Starting June 22nd from 10:30 to Noon
Becoming a parent is a rollercoaster ride! It has moments so amazing that you can’t find the words to describe it. But it also has moments that leave you feeling unsure, unconfident, and like you are losing your mind. Come join the Postpartum Support Group to figure out how to navigate this new chapter in your life, and manage stress, so that you can enjoy this time in your life.
The next Postpartum Support Group starting June 22nd from 10:30 am to noon (babies are welcome!) and it will run for eight weeks. This is a closed group, so in order to reserve your spot, you must contact me prior to the start of the group. I will schedule a one-on-one meeting with you to learn more about your needs and how this group might benefit you. If the group is a good fit, I will register you for it at the end of our session.
Since this is a closed group focused with a therapeutic focus, your insurance may cover the cost of the group. If you are wishing to pay out of pocket, the fee is $25 each meeting. There are some scholarships available (please contact me at Jessica.Scales@nextleveltherapynw.com).
Click on the flyer below:
The Importance of Loving Yourself
Most of the time when I talk about self compassion or loving yourself people cringe. Why are so many of us against having a good relationship with ourselves? There is no one else in this world that we are stuck with from the moment we are born to the day we die- not our parents, not our siblings, not our partner(s), and not our friends. Just ourselves. So why not get along with ourselves… or even go as far as love ourselves.
I’m not referring to the type of self love that will make you annoying. I’m talking about the type of self love that when you make a mistake, you don’t beat yourself up. You tell yourself that “that sucked, but I’m going to be okay.” I’m talking about the type of self love that when you see someone that makes you question your own worth you don’t think “I hate them” or “I’m never going to be that pretty or that smart or that rich” but rather “Wow, they are really (blank). Good for them. I would like that for myself one day,” or “Good for them. I can appreciate that, and that’s not for me. I have other things going on for myself.”
Why does this matter?
Because the relationship you have with yourself is the foundation of all the other relationships you have in your life.
The good, the bad, and the ugly.
If you would like to read more about self compassion, Dr. Kristen Neff’s website is a great resource!
Life with Baby Episode 28
Dr. Kat recently interviewed me about the importance of couples preparing their relationship for life with baby in episode 28. Dr. Kat’s podcast is a great perinatal resource. Please check out her podcast!
Click here for more information about my couple’s postpartum support group.
Why Your Goals Fail
Many people make goals or resolutions at New Years and most of the time these goals or resolutions fail. I think they fail for a number of reason, but I think they mostly fail because it was the wrong goal. A popular goal is to lose weight- let’s say 10 lbs. I call this a destination goal, meaning that you are striving towards the destination of weighing 10 lbs less and when you achieve it, you somehow think you will be happier. If you happen to be one of the few people who set off on a New Years resolution and actually achieve it you probably will feel some sense of happiness, but it will be short lived and most likely you will gain the 10 lbs back- plus a little.
Create Value Based Goals to Succeed
I think a better goal would be to create a value based goal (Get a free worksheet to help you create your own value based goals here). Value based goals are created out of what is actually important to you and can lead to long lasting changes and a greater sense of happiness. When you created the goal of losing 10 lbs, what is really behind that? You’re probably wanting to be healthier and feel more confident. Then you should make that your goal!
The great thing about creating value based goals, rather than destination goals, is that you can start living and succeeding at your value based goals today. With destination goals, you will spend so many days not living your goal which will leave you worn down and increases the chances of you giving up on your goal. If you want to live a healthy life and feel more confident, you can do something right now that is healthy and makes you feel confident. Just like that you are succeeding and living based out of your values.
Now living a healthy life and feeling confident is going to look one way today, another way in a week, and different a year or a decade from now. If you consistently strive to live out your values each day, you probably will lose 10 lbs and accomplish other destination goals. I think you will also gain so much more happiness along the way by creating value based goals rather than destination goals.
To learn more about creating value based goals, listen to episode 2 of The Great Life Everyday.
Join me for a FREE class on creating value based goals on Thursday, January 19th at Marlene’s Market in Federal Way.
