In This Issue...

• Introduction
• Feature Article
• What's New
• Feedback from Readers

Welcome Everyone!

Some time ago, a lovely young woman named Lisa came to me for counseling. Attractive, educated and accomplished, she seemed to have it all. As she shared her story however, a very different image emerged.

Lisa’s past had been plagued with emotional upheaval and struggle. But rather than feeling empowered by the strength and resilience it took to overcome these obstacles, she carried within her the shame of what she had endured. Like a dirty little secret that threatened to topple all she had created, she hid the truth of her past. But rather than protecting her, this guardedness left her feeling fragmented and broken, taking with it the bright shiny confidence that should have been hers.

Unfortunately, the narrative Lisa created cast her in the role of victim, making it impossible for her to truly enjoy the success she had created.

Feature Article

The Under Side of the Story

Over time, Lisa was able to see herself as the remarkable person she truly is. But what facilitated this transformation was her realization that her past served as a catalyst to who she had become. In essence, Lisa came to realize that she didn’t turn out to be who she is in spite of her past experiences, but because of them.

It’s human nature for us to try and push away pieces of ourselves we don’t like, broken parts we see in our shortcomings, our failures and our struggles. But when we do this, we live an empty version of ourselves, stunted and incomplete. But when we embrace all of who we are---the good, and yes, even the bad, and the ugly—we become whole and unstoppable. We become fearless.

All of us admire “thrivers”—people who have overcome incredible obstacles and who not only survive their challenges, but use them as fuel to grow incredible lives. Our admiration is not an accident. Perhaps we sense that like them, we too have within us the potential to turn adversity into greatness. As Viktor Frankl , the Austrian psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust once said, “What is to give light must endure burning.”

The mistakes we make and the struggles we experience …these very things are the source of wisdom and transformation. The paradox is that only in embracing the whole of who we are can we become all that we are meant to be.

Until next time…
Be well!
Marina

What's New

My heartfelt wishes for peace, love and blessings throughout the holidays and in the new year!

And many thanks for your referrals and your outstanding support of my practice!

For more information about my practice, be sure to visit my website at www.marinalombardo.com

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful technique that heals trauma and optimizes well-being. Issues such as depression, pain, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, even personal coaching, respond beautifully to EMDR therapy. As a certified EMDR practitioner, I am truly energized by the breakthroughs and healings I get to witness in my clients virtually every day.

My work with couples has taken on a new dimension with the integration of Emotion Focused Couples Therapy. Studies have shown that this type of counseling, which helps couples address and heal problematic cycles in their relationship, has been found to have the highest degree of long-lasting success.

My book, I Am More Than My Infertility: 7 Proven Tools for Turning a Life Crisis into a Personal Breakthrough, is available through www.amazon.com. These tools are timeless and can apply to any crisis or life challenge.

Many thanks for your referrals!

Feedback from Readers

Please send in your feedback, and if you enjoy my newsletter, pass it on to a friend!

Feedback