Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load. Galatian 6:2-5
As has been often quoted, “The goal of counseling is not happiness”. A true statement. I tell my clients, the goal of counseling is not happiness, but rather, responsibility. If one takes responsibility for their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, then they can attain a level of happiness.
Taking responsibility for our own actions and feelings is sometimes difficult. We can tend to project onto others the reasons that we are angry or hurt, or sad. Other people are not the cause of my emotional responses.
Yes, people can and do hurtful or insensitive things to us. We all can be selfish and thoughtless. Our actions may cause hurts and harm to others. However, the response we have to such actions are the things under our control. We have the choice to hurt those that hurt us, or to blame others for our responses. Or, we can own our own responses and deal with our own emotions in a healthier way.
Prayer: Lord, give us the strength to take responsibility for our own emotional responses, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 