The Caring Counselor

Oh shit. I am way behind on my blog. Out the window goes one of my annual goals. This will be my sixth annual year in review for The Caring Counselor blog. I never in a million years thought that my blog would be going into year seven and well over 250 posts to date. Alas, here we are to conduct yet another recap of what I accomplished (or lack thereof) and setting the tone for 2024.

Honestly, I think celebrating New Year’s is a bit of a joke. Nothing really changes except for the number at the end of the year. Everything else stays the same. However, I enjoy the idea of taking time to reflect on one’s progress, incorporating a systems of checks and balances, and maintaining some sense of accountability. Therefore, let’s use this time to look back and to look forward.

To save my hands from typing out my goals and progress prior to this year, feel free to check out last year’s: https://atomic-temporary-130610338.wpcomstaging.com/2023/01/10/the-caring-counselor-year-in-review-2022/

2023 Goal #1- Open a private practice. And that I did! As a mental health counselor with over a decade of experience, I said, “Fuck it!” and took the leap of faith. I opened up a small group practice that pulls together mental, emotional, and physical well-being under one roof. Piecing together the counseling side of things (i.e. strategies, staff, documentation, policies, etc.) was the easy part. I had absolutely zero clue what I was getting myself into with the business end. Thankfully, I fell back on a ton of support from friends, colleagues, and loved ones to get me settled. As of right now, we have served just over one hundred clients in our first year and continue to grow.

Updated 2024 Goal #1- Do at least one social activity a week. My private practice was not my only major transition this past year. I also moved in with my girlfriend and her two children in another state. As a result, I went from independent, individualistic lifestyle to family life in one weekend. Now that I have been here for over four months now, I am finally adjusting appropriately. The change definitely took a lot of emotional energy out of me, and most nights I wanted nothing to do with anyone when I came home. I use my weekends sometimes to just “recharge.” As an extrovert though, I cannot deprive myself of my true power source – socializing. Therefore, I want to make it a goal to do at least one social outing a week whether it be with my girlfriend, kids, friends, or family.

2023 Goal #2- Publish my blog or podcast each week. We cannot be perfect, can we? This one definitely fell off a bit. Even as I write this post tonight, it has been over two months since my last post. The podcast was a good backup though right? Well I have several recorded episodes, but my editor couldn’t stay on top of it due to his own life circumstances (which was totally understandable). However, my cohost and I couldn’t keep up with it either.

Updated 2024 Goal #2- Write at least one blog post a week. I did it before, and I know I can do it again. I know I say it all the time, but this platform has been fantastic for airing out my thoughts, feelings, and strategies. I need to bring it back as part of my regular self-care routine. The motivation has been there, but the time and energy have severely lacked.

2024 Goal #3- Lose at least 20 pounds and keep it off. Wait, don’t you only usually do two goals to keep it simple? Well this year we are upping the ante. In 2023, all four of my doctors made a point to mention how losing weight would benefit my overall physical health. Then, when I put on an additional twenty pounds and pushed the 300-lb mark, I needed to make some changes. In the last month, I started taking some weight management medication for portion control. Also, they began titrating and replacing one medication that has likely contributed to my significant weight gain as a side effect. I already have plans to meet with a dietician as well. I know what I need to do. I just need to do it.

Here’s to 2024!

-The Caring Counselor