My big news and the importance of change

Check it out – my beautiful iPhone picture of Venice Beach – 6:30am California time –  with the benefit of it feeling like 9:30am on the East Coast according to my body’s clock, and about 30 degrees warmer.

Yes, please!

This picture is from last week when I was in Los Angeles for a few days.

I went there because I said “yes” to myself and joined a group of amazing female entrepreneurs who are enrolled with me in a *life-changing* year-long coaching certification program.

I hated leaving my man and my kid, because they are the center of my universe, but really, I’m doing this for ME, which is that much better for them (trust me).

Note:  Take care of yourself first.  Your family will better off because of it.

But that’s another post in itself.

Psychologists have told me that coaching certification programs are not necessary for psychologists like us, given the almighty big “D” after our names and all that we learn in graduate school.

I could not disagree with them more.

While I continue to learn about areas within the field of psychology as so many psychologists do, there is so much more out there than is contained in one little field, even if it’s a field that many of us are obsessed with!

Learning is growth, and if we are not growing, we are dying.

So I’m spreading my wings and changing things up a bit in my life.

Joining a coaching program outside of my professional cage is one step I’ve taken to do this.

I’m breaking out of my comfortable little psychology box.

I’m adding coaching to my work and getting the help I need to be that much more effective.

I’m writing about myself on the blog here and “coming out” a bit more – something that psychologists aren’t “supposed” to do.

I’m putting more of myself into my work with others, because I’ve found that’s the most helpful way of doing it.

And my big news:

I’m leaving NYC…

…the city that has been my home for the past nearly 10 years and 5 years before that, and the place that I dreamed of living when I was a little kid.

I love that I lived that dream, but it’s over.

And…

I’m closing my practice as I know it.

I had always dreamed also of having my own office, being my own boss, and changing people’s lives through therapy.

I love that I lived that dream too.

But…it’s also coming to a close as I know it, as I align myself more with my passions and how I wish to help people in the world.

Change can be scary.

It’s all about getting out of your comfort zone.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said,

Always do what you are afraid to do

Otherwise, it’s not worth it.

If you’re not changing & growing, you’re dying

The people who are supposed to be there will be there as they journey alongside you – with you and on their own path as well.

The most important thing is to be true to yourself, be grounded in your desires, and go after your next dream to make it your reality.

The cool thing is that we can live a lot of dreams!

In writing this post I realize I already have.

I’m so grateful…and excited to go live a few more dreams.

And here’s my question for you:

What do you need to say “yes” to?

What have you outgrown in your life, and how can you invite change into it?

You may be asking:  “What does this have to do with my relationship?”

My answer:  Everything.

Be true to yourself, your desires and your dreams, so you can have the deepest connection with your partner.

That may mean things need to change.

Spring is *really* in the air, finally on the East Coast – and it’s all about growth, change and newness.

Let me know in the comments what you’ll be inviting in to your life, and what you’re getting rid of in order to make room for it.

Cheers to your best relationship,