Gratitude is traditionally associated with Thanksgiving, but it’s a deep seeded emotion in my body that has carried me into Christmas. My heart is incredibly grateful for my clients as I reflect on the year. I’ve experienced many hardships in my personal life over the past 6 months, which inevitably effected my professional life. I am so thankful for clients that have been graceful and understanding when I had to cancel appointments, hire a new billing company, and made mistakes here-or-there.

We are all very human, and I encourage us all to give ourself grace for our “humanness” this holiday season. I challenge you to step out of the the parts that people-please, perfect and perform. We can honor those parts of us, as they’ve served us in the past. However, you’ve done a ton of work in therapy! This year we can step into the energy of our higher Self. When we’re unblended from other parts, we can embrace the 8 C’s associated with the Self.

• Curiosity
• Calmness
• Clarity
• Compassion
• Confidence
• Courage
• Creativity
• Connectedness

I know the holidays are hard for many. Be gentle with yourself as you practice new communication skills, start feeling emotions, step up your self-care game, and set boundaries. It’s ok to be human. It’s ok to have needs that don’t align with your family. It’s ok to make mistakes in this process. Your worth, your enoughness, your loveablity, are all independent from how your are treated. You are inherently worthy just for being you. Your worth does not come from how people treat you.

Thank you for choosing me to be your therapist. I am grateful for each of you and the hard work you’ve done this past year. I hope you acknowledge your progress as the New Year approaches and have a sense of gratitude for your healing journey.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Shelby Sipe