Funny enough, it took just that pause in my thinking for me to understand what I needed most. And it was to relate.
So what did I do?
I asked for time. I turned toward the floor, wall, and ceiling; my eyes darted back and forth, searched my memory bank for a scenario. At one point, I even feared I wouldn’t come up with something.
But I kept at it – for close to a minute. And then, lo and behold, I found something. And then I shared it with them.
Afterward, I noticed how the level of engagement increased between us. And the way my story was used to help us further relate. It indeed was magical.
All that to say, sharing personal information in the mental health profession is complicated! Google “therapist self-disclosure in session” on Reddit, and you’ll find countless cringe-worthy client horror stories.
However, this was not that. This is something I’M PROUD of, and that I didn’t go with my default unhelpful reaction makes it all the better.
I hope you’ll find a way to apply this too – even surprise and please yourself like I did!
One last thing. I end posts like a letter – Love, Jaclynn. It comes natural because that’s the way I ended diary entries as a kid.
Thanks for being here.
Love,
Jaclynn
Going On 40 