How Therapy Transformed My Life !
Shikha Katare (She/Her/Hers)
Building Myself & Mindwize | Blogger | Leap.club Member | Ex-AXA XL | Quality | Governance | Empowering Women with Hindrise | Dog Mom | Vipassana Practitioners
In the depths of my soul, there was always an unspoken yearning—a silent plea for reciprocation, for acknowledgment, for love, for care. For as long as I can remember, I've been the one to give endlessly, pouring my heart and soul into nurturing relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Yet, in return, I often found myself standing alone, enveloped in the deafening silence of unreciprocated affection.
With each passing day, the ache within me grew deeper, gnawing at my spirit as I wondered why the love and care I offered so freely never seemed to find its way back to me. It was a relentless cycle of giving without receiving, a burden that weighed heavily on my heart.
Then, in one pivotal therapy session, my therapist uttered words that pierced through the fog of confusion and self-doubt:
"The love, care, and support we give to others may not always be reciprocated by those same individuals."
Simple, right? But it hit me like a ton of bricks—one that shook me to my core and set in motion a profound transformation in my approach to life.
For the first time, I began to understand that the value of my love and kindness was not contingent upon the reactions of others. I realised that I had the power to redefine my relationship with myself and with the world around me. This shift in perspective illuminated a path towards greater clarity and inner peace.
Decision-making, once fraught with uncertainty and apprehension, became infused with newfound confidence and certainty. I no longer second-guessed my choices, guided instead by the simple yet profound question my therapist posed:
"Why are you doing this?" And with each answer that echoed from the depths of my soul— "Because I want to."— I felt a sense of liberation wash over me.
Gone were the days of seeking validation from external sources. Instead, I found solace in the knowledge that my worth was intrinsic—that I was enough, just as I was. Armed with this newfound understanding, I navigated life's twists and turns with a sense of grace and resilience I never knew I possessed.
I realised that I have an abundance of love to offer to this world, and the world surely needs it. I never wanted to stop giving what I can just because I wasn't getting the same in return.
It's not to say that the yearning for love and connection vanished overnight. It still lingers, a gentle whisper in the recesses of my heart. But now, it's accompanied by a profound sense of acceptance and self-assurance. I've learned to find joy in the act of giving, regardless of whether it's reciprocated or not.
Yet, amidst the shadows of self-discovery, a poignant truth emerged—a truth born from the scars of my past. No one had ever stood up for me, defended me, or spoken up on my behalf. I had fought my battles alone, grappling with the echoes of trauma and abandonment that haunted my childhood.
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As I journeyed through the labyrinth of my own healing, I came to understand that the love I sought from others could never fill the void left by past wounds. Instead, I found solace in the strength of my own resilience, in the unwavering belief that I was deserving of love, regardless of its reciprocation.
My therapist played a pivotal role in this journey, offering guidance and support as I navigated the complexities of my inner world. With her help, I uncovered the strength within myself to embrace my worth and redefine my relationships with others.
Therapy taught me the importance of embracing vulnerability without shame.
By opening up about my struggles and seeking help, I discovered a newfound sense of empowerment and self-acceptance. It's a journey that I continue to embrace with courage and compassion.
Today, I sleep better than ever, cradled in the comforting embrace of inner peace. And though the journey towards self-discovery is far from over, I walk with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep-seated belief that, one day, the love and care I've invested in others will find its way back to me. But until then, I'll continue to love fiercely, to give generously, and to live each day with an open heart and unwavering compassion.
I am sharing this story in the hope that others who may be experiencing similar feelings of unreciprocated love and care will find solace and inspiration. May this journey serve as a reminder that our worth is not defined by the validation of others, and that true fulfilment comes from within.
Let us embrace the power of self-love and compassion, and continue to give generously to the world, knowing that our love has the power to make a difference, even in the absence of immediate returns.
How can I forget about my small victory, I can finally drink my poison “Black Coffee” without fear of the anxiety that once plagued me, thanks to me investing in myself and the tremendous support of my therapist. It's a small victory, perhaps, but one that symbolises the profound transformation that therapy has brought into my life.
Finding a therapist was akin to finding a soulmate, a journey riddled with uncertainty and apprehension. But once I found the right match, the impact was immeasurable.
If you find yourself struggling in the depths of your own darkness, I urge you to reach out for help. Whether it's confiding in a loved one, seeking support from a therapist, or simply taking a moment to breathe and reflect, know that you are not alone. There is strength in vulnerability, and there is healing in seeking support. Together, we can navigate the labyrinth of our inner worlds and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate than ever before.
Be Kind, Keep spreading Love !!