Everything has an origin story-every person, every relationship. My story with Greentree started in a low point. The year was 2004

Unhappy at a job, I commiserated with an equally unhappy coworker. We talked for years about doing something different-and both tried to find other jobs only to come back to the same place, and stay stuck. We stayed stuck because it was known to us. The food and bad parts, the routine, the expectations all memorized. and, hey, maybe that’s all you can expect right? Everyone told me life is hard, relationships are hard, etc, etc. What was I looking for anyways.

Our feelings about our job became known to our boss who was not able to look past or discuss the situation and let us both go. That today is a beautiful way to say it: fly, be free! Let go!

At the time it was terrifying, like being dropped on an island with no way to survive. Survive we did. Lots of mistakes, questions, anxiety and sleepless nights (to this day).

Fast forward to 20 years later. I now realize I am so lucky to have been “let go”.

When we let go or get let go we have choices. We are bumped out of our routine just long enough to freak out and have to make decisions. Go back (if available) or get into the new reality in uncomfortable ways. I have noticed that the discomfort didn’t last as long as I thought it would; sometimes punctuated by hope, laughter, genuine surprise in that new environment. Less uncomfortable by the day.

Notice I didn’t say easier, or better-we don’t get those guarantees. We get the choice and chance to try new. New is different than old. Repeat that to yourself; new is different than old. It’s supposed to be.

In honor of my 20th anniversary at Greentree Counseling-let yourself go, for me, and I will continue to do the same🤗.