I have a somewhat similar story..I lived fancy life in Singapore and finally moved to the house I wanted there, got promotions all that...then I got sick. My Asian adventure and career was my 'identity' ad my love, all I ever dreamed of, so I had extremelly strong control over it. But I had to give up work, I lost visa, and even had to leave all personal belongings due to getting sick and make a decision to move to Spain to my sister's for recovery. Yes there was grief and still is, no moving did not solve all the issues as my mind and emotions moved with me...but it definitely saved my life, this hideout in Spain where I had no friends allowed me to go through gradual emotional healing and start finding inner peace and who I am without all that I had. Turns out I am still me and I am still OK :) and finally now starting to see ahead of me:) so good luck to Lauren! Beautiful views of Spain are healing, as well as (at least for me) changing the environment to where you can feel more relaxed and care less!
I can't express how appreciative I am for the both of you doing this work together, and allowing all of us who are watching to learn about ourselves. And heal.
Thank you Lauren for being so brave and sharing, loving Alex's response to what people think, this is your life to steer it in which ever way you want. Some one once said to me, you won't always do the things you have done, or have the people in your life you have had, because your on a journey of your own, if you can lead a simpler life, you will find yourself. Michael Crawford suffered from ME, he has done a podcast if you can find it, and that's what he did, lived a simpler life for his recovery. Wishing you great adventures with your recovery, 👍🏽
Great going, Lauren! You have made some really nice strides since these videos started, and it has been great to watch you grow into the person you truly wish to be. Best of luck overseas, and keep up all of the good work! Enjoy the downtime and the slower pace, and rest easy knowing the best is yet to come. Thanks for sharing your journey!
So moved and touched by Lauren's video tonight. My heart goes out to you Lauren. I wish I was as brave as you to reveal your innermost feelings and vulnerabilities. Please know that you are loved. I relate so much to your experiences and patterns. You are helping me to become more aware of my patterns and Alex's expert coaching style is helping me to ask myself some difficult questions. I've been really sick for 7 years and looking back the signs were there decades ago. I'm not getting better and if anything getting worse. I'm looking forward to starting the RESET program later this month and committing myself to fully engaging in the programme instead of hiding away. Really looking forward to seeing your progress and learn to love yourself just the way you are. I too need to do likewise. Much love to you Lauren. ❤️
Lauren, I cannot tell you how much you have given me strength by sharing your story. Each time I listen to you I'm blown away by how IDENTICAL our stories are and how much I feel the same way you do about things. You just have a beautiful way with words that helps me to put my feelings into words. Thank you for being so authentic and open.
Best wishes Lauren. I’m currently tucked away in the beauty of West Wales. I have retreated here by myself for 6 months, away from my usual life with my partner, specifically to rest & continue healing from CFS . Thank you for your courage in sharing your therapy sessions
Oh my goodness , I have been dwelling on something similar, in fact I am visiting wales in November Ross on Wye in a secluded cottage, only for 3 nights just to get away and visit wales to see if I would be happy there .
Good Luck Lauren! The unknowns of an adventure are scary but that’s also where the most magical changes will lie in our lives - the unexpected ones! If someone told me I would end a 13 year relationship and end up with an Irishman (I’m Australian), I would have thought they were insane!! I used to hold on so tightly to plans and goals and expectations. Since I’ve let go and trust more, things seem to come to me so much easier!! I’m sure you will find the same! ☀️
"Who is it that they're in love with?" Always good to keep in mind. Also, consistently tear up when he says "Go gently..." I will be using that in my practice because it is so impactful. Thank you, Alex! And Lauren!!!
Go Lauren. I wish you all the best with your new adventure. I'm excited for you. You have come so far and this step sounds like the right fit for you and what you feel you need to do for yourself. Good luck 😃
Glad to see that she looks better and am kind of jelous that she is able to move to near friends and keep her job! I think her recovery will take a better turn than expected! :) All the best!! :)
Thanks Lauren and Alex for another excellent, thought-provoking video. Lauren, I so appreciate all the tough decisions & changes you have made, your courage to dig inside fir what you want, and your honesty. Alex, your insight and comments apply to so many scenarios and I find them very helpful.
That was genuinely fascinating. When I first saw the email introduction about moving I became immediately aware of the the wherever you go, there you are, scenario. But then I watched the episode unfold and it soon became apparent that Lauren wasn't metaphorically running away from herself, but potentially running to find her true self. A really intriguing step. And I wish Lauren all the best in this next brave journey step. [Also: I really loved the metaphor about the house and getting rid of all the furniture - feeling empty - but then choosing carefully the things you want to bring back which are going to truly sustain and support you. : )]
When everything you thought was important is taken away you begin to understand that what is left is what is really important and realise why. Good luck on your journey Lauren. You will get there and how amazing that will be.
Alex. For me this was one of the most powerful episodes you have done so far. You held back when it was appropriate and also challenged when it was needed. I feel like I am still observing Lauren on th edge, She is still so driven ...just for different things. I wish her th best, and am glad she has you.
This session of In Therapy with Lauren and Alex was very empowering. Making space for yourself and really connect with yourself even for 5 minutes in your day can be extremely helpful.For me this can be reading and writing poetry and listening to music that speaks to my soul. In this journal article " Finding the words to say it - The Healing Power of Poetry explains what I am trying to say. This excerpt form the poem in the article " I Can't by Carlene Shaff represents a turning point in her treatment, facilitated by using poetry therapywww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1142208/.This is some words from the poem "I Can't" 'I can I can say no. I can just say I'm out of the business of doing it all. I can take time for myself to breathe, and dream or just sit quietly. And I will '. Hope this is helpful to you Lauren thank you for sharing your journey, Bless your heart and all the very best.
Lauren I really want to say, have some confidence in your choices. They seem to be very well thought through to me. It makes sense to take a break from the toll having a child would have on you physically. I have 2 children but a year before my first I felt like I would never get to have any. The situation wasn't perfect for me when I did have my first but things can turn around in an instant. It's amazing that you have taken that first step towards getting what you really want from your life. Going away for a while to gather yourself can only be a good thing in my opinion. You're going to do great and maybe you need to mother yourself a little before giving yourself the extra demands of children. They are lovely and I wouldn't swap them for the world but living with ME and children brings up a lot of guilt for me because like you, I have a huge inner critic telling me I am doing it all wrong! Plus putting yourself first and helping recovery when there are children in the picture makes it incredibly hard. I am sure with some time to really take stock you will get there. Your face looks so much more relaxed than the first videos. It looks like a lot of the stress has literally lifted from your face! x x
Dear Lauren, my heart goes out to you as well! The part that touched me most is your longing to be a mother with a big family - a beautiful desire! I am a woman who had the privilege to live out your dream and I'm now on the other side - 5 children launched and here I am! If you're interested in hearing what it's like on the other side I'd love to share my story with you. Maybe you could look me up on FB or something (RuthE Showalter).
I have a somewhat similar story..I lived fancy life in Singapore and finally moved to the house I wanted there, got promotions all that...then I got sick. My Asian adventure and career was my 'identity' ad my love, all I ever dreamed of, so I had extremelly strong control over it. But I had to give up work, I lost visa, and even had to leave all personal belongings due to getting sick and make a decision to move to Spain to my sister's for recovery. Yes there was grief and still is, no moving did not solve all the issues as my mind and emotions moved with me...but it definitely saved my life, this hideout in Spain where I had no friends allowed me to go through gradual emotional healing and start finding inner peace and who I am without all that I had. Turns out I am still me and I am still OK :) and finally now starting to see ahead of me:) so good luck to Lauren! Beautiful views of Spain are healing, as well as (at least for me) changing the environment to where you can feel more relaxed and care less!
I can't express how appreciative I am for the both of you doing this work together, and allowing all of us who are watching to learn about ourselves. And heal.
You are a brave soul Lauren. I wish you well on your healing journey. Thank you Alex. I learn a lot about myself when listening to these sessions. 👍
Thank you Lauren for being so brave and sharing, loving Alex's response to what people think, this is your life to steer it in which ever way you want. Some one once said to me, you won't always do the things you have done, or have the people in your life you have had, because your on a journey of your own, if you can lead a simpler life, you will find yourself. Michael Crawford suffered from ME, he has done a podcast if you can find it, and that's what he did, lived a simpler life for his recovery. Wishing you great adventures with your recovery, 👍🏽
Great going, Lauren! You have made some really nice strides since these videos started, and it has been great to watch you grow into the person you truly wish to be. Best of luck overseas, and keep up all of the good work! Enjoy the downtime and the slower pace, and rest easy knowing the best is yet to come. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Wonderful to see Lauren evolving so much!!! I think she is on the right path and will get to where she wants in the end!!!
Brave woman ! Keep up the faith. It gets better as you go along.
Thank you Lauren for sharing your story. You are so brave. I had a few tears. Thank you Alex. I find the sessions so interesting and inspirational.
So moved and touched by Lauren's video tonight. My heart goes out to you Lauren. I wish I was as brave as you to reveal your innermost feelings and vulnerabilities. Please know that you are loved. I relate so much to your experiences and patterns. You are helping me to become more aware of my patterns and Alex's expert coaching style is helping me to ask myself some difficult questions. I've been really sick for 7 years and looking back the signs were there decades ago. I'm not getting better and if anything getting worse. I'm looking forward to starting the RESET program later this month and committing myself to fully engaging in the programme instead of hiding away. Really looking forward to seeing your progress and learn to love yourself just the way you are. I too need to do likewise. Much love to you Lauren. ❤️
Lauren, I cannot tell you how much you have given me strength by sharing your story. Each time I listen to you I'm blown away by how IDENTICAL our stories are and how much I feel the same way you do about things. You just have a beautiful way with words that helps me to put my feelings into words. Thank you for being so authentic and open.
Best wishes Lauren. I’m currently tucked away in the beauty of West Wales. I have retreated here by myself for 6 months, away from my usual life with my partner, specifically to rest & continue healing from CFS . Thank you for your courage in sharing your therapy sessions
Oh my goodness , I have been dwelling on something similar, in fact I am visiting wales in November Ross on Wye in a secluded cottage, only for 3 nights just to get away and visit wales to see if I would be happy there .
Good Luck Lauren! The unknowns of an adventure are scary but that’s also where the most magical changes will lie in our lives - the unexpected ones! If someone told me I would end a 13 year relationship and end up with an Irishman (I’m Australian), I would have thought they were insane!!
I used to hold on so tightly to plans and goals and expectations. Since I’ve let go and trust more, things seem to come to me so much easier!! I’m sure you will find the same! ☀️
So proud of you Lauren it’s not easy doing what you’re doing and so brave I wish you all the best please don’t be hard on yourself you are amazing
My heart goes out to you ❤. Our personalities seem so similar, just take things one day at a time and never stop believing that you will find your way
Lauren, I'll be praying that you get your healing and your miracle baby🙂. Keep hanging in there.
"Who is it that they're in love with?" Always good to keep in mind. Also, consistently tear up when he says "Go gently..." I will be using that in my practice because it is so impactful. Thank you, Alex! And Lauren!!!
Go Lauren. I wish you all the best with your new adventure. I'm excited for you. You have come so far and this step sounds like the right fit for you and what you feel you need to do for yourself. Good luck 😃
Glad to see that she looks better and am kind of jelous that she is able to move to near friends and keep her job!
I think her recovery will take a better turn than expected! :) All the best!! :)
Wow, big steps to take. Wish Lauren all the best, a new chapter in a good state sounds great.
Thanks Lauren and Alex for another excellent, thought-provoking video. Lauren, I so appreciate all the tough decisions & changes you have made, your courage to dig inside fir what you want, and your honesty. Alex, your insight and comments apply to so many scenarios and I find them very helpful.
That was genuinely fascinating. When I first saw the email introduction about moving I became immediately aware of the the wherever you go, there you are, scenario. But then I watched the episode unfold and it soon became apparent that Lauren wasn't metaphorically running away from herself, but potentially running to find her true self. A really intriguing step. And I wish Lauren all the best in this next brave journey step. [Also: I really loved the metaphor about the house and getting rid of all the furniture - feeling empty - but then choosing carefully the things you want to bring back which are going to truly sustain and support you. : )]
When everything you thought was important is taken away you begin to understand that what is left is what is really important and realise why. Good luck on your journey Lauren. You will get there and how amazing that will be.
Alex. For me this was one of the most powerful episodes you have done so far. You held back when it was appropriate and also challenged when it was needed. I feel like I am still observing Lauren on th edge, She is still so driven ...just for different things. I wish her th best, and am glad she has you.
This session of In Therapy with Lauren and Alex was very empowering. Making space for yourself and really connect with yourself even for 5 minutes in your day can be extremely helpful.For me this can be reading and writing poetry and listening to music that speaks to my soul. In this journal article " Finding the words to say it - The Healing Power of Poetry explains what I am trying to say. This excerpt form the poem in the article " I Can't by Carlene Shaff represents a turning point in her treatment, facilitated by using poetry therapywww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1142208/.This is some words from the poem "I Can't" 'I can I can say no. I can just say I'm out of the business of doing it all. I can take time for myself to breathe, and dream or just sit quietly. And I will '. Hope this is helpful to you Lauren thank you for sharing your journey, Bless your heart and all the very best.
"I can just say I'm out of the business of doing it all" thank you for sharing this! Ringadingding! 🙏🏻
My latest found space for a healing routine is doing breath exercise (coherent breathing) on the train to work.
Lauren I really want to say, have some confidence in your choices. They seem to be very well thought through to me. It makes sense to take a break from the toll having a child would have on you physically. I have 2 children but a year before my first I felt like I would never get to have any. The situation wasn't perfect for me when I did have my first but things can turn around in an instant. It's amazing that you have taken that first step towards getting what you really want from your life. Going away for a while to gather yourself can only be a good thing in my opinion. You're going to do great and maybe you need to mother yourself a little before giving yourself the extra demands of children. They are lovely and I wouldn't swap them for the world but living with ME and children brings up a lot of guilt for me because like you, I have a huge inner critic telling me I am doing it all wrong! Plus putting yourself first and helping recovery when there are children in the picture makes it incredibly hard. I am sure with some time to really take stock you will get there. Your face looks so much more relaxed than the first videos. It looks like a lot of the stress has literally lifted from your face! x x
Dear Lauren, my heart goes out to you as well! The part that touched me most is your longing to be a mother with a big family - a beautiful desire! I am a woman who had the privilege to live out your dream and I'm now on the other side - 5 children launched and here I am! If you're interested in hearing what it's like on the other side I'd love to share my story with you. Maybe you could look me up on FB or something (RuthE Showalter).
Absolutely you can be feminist and a stay at home mum! Feminism is about having the right to choose x x