Change can be hard, exhausting, draining, lifelong work. Susie’s daughter has faced challenges since she was born, from difficulty eating to complicated potty training, volatile peer relationships, minimal academic success, and eventually even exhibiting cutting behaviors.

Susie and her husband have done everything “right.” Their daughter has participated in a variety of support services since she was young, her home environment is positive and healthy, and the family has a broad community of family and friends. Their daughter is always showing signs of improvement, and hope is a constant topic of conversation. But still some days, some weeks, even some months are just painfully overwhelming.

Susie will look at the families around her, wishing her experience was just a little more “normal.” Friends will talk about self-care massages and regular morning hikes, and Susie just sighs. She loves her daughter and would never wish for a different family, but she also grieves the lifelong commitment required for her daughter’s health and wellbeing.

Marco’s wife is a recovering drug addict. Marco has been by her side for years supporting her through multiple addictions, some that he knew about and some that blindsided him. His father was an alcoholic so Marco not only has to deal with the day-to-day support of his wife, but his childhood experiences are regularly triggered by her behaviors.

Marco has an incredible support system. He leads an Al-Anon meeting at his church, participates in counseling, and takes annual “guy” trips with his close buddies. He is his wife’s biggest cheerleader, and is often found bragging about her resiliency and transformation. However in the quiet moments of his day, he sometimes finds himself sad and mournful over the daily difficulties of their life.

Just because we’re making all the right choices, supported by resources and 110% committed to our healthy family, it doesn’t mean life will be easy. We will have moments of ease and seasons of light, but hard work and trudging persistence may be frequent themes.

Susie and Marco both have learned to specifically look for the joys, gifts, moments of victory, instances of gratitude and celebrate them!

Although a simple intervention, it’s one that makes it possible for them to continue to move forward. This week, let’s all take some time to celebrate the positives, no matter how small, in our daily lives.

I’d love to hear about it at amy@peaktopeakcounseling.com, 303-258-7454, and you can always find past articles at www.peaktopeakcounseling.com or find us at www.facebook.com/peaktopeakcounselingservices.