One of the goals of this exercise is to get clients thinking about what they can control and how they can leverage this control to promote positive feelings and experiences in their lives. With so much going on in the world currently, and specifically in America, I feel this exercise is a good place to start for those who may be feeling discouraged, disconnected or down emotionally.

Many things in our lives can be placed in the “bucket of control.” Depending on our circumstances, most of us can control what we eat and drink, whether we are physically active, who we spend our down time with and what we spend our down time doing. Of-course exceptions exist. When we are sick, perhaps struggling financially and working more than usual or in a transitional life season—moving, having a baby, etc.—we may have less in our “control bucket” than usual. However, much of the time we have more control than we think and this control can leverage things like peace, joy and connection.

One of the most important things we can control is how we create and engage with community.  Recently, I took a training on mental health in older adults. One of the takeaways, which is no surprise and something research has shown for years now, is that aging adults benefit from relationships and community. Human beings are designed to spend time with others. This is true not only for the 65 and up population, but for all members of society. Even 2-year-olds benefit from community in order to learn social skills and understand reciprocity.

While a 2-year-old or a 62-year-old benefits from being in a group, they also benefit from one-on-one friendships. Research continues to emerge showing that people are lonelier than they have ever been.  A study by American Psychiatry Association (www.psychiatry.org ) finds that “early in 2024, 30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day.” Now perhaps more than ever, we need not just communities, but individual relationships—people who can support us as we walk through this life.

I will speak more to the power of connection and community in the personal blog on this piece, but for now please consider your own supports. Do you feel depressed or anxious? Do you have friends or supporters in your circle that encourage you–people you feel better after being around? If you are struggling emotionally or feeling lonely, we are here to help. Our mental health therapists are ready to listen. Please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to begin your healing journey and schedule an appointment with one of our licensed mental health counselors.