Say what you will about our generation…But we are getting shit done. We are turning the tables. We are using our voices.
And even more importantly, we understand the value of Mental Health. Arguably better than the generations of our parents and grandparents before us.
I remember learning in my 11th grade Psych class that the term “self-esteem” didn’t become common vernacular until the 80s. I’m sure people knew the term in general, but it seems that it was more stigmatized (having bad self-esteem meant you were a shy, meek, unconfident person) and it was not commonplace to use openly in conversation or something fluid that could change throughout the day. Not casual.
Nowadays, we know it is a thermometer inside of us. Sometimes it’s high, sometimes it’s low. And we use self-care, self-love, and even therapy to attempt to control it better. Attempt to harness it.
BECAUSE. WE. ACKNOWLEDGE. ITS. IMPORTANCE.
While millennials get a bad “rap” for being stubborn, entitled, and narcissistic…I disagree.
We are actually open-minded, humble, and flexible.
Throughout my transformation via life coaching, I’ve gotten a lot of questions from people. Coworkers, friends, family. Part of this is related to my journey with mental health.
I have sought help through therapy multiple times, and I’m very open about this fact because I believe in it so strongly. If you need help. Seek it.
- The first time I went to a therapist, it was through my college campus counselor. I was an RA at the time (fun, I know!), and it was recommended that we get someone to listen to our issues…an outlet for stress. What I ended up learning was that I had textbook Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD. Textbook. Oh dear. …But I worked through my past, got the help I needed, and my life was forever changed for the better.
- My next encounter was years later. I was going through an abnormal number of changes. Newly single. Graduating college. Moving back home. Finding a job. Countless others. I found a Transitions Counselor. (Yes it’s real) She specialized in major life changes. Nailed it. Another success story…and I came out on the other side…with a “big girl” job, an apartment, a new outlook on life.
- My last brush with therapy was related to love and relationships. Those tricky bastards. Ha! Years ago, I had been cheated on by a boyfriend, and was still in shock. And what did I do? I found a psychologist who focused on such matters of the heart. I learned about Gottman and the dynamics of serious relationships. (sidenote: look into Gottman and “contempt” when you have a moment)
And now…well, with 3 rounds of therapy under my belt, for various issues, all before I was 27, I was ready for more. I was ready for a personal cheerleader. Who also held me accountable. I was ready for someone who could guide me to use the toolbox inside my brain, challenge me when I needed it, and catapult me into the next level.
This is my reason for signing up for life coaching. But certainly, everyone’s path is different.
And as I continue share my story, like the “Chatty Cathy” I am, I have found it met with such open arms. Such open minds.
The more I talk about this, the more people, young people especially, tell me they’ve been through the same. Or they are working on it now.
What a freaking movement!
To know that our generation is filled with humans willing to work on themselves in their 20s and 30s. Some even before becoming mothers, fathers, spouses, and significant others.
Now, you 100% do not need to wait to “fix” yourself before making leaps and hitting milestones like marriage or motherhood. In fact, life coaching teaches you to dive in and learn while at the wheel.
BUT. I am so unbelievably proud of everyone taking such a proactive approach to working on their minds.
There’s no more sweeping things under the rug. Trying to put mind over matter.
We are not overly sensitive. We’re adequately in tune with our minds, bodies, and psyche.
And we’re outsourcing what we’re not good at. We’re bringing in experts, and second opinions.
We’re reaching out…more than ever before.
What a beautiful thing.
Xo,
Rose Up
