#allthethings

This week, I wanted to take the time to update you all on Alex’s journey at the wilderness program.

He’s been there a little over a month now (wow, the time is really flying by!), and so far, it feels like exactly what he needs.

I’ve only been able to talk to him twice since he’s been there, but every report from his therapist has been nothing short of amazing.
In fact, his therapist told us that Alex is doing so well; he is really going to start challenging him, especially on his “need” to do everything perfectly.

He was given one assignment, and I thought it was so interesting.

He was challenged to do things imperfectly on purpose.
Like-
Wear one sock inside out.
Or
Wear his shirt backward.

One day after being given the challenge, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Two days after being given the challenge, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Three days after being given the challenge, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Just the sheer idea of doing it made him SO anxious.

On the 4th day, he wore one sock inside out….
And boy, did it make him uncomfortable!
He had all kinds of thoughts and feelings about it!
LOL!

However, he learned the world would not collapse if he did something imperfectly.
He learned that the people around him would not abandon him if he did something imperfectly.

This is a small step….but I trust it will lead to some pretty incredible changes.
It will help him take all the unwanted pressure off himself!

We also received a couple of pics of him over the last few days (it was so nice to see his face!), and he wrote to us last week.   

He sounds like he is thriving; he’s killing it at all of the outdoor stuff (he’s always loved hiking, climbing, rappelling, camping, etc) and is putting 100% into his therapeutic work. 
He is challenging himself in all the ways and soaking up the experiences and the guidance/therapy he is receiving.

He is there until mid-February and is thinking of his future for the first time in years.
That was something he couldn’t bring himself to ponder at all before.
He just couldn’t see it.

We are so proud of him and can’t wait to hear about his adventures and how he’s progressing.

During this challenging time, I have continued to take care of myself.
I’m going to the gym.
I’m eating foods that make me feel good.
I’m getting fresh air every day.
I’m getting good rest.
I’m not over-drinking.

I, too, am doing all the things.
This is a HUGE change from how I would handle this in the past.

I would stop taking care of myself because of the anxiety, stress, and the unknown.

Now, thanks to life coaching, I truly recognize that what I do has no impact on him at all.
It only affects me…so why not treat myself lovingly?
That’s what I would want him to do!!

I’ve also learned to be more compassionate with my husband and his thoughts and feelings around all of this.
I used to get very defensive when he said something “bad” about the boys…but he has the right to think and feel the way he does.

We are SO on the same page these days, which is fantastic.

So, that’s where things are for now.  Hopefully, we will get to talk to him again sometime soon. I miss him.

I am the Get Real coach for women; what you see is what you get.
I can teach you how to deal with the tough times in your life.
I can show you how important it is to care for yourself during the tough times.
Click on the link to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.
Let’s talk about it.

I live unapologetically me and I can help you live unapologetically you!
XO