Your Relationship with You
At the Toronto Relationship Clinic, we open our virtual doors to a diverse group of individuals, couples, families, and groups who bravely step forward to engage on the path of personal growth and healing.
It is common when thinking about the term “relationships” to create immediate links to that of the family unit, a friend, an intimate partner, or a social group. It is seldom that when the concept of relationships is discussed we think of the connection we ought to work on with our innermost self. When I reference this, I mean the version of us that has unique goals, dreams, fears, desires, and living history that can be set aside to keep up and maneuver life.
It can be hard to imagine. Our lives are constantly shifting to accommodate societal expectations, changes that we can anticipate, and ones that are unanticipated. While the concept of self-care holds importance, I argue it starts with setting small attainable steps forward to acknowledging your own unique needs and setting time to reflect not only on your role within external relationships but also on the one with yourself.
What can this look like?
Recognize that any step forward is a good step, and this process takes time.
That relationship with the self doesn’t stop at how we feel about ourselves but can include our relationship with food, self-image, grief, intimacy, intimacy, hobbies, fears, and what brings us joy or light.
Connect with yourself and hold space for pieces that feel painful.
Look within to make note of what feels uncomfortable or unresolved.
Allow space to reflect on raw emotions.
Create room for self-exploration.
Remember your feelings hold history and validity.
Reflect on what you may desire for the future and celebrate progress.
Societal messaging pushes a near-constant narrative that putting ourselves first is considered selfish, and the pressure or strain we feel is simply balancing the many hats we wear. I encourage holding space for the complexities, reflecting on the past, remaining curious about what the future holds, and applauding the strides we take every day.