“Asking for help is never easy; needing people is even harder. At least, this is true for me. I am lucky to have an insightful therapist who understands these are both things I struggle with, and yet, despite knowing this, about a year ago, she still urged me towards signing up for one of the small groups at the YMCA. When she first suggested Journey to a Life of Courage, I quickly dismissed the idea, despite telling her I would think on it. She said she felt like it would be a great idea for me to connect with people who were feelings-friendly. Didn’t she realize I hate talking to people about my feelings, and I really hate feeling them? However, because of a lot of hard work on her part, I trusted her and her suggestions for me and therefore decided to check in on what it would take to join a group.
Next thing I know, I’m sitting in day one of A Journey to a Life of Courage. Terrified, naturally. Talking to a therapist about my feelings is one thing, but talking to a bunch of strangers seemed a little far-fetched. Soon these strangers turned to friends, and from friends, they turned into trusted confidants. I was able to explore some big emotional walls that stood between me and my feelings. I found the group dynamic both helpful and inspiring, and as the program title suggested, I found the courage to face some feelings that I thought might end the world if I shed light on them. As much as I still sometimes hate to admit it, people need other people, and these groups helped me learn that needing people is not only a part of life, it is also one of life’s most precious gifts.
For me, Journey to a Life of Courage opened the door to parts of my heart that I have continued to explore since my time in the program. I am grateful for my therapist’s suggestion to join the group at the YMCA. For someone like me who struggles to open up to people without a little help, I am so grateful for my experience with this program.”
At the YMCA, we know that growing in spirit, mind and body is the surest path to holistic wellbeing. Our schedule of Spirit Mind workshops, seminars and small group classes is designed to support growth in physical, emotional, spiritual and financial health. The following groups will being meeting this month through the Clarksville Area YMCA:
Journey to Freedom – Begins April 5
An 8-week guided small group that lays the foundation for successful change in your life in a supportive, caring and confidential environment. Locate the areas of your life that need improvement; discover the roles that self-esteem, fear, relationships, faith, and your past play in your life, and find hope learning to live into your full potential.
Boundaries – Begins April 7
A 10-week group that creates awareness of healthy and unhealthy boundaries in your life. Learn to understand the importance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual boundaries at home, work, church, and with friends and family. Take control of your life by learning when to say “yes” and how to say “no” without guilt or remorse.
12 Steps to Freedom – Begins April 12
A 15-week, Christ-centered 12 Step program that helps you take intentional steps toward overcoming any issue that has changed from a manageable struggle into a life-controlling issue. Do you feel controlled by certain activities, ideas, ambitions, relationships or fantasies? Are the other areas of your life noticeably suffering while you pursue these? Feel like you have no idea how your life could function differently? Move toward the freedom of a rich, full life in a supportive environment.
Learn more or register online at ymcamidtn.org.