I've been ruined for other therapists.

I completed 2 years of therapy earlier this year, and my, oh my, it has been quite a journey. Reflect on it with me, won't you?

Navigating the fast-paced digital world as a marketer, I’ve crafted countless stories — on Instagram, and in real life. I’ve thrown around marketing jargon, and I have talked people’s ear off about aLgOrItHmS. Yet, somewhere along the way, I realized I’d lost the ability to hear my own voice - drowned in a sea of blabber and what we call mundane life. Thus began my quest to check-in with myself, a regularly scheduled Sunday brunch with yours truly, if you will.

Now, therapy had always been one of those things I’d bookmarked under “future me problems,” much like doing my taxes or figuring out how to not murder people when they chew with their mouths open. It was a curiosity that lingered at the back of my mind, but one I never made the time to explore.

And when I finally did, it was less of a grand epiphany, and more of me stumbling into it, a weary traveler entering a surprise oasis. Little did I know that I was stepping onto a personal development speedway. Picture it: me, a human Formula 1 car, spiralling through the curves of self-discovery at a pace that even Elon Musk’s rockets might envy. And the pit stops? They were my therapy sessions.

I never realised just how deeply ingrained my tendency to people-please was until I had a third-party perspective. Setting boundaries became a new practice, one that focused on preserving ALL my emotional energy. It became less about erecting impenetrable walls and more like creating personal pop-up ads saying, “Would you like to continue depleting your emotional energy? Yes or No.” Spoiler alert: The answer quickly became a resounding ‘No.’

As I went deeper, I found myself standing up for my beliefs more confidently. This was a significant shift for someone who had spent years being a professional chameleon.

Reflecting on these past two years, I realize how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally. Therapy has been a guiding force in this journey, helping me navigate challenges and embrace my true self. I’ve learned to listen to my inner voice, to value my feelings, and to recognize my worth. So here I am, a marketer by day, emotional Sherlock Holmes by night, pulling at threads of my psyche, making sense of the intricate design that makes up ‘me.’ And guess what? It’s a pretty cool pattern!

I can now confidently say that Therapy and Palaq, is a love story for the ages.

And if you're wondering if therapy is for you, remember, even our phones need regular check-ins and software updates to function optimally. Why should we be any different? So, consider this a nudge, a tiny push to take that step. Your inner voice deserves a soundcheck too, and who knows, it might hit a few surprising notes!

Until next time,

P.